"Harsher punishment for parole violaters, Stan...and...world peace."

This year, I was flooded with Halloween costume orders on my Etsy store, just like last year-- except THIS time I was prepared. I stocked up on all the sewing essentials I knew that I would need, and started taking orders in September. I knew I would probably be sewing my butt off until the week before Halloween, so when my friend asked me if I would be willing to make her a special order costume, I was hesitant to add anything more to my plate. She insisted that she wouldn't need it until the day OF Halloween, so I finally agreed to do it. 

She wanted to be Miss Congeniality, from the cover picture on the DVD. That pink dress where she is wearing a sash and holding handcuffs and roses all nonchalantly. It seems funny to me that my friend had never been able to find a similar dress in a store or online, but she said she had looked high and low "forever." Maybe it's just so specific of a gown that it doesn't show up in retail often? I don't know. Anyhow, I started looking for patterns casually whenever I had to go to the fabric store for supplies, and eventually I stumbled across one that looked similar enough to the pink satin goal that is Sandra Bullock's cover gown. 

After finishing all of my store orders by the 27th of October, I began to tackle the pink dress and it turned out to be far more complicated than I thought it would be. I didn't realize it had this entire corset contraption underneath the lining of the dress, complete with interfacing and boning galore. Once zipped up, this dress wouldn't be going anywhere. 

Here's a picture of the inside nonsense once it was finished:

The dress also required a slit to be manufactured into its side, which the pattern did not include. My friend would be wearing this costume to work on Halloween, so it couldn't be quite as revealing as the original dress. I lowered the slit and built it into the right side seam. I'd never done a slit in a dress before, so it was a little tricky, since I had to put the slit into the lining as well, and then sew them together as neatly as possible. Wouldn't want the girl to look like a hussy. 

Anyhow, I was pretty happy with how the dress came together, considering it was unlike anything I've ever made before, and extremely fitted. I've made more corsets in my 25 years of life than I can count, but those are adjustable to size through laces-- this dress had to fit like a glove as is. 

I'm sure if I had to make this dress again, it would turn out more finished-looking, but for a first try, it ain't bad, I suppose. My friend loved it and looked adorable in it, so that's all that really matters. I also got it to her in the nick of time, so that's good too. 

Boo to YOU!

This past Friday, my entire family and I attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom. I made my twin sisters their costumes as well as my own (which I featured in my previous post). My mom made my brother Mat's Lone Ranger vest, and it turned out awesomely. My other brother Stu went as a "bandit" that the Lone Ranger was tracking. 

We trick-or-treated, saw the Headless Horseman in Sleepy Hollow, and dashed all about the kingdom in our getups until the stroke of midnight. (Then we still stuck around a few more moments to capture some more pictures and eat some cotton candy from the Confectionary...) The Boo to You parade is the best parade I've ever seen at Disney World, and I never get tired of it. I'm really grateful that my entire family got to see it this year. 

This is my sister's Cinderella "rags" outfit that I put together, based off of a McCall's pattern. She looks adorable in it. 

This is my other sister's Merida gown and belt, that looks far more flattering on her than on my dress form, but you can still get the general idea from the picture. I believe this was also based on a McCall's pattern with some alterations and add-ons, like the ruffles on the sleeves and neckline. 

You can get a better view of the western vest my mom made in this picture of the Lone Ranger. So mysterious...

I'm glad that I was able to have a little getaway trip with my family for the weekend, but now it's back to the grind with costume orders for customers! Halloween is only a few weeks away! :)

She really is a funny girl.

Belle from Beauty and the Beast has always been my absolute favorite Disney princess. I mean, I love them all, but none can compare with the admiration I've felt for this brunette, bookworm of a girl that I was introduced to when Beauty and the Beast first debuted in kindergarten. And ever since kindergarten, I've sported a gold ballgown for Halloween at least...four times, I think? Could be five. I think I reused the same ballgown once or twice, although it may have gotten a bit shorter as the years advanced. 

Anyhow, this year I decided to go back to my roots and dress-up as Belle for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. As a Disney Cast Member, I am able to receive discounted tickets for my family and myself, so we're all going! Even my brother is flying in from California to take part in the spooky outing. 

I did, however, decide to shake it up with my Belle costume and go as "village Belle" in her blue dress this time instead of her yellow ballgown. I was also inspired by the version of the village look presented on ABC's Once Upon A Time, so I modeled my costume after that one. That costume utilized a three piece outfit, including a corset vest, which I thought would be flattering and French at the same time. Instead of brown trimming around the vest like in the show, I chose to use a wine colored trim instead. No reason really, other than I thought it looked prettier. I also made the blouse out of lace and cotton and full circle skirt out of bridal satin in a jewel blue tone. 

I'm extremely happy with how my costume turned out and I can't wait to wear it this coming Friday while I trick-or-treat in the Magic Kingdom with my family and fiancé! 

It is a fact universally acknowledged that tiny regency dresses areadorable.

Last week, I saw this adorable teal rose print in the store and fell in love with it. I didn't have a pattern that would suit the fabric, but I had been itching to try a regency era dress and I thought the fabric would be perfect for that style. The roses in the diamond pattern just looked so elegant. So I went ahead and just bought the fabric. My fabric stock continually grows because I am constantly spotting prints "for later." I am glad I found a use for at least one right away.

I found a beautiful pattern shop on Etsy and bought this lovely regency doll dress pattern. Heritage Doll Clothing has very well fitted, beautifully illustrated and explained patterns for historical dolls. I picked this specific pattern (there are a lot of great ones to choose from) because there were plenty of variations included-- different necklines, sleeve lengths, and hems. Also, it included a pattern for a "camisette" to wear under the gown, which I absolutely love because I personally don't like when you can see the American Girl Doll's "skin." So the camisette solves that problem, and looks absolutely adorable and is suited to the time period at the same time. 

I'm extremely pleased with how the dress turned out and how cute the fabric looks in this style. I already sold two of these dresses on my Etsy shop and I'm excited to find some other fabrics to try. :) 

This is a back view of the dress. 

This is the camisette. There are draw strings on the sides to pull it snug to the doll's body. 

Some of My Creations :)

Ties From a Different Dimension

A few weeks ago, I attempted my first necktie made from Star Wars licensed material. It was a teacher's appreciation gift for my boyfriend (excuse me, I mean fiancé now) since he started his first full-time teaching position this year.

He'd seen this blue Star Wars spacecraft blueprint material months ago when I used it to make a skirt for my Etsy shop, and he said he really wished he could have a tie made out of that fabric since he thought it looked "so cool." His words, not mine. At the time, I had no idea how to make a tie and I thought it would be extremely complicated for some reason. 

Turns out, it isn't complicated at all. It's a little time consuming since there is hand-sewing involved, but I actually love hand sewing and find it to be relaxing. 

When I googled how to make a tie, there were plenty of sewing tutorials to follow. The only materials needed are about half a yard of the print you want to use for the tie, half a yard of iron-on interfacing, and half a yard of the lining for the back of the tie. 

After I successfully completed and gifted the Star Wars tie to Mr. Fiancé, and he loved it, I made a second tie (this time Marvel Avengers themed) for my brother's birthday. It was even easier the second time around. Plus, now I have learned how to make another another item that I can add to my Etsy shop. :)

Great Gatsby!

I had been counting down the days until the The Great Gatsby (starring Leonardo DiCaprio) came out this summer. Literally. I had been counting down to May 10th on my Facebook status updates, and annoying lots of my friends, I'm sure. It doesn't matter though, if they love anything half as much as I love Leo and F. Scott Fitzgerald, they'd understand. As soon as tickets went on sale for the Thursday night premiere, my sisters and I were in line at the theater to ensure our spot. I'm so glad that we did. 

In celebration of the long-awaited movie, the girls and I put together a makeshift garden party before the premiere, 1920s-style. We put up a flower screen with twinkle lights, made mini cappuccino cupcakes, and lit some candles in the dining room.

I made a few delicate lace headbands to wrap around our pin curls. On mine, I added a large sparkling rhinestone brooch that reminded me of something Daisy might wear on an evening out on the town. We had so much fun dressing up for the night, and my brother was kind enough to indulge us with a photo-shoot using his fancy camera. 

I think the only one of us that wore an actual vintage dress was Jesse. She looked adorable in her peachy antique Oscar De La Renta frock. Mary looked like a bombshell in her gold sequined number, and I went with the lightest pink dress that I could find in my closet. It worked well for the occasion after I dressed it up with some satin evening gloves and beads. 

We just had the most splendid time partying like it was 1925. Gatsby, you certainly didn't disappoint. 

Pinch Me

Okay, so I know that this blog is mainly dedicated to my sewing escapades, but I'm going to have to wander off the path for a few moments to spill about my incredible, unbelievable (really, I still can't believe it, I'm not exaggerating, it is UN-BE-LIEVE-ABLE) night on April 27th.

The short version is that I got engaged.

The long version, which I will bestow upon you now, is much, much better.

My favorite band in the entire galaxy is Relient K. If you haven't heard of them yet, you should. They are amazing. Their frontman is Matthew Thiessen-- the most incredibly gifted songwriter that I have ever had the privilege of listening to in my life. He's basically been my idol since I was fourteen years old, when I started listening to his music. Every album he releases with his band gets better and better, and there is practically not one day that goes by that I do not listen to at least one of their songs at some point throughout my day. They have become part of my being. I love them so. friggen. much.

My boyfriend, Harrison, bought us tickets to see Relient K in St. Petersburg for the 27th and although it was a few hours drive to go see them, I really could never have an excuse good enough to not see my favorite band in concert with my boyfriend. This would be the 13th time that I would see them perform. I'm telling you, I'm a gigantic fan. HUGE. Sooo it's a little ridiculous that any chance that I have had to actually meet and talk with a member of the band....namely Matty T....I would freeze up and not be able to utter a word. Well, that's not entirely true, I guess. I think I did squeak out a "hi" when I got an autograph from him at Rock the Universe last year. But for the most part, if I'm in close proximity to him, every atom in my body comes to a standstill, my heart decides to pump at an alarming rate, and my vocal chords pretty much evaporate while the whole time my brain is reeling "OH MY GOSH I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, YOU'RE SO TALENTED, YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH YOUR MUSIC MEANS TO ME, I HAVE EVERY SINGLE CD YOU HAVE EVER RELEASED AND ONCE I EVEN WROTE YOU A FAN LETTER AND SENT IT TO NASHVILLE TO TELL YOU ALL OF THAT AND I WOULD LET YOU INTO DISNEY WORLD IF YOU GUYS EVER WANTED TO GO, CAUSE I WORK THERE...and stuff."

I'm kind of thankful he never got that fan letter, because he would have labeled me as a creepy stalker girl and I'm sure I would have deserved it.

Anyhow, I really do not understand how he pulled this off, but Harrison, knowing how much love I have for Matt Thiessen and Relient K, got in touch with Matt and exchanged phone numbers with him when I was saving our spot in the concert hall. It blows my mind how he accomplished this. Harrison was fervently texting throughout all of the opening bands' sets. At one point, I even asked him who he was talking to. He claimed to be texting his cousin Aaron about "a new girl he was dating." Since there is not a dishonest bone in Harrison's body, I believed him-- even though he was acting slightly odd.

When Relient K finally came on stage, they proceeded to perform the best gosh darn concert that I have EVER been to. They opened with my favorite song, "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been." I was absolutely tickled. They played a few of their new songs, like "Sweeter" and "Boomerang" and I fell in love with every new melody. As if I wasn't ecstatic enough with their performance so far, Matt Thiessen randomly said they were going to perform a song that they had received a request for and it turned out to be "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything!" I was just downright giddy at this point. They even came out for an absolute perfect encore. I was sad when it was over, but so happy to have seen such an incredible concert.

When the crowd started to leave, Harrison wanted to hang back and wait to see if the band would come out so he could get an autograph on the "Forget..." album he had bought at the merchandise table earlier. I instinctively became nervous, knowing how starstruck I would become around Matt Thiessen. Harrison knew it, too. He had already personally witnessed my Matt Thiessen breakdown on several occasions at other concerts. So when he said he wanted to wait for the band to come out for meet and greets, I almost begged him to go. I remember saying things like "you know I won't be able to talk to him" and him asking "pleeeeease? Just a few more minutes." And he kept texting on that dumb phone. Texting and texting and texting. Finally, I was like "Harrison, they're probably on their tour bus by now." He asked if we could at least check by the bus before heading out. I reluctantly agreed.

I'm already a shy person by nature, but when it comes to Matt Thiessen, I'm downright ridiculous and I even know it. It's like I can feel myself being ridiculous and can't stop it. So when I actually saw Matt Theissen and Matt Hoopes by the bus, talking to fans, I tried to hide behind Harrison. He wouldn't let me. He started up a conversation with Matt Hoopes while Matt T. was finishing up pictures with a group of teenagers. Harrison pulled me into the conversation, telling Matt H. how big of a fan I was, and how I had seen them in concert 13 or so times, and we talked about their different albums, how his next-door neighbor in Nashville is one of Harrison's friends from his hometown. We even talked about how he wasn't entirely thrilled with the Karaoke albums they last released. I couldn't believe I was successfully carrying on a conversation with a band member of Relient K. My brain stopped computing altogether when Matt Thiessen, now free from other fans, snuck over and asked if he could "pop in." I don't even remember everything I said to him. I just remember bits and pieces as it comes back to me, but I know I kept looking over at Harrison to register that this was actually happening. It was. It was ACTUALLY happening. I talked to Matt Thiessen about my favorite songs he played. We talked about how many times I've seen him. We talked about other things, but like I said, it's slowly coming back to me as I realize this happened in reality and not in my mind while I slept. The thing that matters most is that I know I finally was able to TALK to him and not just stare like an idiot. This accomplishment was largely, if not entirely, due to Harrison being there.

During our conversation with Matt, Harrison handed him his cd to autograph. He asked him to make it out to me. Matt was talking and signing, for what seemed like a long time. I started to think maybe he didn't know how to spell my name or something like that. Harrison teased that "look, he's writing you a novel." When Matt finally handed me the cd, I looked down to read the words "Alicia, will you marry him?" I never even saw Harrison kneel down, but there he was, holding a box with a ring in it. I turned to Matt asking "is this for real?" At least three times I asked him that. He was laughing. I think he told me to answer Harrison. I somehow managed to get the word "yes" out in my complete state of shock. Matt wanted me to put the ring on so he could see it. I was completely freaking out. We took pictures. We talked more. Matt Thiessen hugged us both. Several times. We talked to him about Disney World and how next time he's in town, we will totally get him or the band in. He said we're like family now and to keep in touch. He hugged me again before finally loading his bus. Just thinking about the whole thing even now makes me think I must have dreamt it up. I keep staring at my cd and my ring to register that I'm engaged, for real.

Oh, and the ring...it is GORGEOUS. It's exactly what I never knew I always wanted. Harrison did such a wonderful job choosing a piece completely suited to me and my taste. It's absolutely perfect. I've never seen a more lovely, sparkly, fairy tale of a ring. I don't understand how he pulled this whole thing off, but I am so thankful and incredibly blessed that someone loves me enough to make that night such an unforgettable and brilliant experience. I wish I could repeat it over and over.

This is a link to a video someone posted of the "Pirates" song that the Matts unexpectedly performed:

http://youtu.be/K29NkxhMKMc

I'm so sending them an invitation to the wedding.

Pirates Who Don't Do Anything-- Relient K

Handmade from a Galaxy Far Far Away...in Florida

I've been making licensed fabric skirts for my shop for about a year now, and I've accumulated quite a few remnants from this process. I didn't know what to do with all the scraps, but I didn't want to throw them away because they are so cute and colorful. Last night I decided to look up tutorials on making headbands, since I thought that might be a good way to recycle all of the Star Wars and Marvel fabric I have left over.

It turns out that headbands are extremely simple to make and I already had all the materials needed: fabric, interfacing, and elastic. That's it. I found a simple pattern to print online, and today I was able to make three headbands in under an hour, easily. Plus it was even fun. I think the headbands will be a great addition to the "geek love" section of my shop.

I made my little sister model the headbands for me-- she is most accommodating and such a sport. :)


Star Wars Headband

Tackling the Tiniest Patterns Ever

For a long time, I was afraid to attempt sewing doll clothes because they are so darn microscopic. I've had these Kirsten American Girl patterns for years and years that my mom (excuse me, I mean Santa) had given me for Christmas one year. I was always nervous to put them to use. Doll patterns just seem to have so many pieces and a lot of very minuscule detail work. It wasn't until about a year ago when I opened my shop on Etsy that I decided to brave the doll clothes world, but I am sure glad that I did.

I started with making copies of the actual retired American Girl doll clothes, and I've made at least a dozen other different dresses since.

I didn't realize how much fun making doll clothes would be. It's basically like making the poofiest princess dresses you've ever seen, but in miniature. EVERYTHING in miniature is cuter than the original.

The best sellers on Pumpkin Coach Boutique seem to be the retired Kirsten "School Dress" in burgundy and the Dorothy Wizard of Oz outfit. I've also recently added a princess line that features Cinderella, Snow White, and Belle.

Working on adding Tink and possibly her fairy friends next!

You can find my store at www.etsy.com/shop/pumpkincoachboutique

Thanks for reading! :)

God Help The Outcasts

Ever since the Disney animated feature The Hunchback of Notre Dame was released in 1996, Esmeralda has been one of my favorite Disney characters of all time. My cousins, sisters, and I used to run around the backyard with remnants and scarves tied around our waists and in our hair, pretending to be gypsies on the run from the menacing Judge Claude Frollo. It was one of my favorite games-- and all inspired by one fiery, sassy, gorgeously animated gypsy.

It only makes sense that for one Halloween, my sister wanted to "officially" dress up as Esmeralda. I volunteered to help sew it, and between my mom and I and about four different patterns, we found the elements I needed to piece together to make Esmeralda's whole outfit: peasant blouse, teal corset, coined handkerchief, and a swirly twirly purple skirt. There is no point in a skirt if it doesn't whirl out when you spin, especially if you are a dancing gypsy.

I was pretty thrilled with how the costume turned out, overall. Between my sister and I, we've worn it for several Halloweens since its original debut. It's also a best seller in my Etsy shop, especially around October and convention times.

I'm just happy to know that there are so many other girls out there who like to play "gypsies." Esmeralda rocks.

Yo Ho, Yo Ho...

Every blog has to start somewhere, I suppose, and mine starts today with the random idea of "Hey, why don't I have a blog yet?" I have only been writing my entire life and even have an English degree to back it up. I figured it might be time to write about something that I love, and it just so happens than I love to sew. So, I'll be posting pictures of my current and past projects on here (some things I've made for my Etsy store, and some things just for fun).

I especially love this Elizabeth Swann dress that I made this past year for Halloween. I think the thing I love most about it is that I actually FINISHED it. I've had a love affair with Pirates of the Caribbean since the first movie was released and I've been holding onto a pattern for years for Elizabeth's gorgeous golden brocade dress from the beginning of The Curse of the Black Pearl. I think it took me so long to actually attack the project because I was intimidated by the amount of work it might develop into-- and I was afraid that my replica might not even hold a candle to the brilliant gown in the movie. I remember "oooing and ahhing" the second I saw Keira Knightly wear it on screen. I've always felt as though I were born in the wrong time period as far as clothing is concerned.

Anyhow, after I read the pattern a few times over, I decided that colonial finery was nothing I couldn't handle (slowly) and I started searching for the perfect material. This is one of my favorite aspects of sewing. I swear, sometimes I buy fabric before I even know what I'm going to make with it-- I just know I want to make SOMETHING with it, eventually. I've developed quite a stock pile.

After unsuccessfully scouring the store for quite a while for this gold brocade that I had specifically pictured in my mind, I was beginning to think that this dress was a no-go. Then one afternoon, my mom called me from Joanne's and said she was looking right at a bolt of four and a half yards of golden brocade in the red tag section. I was like "Are you serious?" And she's like "I'm totally serious." Fabric miracle. I knew then that the dress must be made, and in time to wear it to the huge Halloween bash at work with my boyfriend.

I think it took me a week from start to finish to complete the costume. It's got an underskirt made of muslin, and the overskirt and bodice are a separate piece. Altogether, the whole outfit must be at least twenty pounds of fabric, lace, and boning, but the weight makes me feel more authentic when I'm wearing it. After all, what fashionable colonial girl wore comfortable clothing?

For the Halloween party, I excitedly paired it with the replica Aztec treasure necklace that I've had since I was fifteen. The dress was an absolute blast to wear and I'm so thrilled that I finally accomplished it when I thought I wouldn't be able to. Almost everyone knew who I was supposed to be, although one jerk asked if I was Marie Antoinette. Whatever. Can't win them all. :)