Not a Costume - T-Shirt Quilt

Here's another non-costuming related project that I wanted to share. I realized a few months ago that I had an astounding number of t-shirts from high school, college, and grad school that I never wear, but am too nostalgic to throw out. Just as I was thinking about that I needed to do something about that, this link popped up on my Pinterest feed (don't you just love Pinterest?). And so, I decided I had to make one. Here's what I came up with.

Each square is made of three layers. The t-shirt fabric is on top, the middle layer is some inexpensive cotton flannel I ordered online, and the backing is a set of blue flannel sheets I found a thrift store. Each square is stitched, wrong sides together, with a larger-than-normal seam allowance. The seem allowances are cut into fringe. Since it's made of t-shirt fabric and flannel, fraying is minimal. I also stitched around the edge of the quilt and cut it into fringe, rather than binding it.

The back is smooth, since all the seam allowances are on the top. And, since each square is stitched all the way around the edges as it is assembled, you don't have to actually quilt it.

This particular quilt is made with 12.5" squares, and is 5 squares wide and 7 squares long. That ended up being the number of t-shirt squares I had. I highly recommend springing for a quilting square before you start trying to cut out the t-shirts. It made it so much easier.

I also made a couple of composite squares from smaller, front side t-shirt logos. Once again, the quilting square was invaluable. Four squares cut with the inside of the quilting square equal one of the larger squares with the seam allowance subtracted.

I'm happy to report that it's very cozy. And best of all, I can keep the memories while freeing the closet space. Back to costuming soon!

Eleanor of Toledo's Red Silk Dress

Okay, I haven't done a planning post in a while. This is what I want to make next. Or maybe not exactly next, but soon. I'm thinking about this dress as a possible Pentathlon entry. It's going to take forever. So, I might as well get started.

It will be made of red silk (as soon as I can find some at a decent price). I plan to figure out how to do the gold couching embroidery, and embroider the neckline, the waist "V", the sleeves, and the hem. The gold net partlet and caul are of course, a must. The red and black combination seemed to be quite popular at the time, so in order the give the dress options, I am also planning to make a black overgown, possibly of wool.

I love the combination of a side- or back-laced gown with a slightly open overgown. And the overgown sleeves, which their slashing and puffing, look like so much fun. I'll probably create a second pair of sleeves to wear under the overgown. I definitely want one pair just like Eleanor's portrait, for when I want to wear the gown by itself. I hope to get started as soon as I acquire some red silk, and fix my bodice pattern. Hopefully, which this project, I will remember to actually post in-progress updates. I'm excited!

More pictures from Gulf War

So, while at Gulf War, Natalie and I found some hawks and falcons.

Apparently, we arrived just at the right time, as we got to assist with some training exercises.

Basically, this was a childhood wish fulfilled. I've wanted to hang out with a falcon since I read My Side of the Mountain at about 8 years old. So awesome.

Also, there were puppies. A future gown-planning post soon!