Of lace and space

Oh my Godoka, I am so tired. That could be because I just walked home with three bags of groceries, but this summer in general has been a wearing one. So obviously, it's pic spam time.

I turned 22 last month!

My friends threw me a cupcake and cookie making party. :3

Also I've finally made some progress in my wares for Etsy.

(wrist cuffs)

(headpieces)

(chokers, and one more headpiece)

 

I made a friend who's a boss at doing hair. Also I sold her the first of my wares! Which she is wearing here. Along with the results of her hairboss skills.

She also tried on the first corsage I made, for my own wardrobe.

Later that night we went to a goth club and I took an outfit snap. 

A few weeks ago (on an unrelated note), I had an attack of ZOMG CUTE in my university's bookstore. I'll show you why.

It's a roly poly fluffy manatee! You're welcome, Sweet Lolitas.

And now some Doctor spam. I was a wee bit excited about the new season of Doctor Who, and Eleven had me firmly in his squee-inducing clutches. Uh, more than usual. So I sketched him. (Yes, in the middle of Japanese class. I have to stay awake somehow.)

And THEN the ballroom studio at which my mom and sisters take dancing lessons (I would love to join them, but it's an hour away from my university, so maybe later) had an open house, and the theme was the greatest object of my nerdly adoration: space. So obviously, I had to go as the Doctor. And this involved pulling Eight's wardrobe practically out of my closet, since he is rather steampunk-romantigothy-ish. Also I made a TARDIS. Out of a tissue box. 

 

And Sheepie (consult previous post) was my companion. ^u^

Of sheep and black lace

I made a skirt for Sheepie (my cute stuffed sheepie), who is also known as Annabelle Lee, so she could have something gothy to wear to Das Bunker. I finished crocheting it in the dark in a moving car on the way there! It was exciting. o.O And this is now the background of my phone.

 

I want to post more often. But this Japanese class is being quite difficult, so be content with sheepie (at Das Bunker) for now. :) 

Of being well met by moonlight

I had forgotten that my polyvore automatically updates to Blogger, but even so I hope some of you enjoyed the recent deluge of polyvore sets. I wanted to try the same lolita + zodiac idea that Aly employed on her blog Miss Lumpy, except that I was going for a more gothic aesthetic (as I'm sure you gathered). I'm better at creating art sets than the strictly fashion ones, so they aren't literally lolita, but I'm quite proud of them, even so.

Other recent news...I went to Fresno to visit my prince, last weekend. I will try to obtain a picture or two from our date at a goth club event. It turns out I'm better at dancing than I thought, which is rather helpful in confidence-building (aka it provides yet more evidence that I should not be as painfully shy as I am, which I am trying very hard to overcome).

Yesterday I attached another(!) ruffle to the skirt of my dress, but didn't manage to get a picture quite yet. Will do so, soon. That reminds me! I also need to photograph my recent for-Etsy crafting. Let's just say I suspect my trademark will be (ribbon-made and all other sorts of) roses. But you knew that. And chandeliers, of course.

On Sundays I have a Japanese study group that meets at Starbucks, and yesterday I happened to meet a lovely gothic lolita (making three of us in all in that group, plus another one who wasn't dressed in goth loli that day) with whom I am now planning to revolutionize our local community. Translation: we need tea meetups every week. Also, we think there should be more gothic (in addition to sweet loli) vendors at various events, and accordingly will combine our crafting powers. Watch for more news on the subject! Seriously, it was like one of those wonderful chance encounters I would write for my characters--except it happened to me, in real life! Remarkable, no?

Of cloaks at last

Happy Loli Day to all of you! I've had flu for a while, but knowing it was ILD did lend a festive air to that particular sick day.

I'll be out of town for a while after this, but I may have time to update so I'll try to do that. We're going where the winter is colder than in California (though it does get chilly here, don't get me wrong) so this year, instead of looking for a winter coat, I fulfilled a long held dream and made a cloak! I showed you fabric pictures before, but here are some worn pics.

It isn't perfect, but I love this cloak. It's so gorgeous and warm. In fact I'm wearing it right now, "because I can."

Recently I've also put a lot of my time into crocheting accessories to (I hope) sell at the next swap meet. These aren't quite finished, but I thought I'd show you what I have so far.

~Two different chokers (they're supposed to involve beading lace, but I haven't added the ribbon yet)

~Wrist cuffs (from two different sets) and a headpiece.

It is a bit tedious but I like how they're turning out. Sometimes I've been crocheting while watching anime, or documentaries about space. I am such a space nerd. Did you know that our lovely moon was formed by another planet the size of Mars crashing into the Earth? It was awesome.

...Alright, I'm done now. Have a happy winter holiday!

Of cloaks and knitted white roses

This weekend I was able to take a few pictures, not to mention venture forth to the fabric store, so let me elaborate on a few crafting plans, shall I?


So first, here is half a finished pair of my easier-to-knit alternative to knee length socks (which I love, mind you), for which I'm avoiding the term 'legwarmers' because it might be harder for me to argue they have true loli potential, which I personally feel they do. OH! And they're going to laceup, hence the rectangular (non tube-ish) shape.

The lighting was not good, so I edited a bit. I'm not familiar with this editing program, so I hope it's not too hard to see! That's supposed to be a window in the center, with chandeliers and rose vines on the sides...

For my winter coat this year, as a cheaper and so much more nerdily fantastical alternative, I'm making a cloak. I have always wanted one, ever since I fell in love with The Lord of the Rings at twelve. Here's my fabric for the outer layer (black with swirlies and points) and the lining (snuggly red fleece).

I used the lining as a backdrop for the clasp (as you can see). I love white gems, and I'm probably influenced in this by the Elves.

Also, I picked up a package of black and white fleur-de-lis appliques that I have been eying for the longest time.

I also acquired a handy little book about embroidery, which I've discovered I love like some people love knitting or crochet or...or flower-making... Anyway, it's "my" craft, if you know what I mean, the one that really feels "right." I think it's because it's a bit like drawing.
Thanks so much for reading, my dancers--I've got to run at the moment though, so I'll see you again soon!

Of another choker (black and red this time!)

I've moved into my dorm at last, so maybe I can update more often, yes? Anyway, I appreciate each and every one of you, even when I go a while between posts.

Last week I had a sudden crafting urge, so on looking through my box of stuff and things, I made this choker.

 

I've had a shortage of chokers for...well, my whole life, basically. I love them.

I can't wait to show you pictures of my dorm decor. I'm not finished decorating the walls and so forth, but it's nicely gothic and fanciful so far. Unfortunately I don't have a camera, so I'll try to bring one from home and snap some quick photos next weekend.

Until then, please accept this drawing of my characters Taralyn (a goth girl), Umeko (a gothic lolita) and Etsu (a wearer of boystyle Aristo).

They're working on a Doctor Who meme I filled out recently (my version is here on deviantart if you're interested), because I had no one in real life to tag, so...I tagged them. I assure you, what Tara, Ume and Etsu lack in nonfictionality they make up for in enthusiasm! 

Of much crafting and one goth loli who's all grown up

Ah my lovely roses, it's so very good to be back. Did you know it was my birthday yesterday? I'm officially allowed in goth clubs now (21 years old, that is), although I'm not sure when I'll have the opportunity to visit them, just yet. Anyway, somewhat by chance I chatted for several hours at Starbucks with a couple of my Japanophile friends, one of them a fellow lolita. Thanks again, if you two are reading this--you made it a wonderful birthday.

So, as to recent craftiness--
Rather than give up on making Wonderful Things for three weeks, this trip I decided to bring my crafting supplies in a box and keep it with me in the car (we had a few 12 hour driving days and many more partial days). I will be doing that on (car)trips from now on.

I've been dying for a choker or five. Here's my first so far, which I love. (Also, I'm obsessed with beading lace, which is what I think you call that lace with ribbon threaded through).













I bought that charm in January. I'm happy I can finally wear it!

Another of my oldschool loves is wristcuffs. These turned out with...slightly uneven lengths, but they'll do. They'll do quite nicely, in fact.

No worn pics yet, because I haven't created an attaching method for them... Probably I'll go the loop-and-button route, 'cause you can do that with one hand.

Also I finished a headdress that's been sitting in my crochet bag for a while now. Behold, more beading lace~

I've decided to give ankle socks a go, as they take less time and potentially wasted effort. I love the idea of socks lacing up like boots (plus it makes them a bit more adjustable) and so I experimented with it here.

I started to add a crochet panel because the gap on top of the foot turned out way too wide for me to lace up in the way I'd planned. But I made several other mistakes on this one (I was figuring out the stitch pattern as I went) so I think I'll start afresh and let this sock be a prototype.

You know what's really exciting? I made little knit roses on this sock, along with thorny vines. The roses are a modified "popcorn" stitch. I'll tell you how if you like. (I heightened the contrast to make it show up better.)

But this sock's main purpose was that I wanted to figure out a way to make a chandelier design with the stitches (I'll do some two-color versions too), so this is my first try at that.

The chandeliers are made of yarnovers (the holes) and purl stitches, so they don't show up very vividly. I have an idea for a more visible pattern for next time, though.

Ah yes, the coffin purse.

This has been relegated to crafting/jewelry box duty, because I need something much stiffer for the walls of a purse. But I love it anyway.

Did I show you the lace for my red x black dress before? Anyway, here it is... I'll get around to sewing it on the dress soon, I promise.

And this is an outfit snap from yesterday~

Although I'm repeating myself, your Ballroom host is quite glad to be back among all the lovely dark dancers who visit her. Do have some more tea before you go--it's my rose chocolate blend. (I wish it would materialize in real life as well as cyberspace!)

Of shimmery black ruffles and thorny windows

In my absence, I've accomplished a few loli-related crafty things, which I'm excited to show you. I've also been decluttering the kitchen counters and various other areas of the house. It's difficult at times (I'm not naturally organized), but strangely enjoyable and very worth it.

Returning to craftiness, I give you my first attempt at embroidery. I'm really quite proud of it.

(This is embroidered on the lower right side of the bodice.) There are roses too, but they're embroidered in red so it's harder to see them.

I'm getting closer to finishing the coffin purse, but it's being recalcitrant at the moment so I'll show you pics when it's done.

But! I have another exciting project to reveal! It's been sooo hot lately, I can hardly wear anything but skirts. But I don't have many, so I made myself another one.
Front~

...and back. The spiderweb fabric from my first skirt returns, you'll notice. I wanted to use what I had left after being inspired by the jumperskirt OpiateVampire made out of this material.

Granted, satin and taffeta might not be summer-friendly, but...but they're so pretty. You know, it's fun finally having a stash to delve into, which is what I did for this skirt. Also the waist is elastic, so I don't have to worry about blending in a zipper. I need a bigger stash though! Don't we all.

I'm crocheting a lace edging for the waist of my red x black JSK, so look forward to seeing the finished dress! (Give or take a few other embellishments.) 

Also, starting late this month I'll be out of town for about three weeks, and I probably won't be able to post, or at least not very much. In any case, keep goth-ing and loli-ing till next time. Yes those are real verbs. At least now.

Of a darkly dramatic color combination

Welcome (midweek) to Red and Black Week! And also, welcome and thank you to my new followers!
The above-mentioned week's icon, from Sophistique Noir~



I meant to do a catch up post yesterday, but in the course of anime-watching I got myself traumatized by accidentally wandering into what TVTropes.com calls a Cosmic Horror Story. I was not impressed.

Anyway, on to lovelier thoughts. On Sunday I didn't manage to pull an outfit together, but I did start on another red-and-black project I've had in mind.

A coffin purse! Here's the outside half-completed...

And the lining.~

Yesterday I only got a mirror shot of my outfit, but most of the red/black details were in the upper half of the outfit, and I really am getting fond of mirror shots (at least to show details like earrings.)

















...But next time maybe I'll clean the mirror first.
 
Today my coordinate is Fire Nation -inspired (referring to the show Avatar: the Last Airbender). At least that's what the red and gold top always makes me think of, so I ran with it.

Since I added the vest to add more black, this outfit makes me think of Mai in particular--an added bonus, since I love her and she's been called the Avatar equivalent of a goth girl (I think).













Also, another mirror shot.~

Happy belated International Lolita Day to all of you, by the way! I didn't do much, but I did wear a lolita skirt and worked on my writing (which seems a rather lolita pasttime especially considering my genre). But anyway, I've had fun reading about all of your loliday celebrations, and red/black posts!

Of crafting successes and fabric woes

First, the good news.

These past few days I've felt more crafty than in a while, so I finally made a couple things from materials in my stash. Knowing my love for headdresses, you shouldn't be surprised at this one. (I'm sorry to say the flash washed everything out--that pillow it's lying on is a dark green. I love silky ribbons, but flash doesn't tend to do them justice.)

 

It isn't done yet, but it's coming along better than my previous one. I plan to make quite a few, partly to get the hang of it (making headdresses is harder than we've been led to believe, as Victoria Suzanne of Lolita Charm pointed out in this post), and partly because I intend to have a vast, darkly beribboned collection of them. Vast, I say. Along with my collection of lace-up boots and frilly parasols.

I'll add a crocheted lace edging on top of the ruffle (to hide the ribbon edges), and to that end I've been learning to crochet. I was attempting this edging pattern, but I've realized I need a lot more knowledge of the craft before I can do something that complicated (sigh). So I think a simpler pattern will be just as nice, especially for a practice headdress.

For the longest time I've wanted to make a shiro corsage out of some things I had laying around, and I finally have.

I love the way it turned out, if I do say so! I mostly part ways with JoAnn's when it comes to lace, but I love this lace. It's the roses that do me in. <3 I made wristcuffs out of the rest of the lace and some of that white-embroidered ribbon you see on the bow, but I don't have fastenings sewn onto them yet so I'll wait to dazzle you with worn pics.

Now, the disheartening news.

My samples from Dharma Trading Co came, and they're nice, but not as heavy and/or drapey as I'd hoped for. Partly my problem is just figuring out what type of fabric I'm looking for (a surprisingly difficult task). So far I'm intrigued by this fabric at Favorite Fabrics. The vines are so pretty! I like working with plain fabrics better than prints, but I don't at all mind (in fact, I love) having a swirly intricate print as long as it's black on black.

Thankfully, we have some lightweight black suiting fabric that my mother has decided not to use, and it looks like I can use that for the bodice. Of the samples, I like the rayon challis best (it's quite soft and supple) so I'll probably pair that with a lining for the skirt.

I'll also be keeping an eye out for promising material and so forth when I go to the thrift store in a little bit...but I'll save that for another post.

Anyway,  if anyone has any suggestions as to where I can find good quality black fabric, do let me know!