Regency Stays in a day

I know what you are thinking, a DAY? No way! well, yes way! :)

Stays are traditionally one of the hardest things for a lady to make. Lets face it, we are all shaped different and all have different levels of skills. Even for the well versed dressmaker, sometimes stays can be something that is daunting.
I'll admit, the first set of stays I ever made were a disaster, and as I made seconds and third attempts, they got better and better. Now, I am no where near an A+ in some ways, in others, I don't mind saying, I'm worth every penny. How do I know? Well, first...my last post on stays continues to get more hits than any other and because I have successfully gotten the "assets" of the ladies who have purchased Stays from me to the proper regency silhouette, which when we get down to the nitty gritty, really is the whole point.

Now, I primarily cater to the Plus Size women, as it is harder for them to go on say, Etsy and order something pre-made in their size and, and I have to say, every shape is quite lovely and a unique challenge.

So, back to Stays in a Day. Start was around 3:30pm after my customer had come down from Seattle and we had spent quality time drooling over her sari fabric. (I stole some so I could make a regency gown for her out of it)

We started by getting her into a set of stays of mine to see how I might need to make adjustments to the pattern. (they are my favorite set, btw.)

They just needed a few tweeks and some different bone placement, so I cut pieces and went for it.

About 6 hours in...I had three layers sewn together and half the boning in.

We broke for dinner at Cartlandia (yes, I'm a gastronomically spoiled Portlander) and than we got back to it.

Rest of the bones and the binding going...we were almost done.

Note that the cups protrude a bit, that is because unlike myself.. this customer has more to work with and needs to be properly formed. She also chose the fashion fabric as she loved it. It looks brown in the pictures, but its really purple. This wont be a problem as most of her wardrobe are jewel tones and dark colors.

I know, you are wondering where the straps are? Well, Straps have been and can be put on in a few ways. She wanted more adjustability in straps that are ties on both front and back.

It was perfect.

Yes, the back is spiral laced, which is both crazy comfortable and period correct.

We were done and she was on her way home around 1:30. I was bushed, but it was worth it. Happy Lady, happy assets and I know she will look amazing in her regency finest at the Washington Regency Society Retreat. :)

Another set of Stays I have finished were completely different, as the ladies in question were completely different.

 

 

These work the same just on a different shaped lady. She looked lovely in this gown I made for her

Yes, Indian Cotton of Drool. I know. ebay ladies, ebay.

Well, there is more in the works right now, including gown for an 11 year old lady who isn't quite "out" yet, but will be attending the ORS 6th Annual Pittock Mansion Picnic, plus a rush order on a white silk halter dress and a pair of fall front pants I have neglecting....and than MORE TO COME since the REGENCY RETREAT OF EPIC is closing in!

Adieu!

Mrs. Azevedo, Modiste and A Baronets' Daughter.

Quick update

So, due to the amazing-sauce help of my minion, I have been able to get another gown down for Mrs. Roll.

So, now I’m going to make a gown for me. I want something new, Especially since the last Sunday in July is the Pttock Mansion Picnic. I have some lovely white striped fabric. I love these sleeves and Miss Kelly was kind enough to draft the sleeve for this one, since as everyone knows..sleeves suck.

 The challange: its 6 pm. its 80 degrees and I'm over heated. Can I make myself a gown in one night? we shall see.

Adieu

Mrs. Azevedo, Modiste and a Baronets' Daughter

What has been going on in my crazy world!

Oh! Ladies and Gents, thank you for your patience since it has been quite a while since I have let you all know whats going on here at ABD studios.

First, I would like to formally introduce you to my new helper, sewing paduan learner and MINION!!! Miss Kelly Hunt comes to us from Washington, but is firmly rooted here, in the ORS!



Kelly is PRETTY EPIC!

Unfortunately, due to circumstances out of her control, she will not be coming to the retreat...but she is still learning and helping, and I can not express my thanks appropriately. As I type she is ironing and cutting pieces!

This is her HARD at work.....we are kicking out a HUGE order that just had the customer add more things......at least I have till the retreat to deliver! I am fortunate to have a minion as well as the BEST customers!!! YAY!

So, I want to do something for me....and I needed Inspiration. 

I am thinking that this needs to belong to me. Am I crazy? will I get that plus another whole regency wardrobe for a customer as well as two stays for two other customers done before July 31st? Probably not, but I am still working away a little at a time on something for me. Perhaps, Ill wear it to Maggie's Wedding??? That's October, so I have time. 

I finished stays and a gown for Miss Pamela from the most sheer, delicate and wonderful Indian Hand block printed Indian Muslin she got from ebay. Yes, ebay

Than, I cleaned, to get ready for the next project: Mari's gowns for her retreat wardrobe

I cleaned...which....didn't last long cause The Minion is deep in it!

And than...in the middle of it, we got dressed up and went to the Lilac gardens in Woodland Washington. It was lovely

Well my friends, I should get to it as I have three dresses to start on....and than when I'm done there will be more!

I'm hoping to put my photo portfolio up on a tab shortly, Saturday Miss Kelly and possibly Miss Pamela will be with me to a trip with the camera to get the whole wardrobe and items for order up on here so everyone can see my lovely things!

As always, I am Mrs. Azevedo, Modiste and A Baronets' Daughter.


 

My foray into Steampunk

I will preface this blog by saying that I love Regency. I LOVE REGENCY! I always have, than I got into making it and I am as deeply in love with it as I am my husband (that’s pretty darned deep)...That being said, lets delve into something a little different....not much but a beginning to a new chapter.

As some of you know, the WRS is hosting this years Regency retreat, and I have been commissioned by a couple of people to make their entire wardrobe for this event..Mari is one of my regular customers, and she will be beautifully turned out, as usual...but Shea MacLeod has commissioned a wardrobe too!!! She is one of the local celebrities one runs into when out and about and have a steampunk like hat to sell. I met Ms MacLeod at the JA faire a couple of weeks ago. She bought my riding habit hat and she was hooked from there.

Ms. MacLeod is a Steampunk enthusiast (as that is part of what she writes, I gather) and needed a chemise that she could use at a steampunk convention as well as start her Regency wardrobe.

Here it is! Enjoy! :)

a back view

side view

front view off detail

Thanks for looking, Ill be posting about the other things Im doing soon, I have a lot going on and can't wait for more orders!

Your Servant

Mrs. Azevedo

Modiste, and A Baronets' Daughter

The Jane Austen Fair.

So I just got back from the Jane Austen Faire that Aria and I were invited by Amy Wadsworth to be vendors and it was an experience that I had no way of knowing how it was going to go! Amy did so much work in promoting and organizing and making a beautiful place like the IKE Box even more beautiful! There were 24 vendors!

The view of our little room!

I spoke with some people I know, mainly Maggie and I had an idea what to expect. I was told little things, like necklaces with cameos, and fans and things could sell, and she was sooo right, but what was even more of a shock was that I actually sold three hats!!! I brought 5! I took all sorts of things, including feathers and shawls and two dresses for sale and a dress to display, but would have parted with for the right price....and none of those sold.

The only negative was that we were in the back, in a little space behind the stage, but, that really was our fault for waiting till the last minute to get our applications in. But, I did my best to talk to every one that came by and helped ladies try on hats and gowns and was supported by many of my regency friends and general friends and was happy to see them!

I feel, overall, that this was a lot of work, and a HUGE learning experience and most definitely a WIN!

I want to thank everyone that came...and everyone I spoke with and everyone who loved my things as much as I do! :)

Here the rest of the pics that Aria took, I was too busy with people to take any!

I was a perfect blue sky, warm weather and a lot of people! I can't wait to do it again!

Good night!

Mrs. Azevedo
A Baronets' Daughter

Some exciting news

As some of you may or may not know, I was fortunate to become acquainted with the dear Miss Waterman on my recent trip to Seattle. The consequences are both delightful and worrisome at the same time. Worrisome as I will have to neglect my only duties in favor of money making endeavours as I have now come into possession of tickets of passage to back East in order to be witness with her family and friends at her coming nuptuals.

I am sad that I will not have much time to do anything but sew and as well as the unpleasantness of modern concerns, but rest assured, Once I have more to report, I will.

Adieu for the future.

Mrs. Azevedo

Shameless plugs!

Normally, my shameless plugs are for myself. I admit it, as I continue on my sewing journey, I find that I am rocking more and more...but there are two things I feel passionate about that I'm going to pimp the crap out of, in the parlance of our time.

 The Washington Regency Society presents their first Regency retreat! Talk about SQUEE!! Have you ever wondered how it would feel at a Regency House party at a country manor? I can tell you from going to the last two from The Oregon Regency Society, that with a full regency wardrobe, good friends, new and old and some imagination, you can immerse yourself in 1813. These ladies have been working really REALLY hard to bring you something that transports you! The venue is on the coast of Washington, halfway between Seattle and Portland at the Falls Creekr Retreat Center. I can tell you, as I was privileged to tour the facilities, that the grounds are calm and lovely, the waterfall is worth the hike and the deer in the front made it for me.

I know that a lot of you aren't from my part of the world, but we had people from other states come last year and I recommend that if you can, please do come. The group of ladies and one or two gentlemen really are a treat and would love to meet you!



Come party like its 1813!

And in your quest to get ready for the Retreat, or any regency events, please PLEASE go to American Duchess Shoes and pre order your HIGHBURY Regency slippers!

Right now, they are discounted for the pre-order and if they seem a little expensive know this...A, she has a layaway program, B. You will not find a better quality or researched shoe and you will never go back to the ballet flats from payless again!! She has researched and is doing her pre order now so that she can keep them affordable. She needs 100 to be pre-ordered before she can go into production. Splurge and pick these up. You will not only feel even more period correct, but you will help the rest of us get a pair too!!

Follow the link and buy some shoes people!!

One last plug, after May 4th, I will be available to help you make your regency wardrobe dreams come true! 15% orders if you are going to the retreat!

That concludes my shameless plugs for today! Go get your tickets and your shoes today!

Mrs. Nora Azevedo
Modiste, and a Baronets' Daughter.