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I am now the proud owner of a pin cushion in the classic "tomato" model.

I'm pining my skirt so that them hem is about 25" below the bottom of the waist band. In theory, this should give me a knee-length skirt with a heavy hem which, with any luck, will give it some good swing and movement.
Here's hoping.


TTFN,
Amazon.

I set up an "amazon associates" account for my new blog (RSS-for-LJ Feed is here, fyi -- thanks Deakat). I will be doing periodic book reviews there in the hopes that people who want to buy those books anyway will do so by clicking on my links. Benign self-interest and all that.

Sewed the bodice of my dress for this weekend. (I still need to add a hook-and-eye closure -- very badly -- and stitch down the last bits of the bodice at the back... and do a little more work on the darts at the front, I think... But it's *mostly* done, and I think it looks pretty decent, particularly for a no-pattern, made-of-an-old-skirt, hand-stitched jobby.

Made earrings to go with the dress -- silver 2mm dots, rainbow moonstone 4mm dots, and mottled purple (stone unknown -- gift from Raynedaze) rectangles. Short, symmetrical, and hung on kidney-hooks so that they actually close and I won't be likely to loose them while on the dance floor at the wedding.

Emailed out a bunch of invites to the upcoming kinky-chicks party that I'm co-running. Also emailed out a couple of registration-receipts for the same party (thank goodness).

Updated my LJ Profile (yes, really -- it's been a few years, and it needed some work).


Now to write a book-review for the Other Blog, since the sewing will have to wait until Ghost gets home (late this evening, as she's having dinner with a friend after work) so that I have help pinning the damned thing. ;-) Wish me luck! :-D


- TTFN,
- Amazon. :-)

So, yesterday, out with Idioglossia, we had a brief discussion about navy blue.

Specifically, I went on and on about how it's very, very boring and conservative.

Then what do I go and do? Buy a fabulous, fishtail skirt that is *anything* but boring, in a taffetta that may as well be navy blue. (Warp = midnight blue, weft = black, erog: it may as well be navy blue).

So now I'm going: What do I have that I can wear with this?

At present, I have my (old fall-back) camisols. Specifically I've got a couple of wine/berry ones that I think are dressy enough to work as some sort of a layering piece. I have no idea what to layer them *with* (possibility: little black (hmm) velvet shrug). I've also got my crimson pirate-wench style shirt, though I'm not sure how perfect that will look (it's the drippy sleaves - I think I kind of need to go svelt or go home on top, if I'm wearing flared-and-ruffled on the bottom).

But it's a start.

I shall have to think on this some more. :-)


- TTFN,
- Amazon.

My Minoan Snake Goddess won the "Sexiest Lady" prize at the Witches' Gathering!

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! :-D


I now have a GC for a mani-pedi-facial plus a book of short stories, some (orange - oh, well) belly dance attire, and a wodge of other Fabulous Goodies. :-D

AND Miz Kattale said she was thrilled that I'd turned up as her favourite deity. Sweet! :-D


Jer Diaz called me "gutsy" - which I don't get often, and am quite pleased about.

A couple of well-meaning individuals quietly sidled up to me to mention that I seemed to be having a Wardrobe Malfunction, and I had to explain that, no, no, my nipples were supposed to be showing like that.
The first person who did it -- the poor guy -- the way he worded it ("Scuse me, ma'am... your shirt fell off"), I though he must have been very drunk and making the kind of 'joke' you make when you're drunk and think you're being funny, but are actually being rude. As it turned out, he was actually being really polite, and honestly thought my shirt had fallen open.
<*sigh*>
Kids. ;-)


Anyway. I gotta get some sleep. :-)


- TTFN, folks,
- Amazon. :-)

So, I left my house at about 12:30 yesterday afternoon.

Spent the next five hours making food with Sara for her poetry soiree.

There was, alas, a limitted turn-out for it, but the poetry (especially that done by Hexpiritus -- That gal is becoming one of my favourites, I think) was awesome, Sara's contortion performance was awesome and beautiful (and involved audience participation in the form of singing, which was *also* awesome), and people liked the food (particularly the cookies -- chocolate chip, coconut, flax seed cookies. Very tastey and not overwhelmingly sweet. I made them -- though, obviously, it was her recipe). So I'm happy about that. :-)

And I got to dance with my girlfriend (badly but, y'know, we try. ;-) which made me feel really incredible. There's is nothing in this world for me like being the center of someone else universe (particularly when it's such a busy someone as my girlfriend). It feels amazing, and I LOVE it! :-)

Luna Allison performed -- I finally got a chance to hear her speak/read/"spit"[1] after hearing her name mentioned so often even in the short while I've been lurking around the edges of the Ottawa poetry scene -- damn, but her work is so moving. Holy life! Just about cried. I have an idea of where her name comes from now and, yeah... WOW...


Whooooooo...


But, while she was doing her last piece, I was upstairs, packing up the food and such so that Sara could get to her *other* gig. Which was Mister Leather.

I love that it was held in the sanctuary of a church. Which is *gorgeous*, by the way. :-) The green-and-brown-and-white marble pillars are just beautiful, and the whole place is airy and light and lovely. (And I ran into my favourite Frosh Facil there! Mark, the Head Homo -- who got divorced on Monday. I told him "Happy Freedom Day" before heading out with my Young Lady. It was nice to see him again).

Anyway. Yeah.

Miz Sara did a fabulous leather contortio-striptease for the show. She was on right after intermission (and thank goodness, 'cause otherwise there would have been trouble getting there on time -- as it was, she walked over to St. Bridget's while I took a cab back to her place, dropped off the rubbermade bin of stuff (and my overnight bag) and then round-trip it back to the church).

Damn, but that girl's got a strut on her. <*shiver*> I love it. Cocky little tart. <3 :-D

She had to start the routine over again -- as the MC explained to the audience "She was just too hot, we've blown a fuse" -- and she stayed in character when the fuse blew. And she re-worked the opening to suit the turn of events, and when the music shorted out a second time, she just kept going. To thunderous applause. I took great glea in the phalanx of leathermen in the pews next to me screaming and cheering and calling out the chorus of the song she'd been dancing to (Bad to the Bone), and in the way she kept working the show despite the lack of music.

So proud of her. For pulling off two gigs in such a short timespan. For pulling off that poetry show, period (organizer, caterer, performer... gawd... I haven't done something like that since highschool, and even then, I was one of two performers and had a tonne of help), for carrying off the Mister Leather gig despite the technical difficulties.

She did a hell of a great job.


We got back to her place around midnight and pretty-much collapsed. Well, she did. Having been working less hard, I was able to sit, before lying down.


My baby girl... :-) She works like a horse, I tell you. :-) I am so impressed. :-D


Anyway, just thought I'd take a moment (hour?) to blog my praise. :-)


In other, related, news: I got my coctail dress done (or 'done enough' -- the lining still needs to be hemmed), and looked both (A) damn sophisticated and (B) damn hawt, at the same time, while wearing it. So woohoo! :-) Also: My spiffy new shoes? I succeeded in making them comfortable (in-so-far as brand-new 3" heels are comfortable) for a five-hour period that included a lot of standing, some walking, climbing stairs carrying a huge tub of stuff, and dancing for about half an hour.
Life? It be good. :-)


Anyway. I need to... god... clean. I need to clear off my bed so that I can go to sleep tonight.
But, before that, I need to put in another row (or two, or - for preference - three rows) of pleats on my Hallowe'en skirt. :-)

Wish me luck! :-D


- TTFN,
- Amazon. :-)






[1] Yeah, I learned that new term at Umi on Friday. Sergio asked if I was going to spit that night -- and I'd never heard that word used like that. Although the context explained it pretty well. Of course, I did. The host very kindly referred to me as "a powerful poet". I'll definitely take that any day of the week, even taking the hyperbole into account. ;-)

So, I went to Pagan Brunch today. Picked up my Witches' Gathering ticket.

Whee!

Now to get that costume properly made.

Wah!

So, I went to value village.

But I didn't START at value village.

I started at St. Laurent Mall. Wherein I picked up the following:

non-latex gloves
nail clippers
hair dye ("black currant" - a burgundy from Garnier)

a new bra (burgundy, again)
5 pairs of undies[1] -- on the off chance that I'm ever in a situation where I need them -- possibly including nude-esque modeling for photos. I figure if I'm *technically* clothed, I could get away with doing this in, say, the arbouritum and, as such, within the confines of OC Transpo, thus allowing me the power to decide when it's time for me to go home.


This was followed by South Keys Mall. Wherein I picked up:

Wild Side Sex: The Book of Kink by Midori (using the last of a GC for Chapters)

4 strands of dark green aventurine balls -- which will work way better than the green garnet for the necklace I'm making Miz Sara.
1 package little gold leaf and flower charms
1 package little gold butterfly charms
1 package silver screw-clasps

pine nuts
pistachio nuts
dried figs
dried pears
summer savoury


Then I went to value village. I got the following:

1 skirt to be used as the base for the many-layers-of-ruffles skirt for the Hallowe'en costume
1 velvet top to be butchered and turned into a shrug for said costume
1 black, cotton-lined, crinkle-cotton just-below-the-knee skirt for summer
1 black lace over beige stretchy fabric dress (that needs to be butchered and re-stitched into something that hits at mid-knee or so.
1 purple velvet stretchy dress that needs to be modified into a drop-waisted mini with a (possibly asymetrical) flaired skirt
1 midnight blue velvet stretchy dress that needs to be modified into a mini w/ a pleated/gathered skirt

YAY I have *dresses* again! Pretty ones (or ones that *will* be pretty) that I can wear out to clubs and shows and stuff! Woohoo! :-D


So, it's quarter to eight. I want to finish Sara's necklace (I'm going to make co-ordinating earrings with some of the gold butterflies, to go with it) before I head to bed, so off I go. :-)


- TTFN,
- Amazon. :-)

P.S.: Will also be participating in Arndis' bulk body-suplies purchase.

P.S.S.: Have decided that it's probably not profitable to sell semi-precious bead jewelery at this juncture. Though I could be wrong. I figure, I can make stuff for friends and family and if I come up with extras, I can put them up on Etsy or something and see what happens. ;-)

- TTFN,
- Me. :-)

[1] Cause getting five was actually cheaper than getting two. Gete-rid-of-this-stock promotion. ;-)

Good Evening. :-)


So, guess what? I just spent an hour trying on a bunch of my Fun Clothes to see if they still fit.

FYI? Most of them don't.
:-P

Fuck.
:-P

Not, I grant you, that I have buckets of opportunity to get gussied up to Go Out anywhere, but still. I think it's kind of sad.
For a number of reasons which, you lucky people, I shall now enumerate:
1) I don't get to go out as much as I used to.
2) I don't have to body I used to.
3) I'm feeling sad about not having the body I used to, even though I *like* the body I have now.
4) Not that most of those clothes cost me much (or anything, in some cases), but it's sad to have to get rid of them. :-(

I mean, I've got a really cute vinyl corsetty thing that *really* doesn't fit me any more. I get 'back tits' with it now, even at its loosest. Four years ago, it fit me fine with the laces done up so tight that the grommets touched. My pvc halter top thing hasn't fit in about two years. Same with my spider corset, my silver bodice and the red-roses bodice that closed using little bows all down the front.

Now, granted, switching to full/a-line skirts, well-structured, hip-length bodices and Things That Drape Prettily isn't exactly a hardship, and it's not like getting rid of old stuff won't make room for new stuff.
It's just sad. It's like, I dunno... getting rid of your "skinny clothes" -- it's like your admitting you'll never be able to wear them again. Getting rid of my clubbing clothes is like saying "I am now committed to a life of sitting at home and reading on all my Friday Nights. For Ever." Which is mildly distressing, even if I really like reading. :-)



In other news: ( A word on Pretty Boys in Eyeliner. )


On a Related Note (that WILL turn into a bit of a rant, I warn you):
I sometimes (often) wonder why my husband - who knows what colours look good on him, and which ones don't - none the less chooses to Not Care About That Stuff.
I will have to ask him.

( The Ranty Bit )

Anyway. That's what's been on my mind today. :-)


I fear that I may be coming down with something. My eyes are bleary (or my vision is blurry, either way) and I have that Hot-Ick-Sick feeling in the back of my throat, and I'm really, freaking tired. And I want a hot bath.
But I must continue tidying up. Really, really, really. :-)


- TTFN,
- Amazon.


[1] Yes, I know. The colour won't actually make you healthier. None the less, I've had royal blue make me *look* healthier on numerous occasions, which is a help when you have to Deal with the public, and want them to talk to you without giving you that "do I really want to be around this person? What if she's contagious?" look...

What I Did Today:

1) Worked from 9:30 to 5:30.
That's the longest shift I've ever had.
Aside from my feet being sore (and being slightly tired - due to not enough sleep as much as due to being on my feet for over seven hours), I'm fine. :-)

(Bring on the longer work hours). :-)


2) Carved my Jack o' Lantern! :-D
He has a lopsided grin/leer and is blind in one eye (he has a slash across it - his other eye has a pumpkin seed for an eyeball). His name is One Eyed Jack (because I'm *really* original that way), and I'm quite pleased with him (he will make excellent pie and biscotti later on. :-)


3) Assembled my Costume: Rowena Morgan, Queen of the High Seas. I have asked Paul to take a picture of me wearing it, because - low budget though it is - I am *quite* delighted with my black and blue pirate maid. :-D
Costume includes:
- Royal blue men's dress shirt
- Black capris w/ cuffs and peacock blue pin-stripes
- My home-made black boots (and high socks, ideally)
- A really long scarf in various shades of blue (and occasional purple) worn on my head
- A thrown-together tri-corn hat (that I need to tack up again, at the back)
- A black scarf with heavy beading around my waist
- A black velvet bodice
- A $2 "cutlass" that, in my hands, looks more like a cleaver than a sword, but there you go. (Would have liked to use my dad's old machetti, but it's buried somewhere in my mom's basement. Even pirates fear to tread those territories. ;-)

I may or may not include my axe. :-)
I shall wear my hair down.

I shall also wear large amounts of dark eyeshadow because, hey, if it worked for Jack Sparrow, it'll work just fine for me. :-)
Possibly some lip-stain in a berry-ish colour. :-)


I am *so* looking forward to this. :-D


4) Met two little girls in the grocery store who were *super* excited about carving their pumpkins. They both looked like they were under six years old. They are going as dead princesses. One of them - the one who was jumping up and down with excitement - has decided on death-by-impaling. :-)
(Kids are so awesome). :-D
I hope they come to my door. :-D


- TTFN,
- Amazon. :-)

Boot-making continues apace.

Plan: Finish both boots by Sunday night.

Hope this works. :-)


To do today:
- Get 2 zippers (must measure for length)
- Get baby-shower present (probably baby blankets/spit-up cloths) for tomorrow's shower
- Cut and glue leg supports (plastic mesh covered in jogging-suit fabric for comfort) to heel-cup.
- Sew upper to top edges of shoe-form
- Cut and sew boot leg (careful of fit)
- Glue bottom edges of upper to the sole/shoe-form (wait two hours)


To do tomorrow:
- Sew boot leg to boot foot (and to leg-supports)
- Sew zipper into Boot One.
- Rejoice in finished boot. (Provided this works). :-)
- Sew toe-cap-upper and heel-cup upper for Boot Two.
- 12:30, Leave for baby-shower
- 6pm, return from baby-shower
- Sew Instep upper(s) for/to Boot Two


To do on Sunday:
- Cut and glue leg supports
- Stitch and glue complete upper to shoe-form
- Cut and sew boot leg (careful of fit)
- Sew boot leg to boot foot (and to leg-supports)
- Sew zipper into Boot Two.
- Rejoice in finished boots! :-D


Somewhere during the next three days:

Find time to:

- Watch "Once Were Warriors" (easiest, as I can sew while watching movies)
- Read "The Bone People" (Amazon is on a Maori kick, can you tell?)
- Start HP7 (arriving tomorrow, whee. :-)
- Develop and write Part Eleven of my humongous Trin/Switch story (Now featuring a Title! Whee! ;-)

Wish me luck. ;-)