Author Archives: avantgarbe
A big photo post to finish out Captain America
So back in July folks were getting vaccinated, Jordan Con required proof of vaccination to attend, and Delta wasn’t a thing yet, so I was comfortable flying out there! As usual my suitcase was half filled with costume because bustle … Continue reading
Captain America Bodice – (Re) Fitting
When last we left off in March 2020 by photo date or July 2020 by post date, I had more or less finished the bodice, except for the closures. Since the April 2020 convention had obviously been cancelled, I threw … Continue reading
A Fantasy Cape + pseudo tutorial
Like many folks, I’ve ogled over the beautiful fantasy dresses over at Firefly Path. While it would take some serious doing (and I’m not sure I have the skills) to make a dress like that, the capes seemed within the … Continue reading
Return to Captain America – making a parasol (or parashield or shieldasol)
So the last time I posted about Cap was over a year ago 😬 Somewhere in the beginning of the year, I decided to go back to this costume, just in case Jordan Con ended up happening. Well, it didn’t … Continue reading
1790s / regency-ish painted shoes
After throwing my bodice mockup into the naughty corner (and also totally switching gears back to finish 1880s Captain America), I still needed a project that was a breather in between fitting. Enter shoes! Honestly, I would have been happy … Continue reading
1790s outfit (or I just want to be a fluffy sailing ship)
New era time! So I’ve said for years I don’t like regency. To my modern eye, it just wasn’t a flattering thing. (Not sure if it hurts or helps my view that you can literally hide a pregnancy there). Then … Continue reading
The Two Types of Blackwork Coifs
Some Actual Research! (I know right? Usually I just look at other costumer’s blogs, and that’s not really real research). When pandemic started, my brain was absolute mush from trying to do my job and watch a 2 year old … Continue reading
1890s Symington Corset – Construction
So last time, I drafted a corset pattern in September 2019. Then I got distracted by other projects, then a MOTHER FUCKING PANDEMIC. Daycare closed for 3 months, so I had a full time job (which thankfully gave me a … Continue reading
1890s Symington Corset – Fitting
Hooboy, so I started this corset a while ago. Back in July 2019 when pandemics didn’t exist, I thought I might have time to make a new corset to wear with my Captain America Bustle for Jordan Con in April … Continue reading
American Duchess Cape – Sewing it up
After the ridiculousness that was FOUR MOCKUPS FOR A FRIGGIN CAPE sewing it up was nice and straightforward. The outer fabric was an easy choice. I’ve had some dark gray wool satin in my stash since 2012 (sheesh both my … Continue reading
Avant Garbe 