A Couple of "Aha" Moments

It's been interesting, the past few months, coming to the end of some chapters and starting new ones.  Here are some rather profound thoughts that flashed across my brain that I wanted to share with you all...

I borrowed the most recent The Three Musketeers (2011) from the library and was not so much watching it, as frequently and compulsively pausing it and running it frame by frame so that I could study the costumes and their various trims, materials and contours.  Soooo pretty.  (And that's just Athos...)  I realized that should I ever come into a large sum of money, I would spend absolutely ALL of my time constructing period film replicas out of silks and brocades and then I realized, that's probably why I'm not wealthy (yet), is because the Lord in His wisdom knew once I went into a fully equipped costume studio, you lot would likely never see me again! ;)

I finally know what I want to be when I grow up (I can hear you all in a collective and very sarcastic "NO, really?!") but it wasn't always so clear, and anyway, even if you know what you want the end result to be, that's still a far cry from knowing the steps you have to take to actually get to that point, right?  Right.  So I finally have begun to wrap my brain around some of that and I figured out that achieving my dreams will mean giving up living debt free for a little while.  I paid a high price (not just monetarily, but emotionally and etc as well) to get myself out of credit card debt some years ago.  Recent events have forced me back in just a little (not to credit cards, thank heaven, but to family), but the education required to acquire the skills I will need to get the career that I so desperately desire will throw me back into the deep end of owing people money, and I am balking at that like a toddler getting their school immunization shots.  It's got to be done for the greater good, but I DON'T WANNA!  Factoring in tuition, gas money, materials, books and other general expenses, my degree is going to come with a doozy of a price tag.  I realized what else could be done with an equal sum.  There are the obvious things.  Buy a small house outright.  A couple of brand new luxury cars.  But I could travel to England on that.  And stay for an entire summer.  I could get myself and 99 of my closest friends into Dragon*Con with $900 spending cash each.  Or one could also buy 25,000 frappuccinos from Starbucks (close to 69 years worth, if you bought one a day).  If you're a Sci-fi fan, you can even own the Stargate from the SG1 series for that.  Of course, the cost for school isn't going to come all at once.  It will be spread out over 4 or 5 years-ish.  Still.  It's daunting.  There are grants and scholarships, of course.  I plan to find every single one of those that I can.  This is doable, and I will see it done.

As much as I want to go to the premier of first Hobbit movie in costume, it's 3 weeks out and I am nowhere near happy with my current design/materials.  I have decided that this will be much more worth the wait to postpone until next fall (Dragon*Con/Halloween) or even until the big finale third film is released.  This "Aha" moment was bittersweet, because it means not working like mad to get the outfit done by year's end, but all told, I feel really good about shuffling it to a later date so that it will get the time and attention (and therefore quality) that it deserves.  I've moved up a couple of Regency ideas in its place, the sales of which would afford better materials for the Hobbit dress.  Yes, that's a much wiser way to go.  I did come up with something BRILLIANT for the hobbit feet, though.  Short of how they made them for the film(s), of course.  (I don't have access to those quantities of prosthetic latex and molds, yak hair and spirit gum.)

That's about all for now.  I'm back in the studio doing some Christmas orders for the Etsy shop and figuring out some next steps all the way round.  Stay warm and cozy as the weather gets colder, my dears.  I'll see you again soon.
Love,
Lucy Jane

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like...

CHRISTMAS!!!

Yes, those of us who have businesses in themed/gift/custom made items have to start thinking about the end of year holiday season somewhere around the time that July fades into August.  And in just a few short weeks I'll be working on Spring/Easter stock.  Crazy!

It's also beginning to look a lot like Autumn for real, here in West GA.  The mornings are crisp and the leaves are a riot of color.  The Etsy shop is beginning to look better, with Fall themed listings and "Boo", my candy corn sweetie, was even featured in a treasury this week!  AWESOME!

It's beginning to look a lot better in the studio, too.  I've gotten some of my raw materials sorted and organized and at one point everything was tucked so neatly into drawers and cubbies and whatnot that I couldn't FIND anything I was looking for!  (All you creative people know exactly what I'm talking about!)  Now it's just at that perfect stage of "messed-up-ness" where I have a few works in progress out and in pieces, but where it's not a mad jumble of everything.

Lastly, it's beginning to look a lot like I'm finding my niche in my local community, and that feels awesome!  I'm working hard for a November 2nd deadline; the Dog River Library is having an anniversary celebration in the form of an artist's market/festival and I made sure to commit to be a vendor the second I heard about it.  I'm SO EXCITED!!!!!! :)  It's going to be fantastic!  Check out the website homepage for more info.

I'm off to finish ooooonnnnneeee more little project before bed.
Goodnight, all!

Love,
Lucy Jane

Popping in to say hi!

::Phew::
   
     The last few weeks have been just crazy.  I'm not as far with a lot of my Lucy Jane goals as I'd like to be, but I'm working through the obstacles.  Lots of personal health and family issues, as well as pretty big decisions to be made as far as further education and what direction I want LJP to go in, professionally/long term.  I know that doesn't equate into anything new to share with you at the moment, but that's just how it is right now.  Slow and steady wins the race (or something of that nature).  It's finally cooling off weather-wise, so that helps with studio time.  It's hard to get motivated to do ANYTHING, even the things you love, when it's blistering hot and everything seems to be melting around you into puddles of blah.  The heat and humidity will suck the energy right out of you.  That, and not enough sleep from the outrageous stress levels.  I appreciate your patience and continued support.  I know I seem to say that a lot, but it is sincere.  When at last I can really build up some steam for my LJP endeavors, the wait will have been worth it.

     The project I gave you a sneak peek at last post is not quite finished yet, but it won't be much longer.  As I said, other things have seriously gotten in the way.  This weekend has seen a massive clean-up of the workspace, so I should be able to spread out the fabric with plenty of room to spare now.  Hey, we creative types throw our all into our creating.  You can't expect us to be tidy and organized all the time as well! ;)

     I'll leave you with a little typography art I made recently.  Feel free to share it with anyone you know who needs an encouraging reminder! :)

See you SOON!

News and Updates

Hi!  I know it's been a while since I've posted!  I wish I could tell you that it's because I have been up to my elbows in costumery and that I now have a closet rack full of finished pieces from the right sidebar list.  Buuuttttt.... I can't.  Because I don't.  More's the pity.

HOWEVER, I have been hard at work on the Janome, and learning the Funky Friends patterns that have been purchased thus far.  As of this writing, I have: the elephant, horse (which doubles as a unicorn), sheep, lion (which doubles as a tiger/other big cats without the mane), camel, hippo, bunny, monkey, sea turtle, giraffe and penguin.  This relates to having been busy making things for the Etsy shop, and I have been up to my elbows in research and articles and information about costumery.  So that kinda counts, right? Of course it does!  I've been looking up books on garment history and construction (Janet Arnold!!!), drooling over the following websites: American Duchess; Historical Sewing; and Frock Talk.  Since my last post, I did also attend a class on hand-sewing button holes by our local SCA group.  I'm looking into getting involved with them later on, when I don't have *quite* so much on my plate at one time.

Related to "too much on my plate": due to unfortunate circumstances, I had to cancel the Marietta Art Walk event that I was going to do on August 3rd.  The hostess was so gracious and understanding, and I hope to do a make-up event with her sometime very soon.  I am also having to postpone having a booth in Douglasville's September Saturdays festival until next year, because of the same circumstances.  I'm not stressing over either.  That wouldn't help anything.  Instead, I am focusing my efforts and energy and making plans for several events starting next spring and onward.  Things will happen in the Lord's perfect timing.  I have faith that I am doing the right thing by waiting on His direction.  I have been SO blessed thus far and He continues to sustain me with both protection and provision!

Here are some photos of some pieces I have completed recently.  They are ALL available for order in the Etsy shop. :)

This penguin is thanks to Lucy Jane friend and supporter Rosie J., who provided not only the order, but purchased the Funky Friends pattern for us as well.  That sort of encouragement and support is beyond awesome and there aren't words enough to thank her for believing in our success!

"Tasha" the penguin.  Her male counterpart, "Tux" is also available for purchase.

Another important thanks goes to friend and supporter Jennifer C., who ordered this trio of ellies as a gift for her friend's kids, and who also sent out a huge social media blast with links when the Etsy shop opened.  Once again, there just aren't words to express our gratitude!

L to R: Annabelle, Baby Boy and Madeline

Other lovelies for the shop include:

Jane

Melonie

Fairies!

Well, I suppose that is all for now.  I am off to finish some more ellies and then work on a giraffe (or 3. Sewing these toys is addictive!) :)  I will check in again soon.  Keep in touch!

Love,

Lucy Jane

Lucy Jane is now on Etsy!!!

Source

I'll still be tweaking the details and adding more listings, but the Etsy shop is open!!!

Sneak Peek!

I thought you might enjoy seeing what I'm doing this week.
Besides running around half mad because it's so close to my deadline.

Steampunk Lucy

I finished the concept board for a Steampunk style costume.  I'm hoping to start prep work on this in earnest sometime in late June.  There are still lots of accessories that will be added here and there, but this is the first draft.  What do you think?

The concept board, with a little room on the
left to add extra inspirations/changes.

The shirt is a grey cotton (breathes!) and
the sleeves are light-as-air black chiffon.

I am in LOVE with this suiting.

Various and sundry trims

Not sure if I'm going to stay with pewter or
change to brass/burnished gold.  I have a
while before I have to make a decision.

The honeybee holds a sentimental significance for me.
This will go at the collar closure.

That's what I've acquired so far...  Here are a few more "I want this!" images:

Double buckles will match the ones on my bodice.

I want a mini top hat kinda like this one, but
mine will have more gears and a set of
Brass Goggles.

Now that I have all of this on the concept board, I can focus on getting finished up for the Hydrangea Festival.  Not too many more days left to be ready!!! :)

Q & A With Lucy Jane

Because Lucy Jane is the fictional half of an alter ego, I get a lot of questions whilst out and about, doing what I do.  I thought you might like to see a few of them.

Q: Why the alter ego?  Why not just make the things you make under your real life persona?
A:  For a couple of reasons.  One of the big ones is privacy and security.  As I book more fairs/festivals and come into contact with a lot of the general public, I don't really want my name out there for scrutiny.  Most people are nice, but then you get that one weirdo who Googles your home address and how many kids you have and ... yeah, I didn't want that.  But it's also a creative thing.  In real life there are absolutes and responsibilities.  Bills to pay.  People's drama to put up with.  As Lucy Jane, I get to sort of put a fence around all of that and say "No, I am being creative and this is my zone right now." In much the same way that actors inhabit a character.  It allows me to think outside the box more.

Q: Where did the Lucy Jane name come from?
A: Lucy Jane draws inspiration from two of my favorite literary heroes-  Lucy Pevensie from the Narnia books (she's courageous and firm in her beliefs and I want more of those character traits), and Jane is of course either Jane Austen, or her character Jane Bennett.  (Either way.  They both had mad people observing skills.)

Q: And Pennybright?
A:  It was the most inexorably British surname that I could dream up.  I pictured Lucy Jane's father as an officer in Her Majesty's military.  Something like that.

Q: What era does Lucy Jane come from?
A:  I'm currently at work creating a Lucy Jane concept for several different historical eras/genres.  Mostly it is Regency England dress that you will see me in, at festivals and events, because it's simple, and very user friendly.  I do plan on having Civil War era, Colonial/Revolutionary era and even Steampunk style Lucy Jane images eventually.  All of that is still in the early works, and much of it depends on the events I will do.  Still a lot of concepts and rough draft work going on yet.

Q: Did you go to college for costuming?
A: Nope.  There was a 3 year stint at American Intercontinental University back when they had a campus in Buckhead, GA, towards a BFA in Graphic Design, but due to a lot of different circumstances, I didn't finish.  They had a fashion design program, but at that time I had never sewn a stitch and had not gotten to the point where I would fall in love with it.  I was always in a drawing classroom in front of an easel.

Q: So how did you learn?
A: By making a ton of mistakes and wonky stuff that didn't fit right.  Yes, there were a couple of people who helped me with some of the major things, like deciphering a pattern (which I still don't follow completely most of the time), but the bulk of what I do is entirely self-taught.  I do have plans to take formal classes and continue my education.  There are loads of sewing things that I don't know and want to learn.

Q: What do you want to do with Lucy Jane in the future?  What's the main goal?
A: The main goal has always been to use my skills and talents (they vary!) to bring beautiful things to as many people as I come in contact with.  Sure, some of them are very niche market (reproduction/reenactment costumes), but most of them are generally geared at making people smile and happy- the Funky Friends Factory stuffed toys are popular, as are the fairies.  I hope to branch out to make jewelry, ribbon bookmarks, maybe carry a line of teas or get a book published. There are a lot of ideas rattling around in my mind and I'm slowly but very surely getting them to turn from dreams into reality.  I'd love to open a physical shoppe- tea and gifts, but that's a long way down the road yet.

I hope that gives you a little insight into the world of Lucy Jane!  If you have any questions, please ask! :)

Pretty Patterns

I thought I would show you some of the patterns that I have my eye on to order and try.  Most of these are a while away, what with the demands of the Hydrangea Festival and everything piling up.  One thing at a time.  Still, it's nice to look ahead some.  Here are some of my (very drool worthy) favorites that will one day find themselves made up and on my dress forms.  Enjoy!

Regency Spencer by Sense and Sensibility Patterns

Regency Underthings, also by S&S:

1900 Driving Coat by Simplicity:

Elizabethan Ensemble, also by Simplicity:

While we're in Simplicity, I am also loving these tops:

And also these skirts, especially view B:

I haven't really had time to peruse through the McCall's and Butterick books.  They usually don't have what I'm looking for, but you never know.  These are all ideas that are floating around in the back of my mind, after everything that's on that right sidebar list.  Mmmm.  I need more tea and more hours.  :)

When I go back to school, I'm going to learn to draft my own patterns.  That's going to be awesome!

Keeping My Head Above Water

Ackkk!  I'm behind on posting because things are moving so fast in the studio!  I'm sorry I don't have anything to offer in the way of a K post.  Not many sewing related whatevers start with the letter K.  I wish I had better content this week, but every waking minute is being spent with needle and thread in hand and good music blasting on my iPod.

In the public eye, I like to be as Regency period as possible.  At home in the studio, I'm something of a walking anachronism.  On SO many levels! :}

In conclusion, all I have for you today is a photo of a recent commission.  Enjoy! (And I will work on better posts for the remainder of the A-Z!)

Hydrangea Festival Progress

 I have had an extremely productive day.  So much so, that I'm having to retro-post this because all of a sudden, I looked up and it was 1:20 AM.  On Wednesday morning. (Time doesn't mean much to me when I'm in The Creative Zone.) Here is a tiny glimpse of what I was working on:

Things are progressing for the festival.  Not as fast as I would like.  I need to pick up the pace.  But I have amazing music playing as I work, and that helps keep things moving along smoothly.  There is nothing like a good, epic soundtrack mix to get you in that zone. :)

I'm going to grab a little sleep and then get back to the work table.  I can't have anything to blog about here if I don't get it done and photos made of it first!

Fairyland

I know this is cheating just a little, but I have to post the Fairy post I was going to do today on Monday because of the family stuff we're doing for Easter weekend.  I just got in from a Christian Music Rock concert that was utterly amazing and I am falling on my face, I am so tired.

So thanks for hanging in and being patient.  Real life, though awesome, gets in the way of Lucy Jane stuff sometimes.  I promise everything will be back to normal and posted correctly on Monday afternoon.  Lots of Fairy goodness on the way. :)

Night!

Concept Boards: The original "pinning"

I shared a little about this in an earlier post on the Hobbit costume, but I wanted to share another one I've finished, and also why I love them so much.

There are so MANY ideas and inspirations running around in my head for pieces to make (just take a look at my list in the right sidebar!), that sometimes I miss out on wonderful materials or design ideas, simply because they fly by too fast.  Concept boards allow me to hang on to a basic idea, and then piece things together either as I find them, or (more commonly) find time for them.  I'm not a spectacularly organized person by nature.  The concept boards take a lot of stress off of me to remember whether I've found this or that bit for trim, or what the exact color of the main body is, etc.

Oh, and about the title: Some of you have asked, but I'm not on Pinterest, simply because I've heard how addicting it is, and I already have MUCH TOO MUCH to do as it is.  I'm convinced, at least for the time being, that joining Pinterest would send my creative happy little brain off the edge and you'd find me in a padded room saying "I want to do this, and this, and thisandthisandthisandthis!" over and over whilst hugging myself. :} Society can do its "pinning".  I'll do mine. :)  Getting back to the concept boards...

I finished out the Hobbit board by FINALLY finding the right contrast fabric for the bodice.  I'd fallen in love with the stitching on this material:

But when I paired it with the bodice swatch, the flowers were WAY too purple.  The bodice linen is more of a wine-ish shade.  So, as much as I hated to, I had to nix this as the contrast.

Next, I tried a couple of plain neutrals.  Here are two that were considered:

But ultimately, while I liked the textures, I didn't like the fact that there wasn't any pop of color.  The entire look has to be achieved by all of the elements working together, like instruments in an ensemble.  If one part is "off", the whole look loses its full potential.  So, after several more afternoons scouring the fabric stores (and another thing- in this instantaneous society, people often want to know "Why does it take you so long between when you promise photos of a costume and when it's actually finished and being worn by the model/client?"  This is why.  I don't just throw any old thing together.  I take my time and find the right parts and then do all the work of cutting and sewing.  To quote one of my favorite films, "You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles."  Okay, tangent/rant over!), I finally found what I'd been searching for:

It has the right texture, the fabrics complement each other and are very "Hobbity" together, and the color of the flowers and the bodice linen are a perfect match.  Here is the completed concept board:

The colors aren't showing well in the photo, but
trust me, they look great!

As you know, I don't need the Hobbit outfit until December (which is no reason not to hurry up and finish it, I know, I know!).  I DO need this piece in just over 6 weeks- this is the sheer overlay Regency dress for the Hydrangea Festival that I've been telling you about:

Close-up of the design sketch.

Notice how I am sure to turn the fabric to the direction I want it on the dress
rather than just randomly pinning it to the board.

This trim is going to look so sweet around the neckline
and around the sleeve cuffs!

I hope to have more concept boards finished soon.  The Hydrangea Festival is getting the lion's share of my time right now.  It's going to be a busy summer! :)