It's about exploring and sharing my creative adventures (mostly sewing these days) ~
~those activities that sometimes obsess, usually inspire, occasionally frustrate
~and always provide a delightful maze to wander through.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Bustles! Times Two. And Stuff...

I've been sewing, but I have more half-finished pieces than finished to show for it.   Part of the reason is that ... (insert drum roll please) ... I received my first actual real-life honest-to-goodness Etsy order from a total stranger!   Out of the blue, unexpected!   Seriously, I had a couple of photos of finished steampunk bustles listed on Etsy as possible "Custom Orders"  (i.e., I'll make one similar to this in your color choice).  The only reason I had them up was to keep my shop viable until I was ready to actually start making stuff.   Sort of like a "Coming Soon" sign in a shop window.

I didn't expect anyone to actually ORDER one from me!

But someone did.

And wouldn't you know it, it was a "rush" order.   To be shipped to Australia.

So, in between a busy work week, my cat shredding both hands with another biting episode (my poor hands...yes, it was, and still is, a big "OUCH!", and poor kitty....this was the final signal that he HAS to get to the vet to find out what's going on with him - I just pray that it's a) curable and not too serious, and b) not going to break the bank [gulp]), settling my new housemate in (all is going very well on that front), moving through another episode with a damaged rib, and, well, life...... I made this:



for a delightful-sounding young woman in Oz, who is dressing up in a Harlequin costume for her birthday, and loved my "Tattered Series" Etsy bustle.  She gave me her wish list (including a matching neck ruffle), we struck a deal, and I got a real customer for my pretend store!

I also finished a reversible bustle - this was another one made for a friend - and I think I may have another viable concept for those traveling bustle-wearers who would like two options in one piece of clothing :)
Bustle Back - tattered side and smooth side

Side View - Tattered and Smooth options
I also went to TWO (2) gatherings with local sewists!  At my TNT group, BABES, I thought I was doing a GREAT job of clutter-clearing when I took a large box of patterns and fabrics to re-home, but I ended up filling the box to the brim and bringing home lots of shiny, satiny, bustley potentials!   So much for clutter.....  You know what one of the wonderful side effects of  making these sorts of goodies is?  It opens up a whole NEW WORLD of fabric possibilites!   All of the sequins and glitters  and polyesters and taffetas that never got a second glance from me before are now turning my head and actually making me go "squeeeee" with delight!   Who knew?  Then I was a guest at another gathering of incredible sewists - what fun it is to meet the many creative and talented people who abound in this area - sometimes I feel so utterly blessed.  :)  Although I have to admit that, when my "show and tell" items were passed around the room, I found myself cringing more than a little when I realized the scrutiny these talented ladies were subjecting my stitching to.   [gulp]

And then, to top it all off, I was browsing through Stonemountain on Saturday (I can't seem to drive within 10 blocks of it without my car finding its way to a nearby parking spot and pulling in.....) and I heard a familiar laugh coming from the next room ... and there was shams, with Elizabeth of Sewn, and Steph of The Dashing Eccentric.   Two more new sewists!  What a full and delightful week it's been.

Except for the cat thing.

Hope those of you U.S.'ers who had the luxury of a long vacation weekend enjoyed every moment of it :)  Oh heck, whether you had a long weekend or a short one, and wherever you live, hope you're enjoying your weekend and/or your week.  Let's all count our blessings. :)

And forgive our cats.

26 comments:

Andrea said...

Jilly, so sorry about the cat, and hope it is, as you said, both curable and not expensive. The bustles are gorgeous works of art. Congratulations on your first order!

shams said...

It's been a fun month, sewcially, hasn't it? That new bustle is AH-MAZING! Did you use any of my fabric, yet? And I am sorry about your kitty - I hope you figure it out SOON.

Mary said...

Congratulations on your Aussie order. The bustle is so pretty and I'm sure the client will love it. ummm, what goes underneath?

and tell your cat to STOP that...

Jillybejoyful said...

Your tattery lace/plaid fab fabric is definitely next on my list of bustles! I'm so torn right now - finish a selfish-for-me item, or make another bustle? I'm leaning towards the bustle.....

Jillybejoyful said...

::sigh::: I tried talking to him, but I fear that whatever is going on with him is beyond his control :(

I think she's going to wear tights with this one...everything else I've done was to be worn with a full, Victorian style skirt, but hey, in costume-land, anything goes!

Jillybejoyful said...

Thank you! And hopes and wishes for kitty are gratefully received :)

Jillybejoyful said...

P.S. I'm going to make some popcorn & settle in to watch "Buck" tonight....maybe I'll learn something regarding talking to kitty?

shams said...

You know, if you are having fun with it creatively *and* earning some money, I say bustle it!

Jillybejoyful said...

I think I "earned" about $4-5/hr on this bustle. Maybe. I'm not disciplined enough to actually sit and focus & track my time, but I'll figure it out! The last minute neck ruffle thingy was pretty good though - about $2 in material, $15 sale price, 15 minutes to make. That I can live with lol!

Sigrid said...

Congratulations on your first order. And you made a great bustle too! They're both very original and lovely.

Unknown said...

Vets are spendy, but kitty is worth it. I took my springer spaniel for her regular checkup and shots in July. By sheer coincidence, she had been in heat and acting like she had PMS. I thought she was still in heat!!! When I told my vet how she was acting, he did an ultasound. She had a severe inner uterine infection and had to have emergency surgery. For those with female dogs...please get them spayed. This is a common problem with older female dogs that have not been spayed. Usually by the time they show signs of beng in pain, it's too late to save them!

...and your bustles are very pretty!!!

prttynpnk said...

these are so fun and I love how unlimited the possibilities are- could you ever get bored always making something slightly different?

gwensews said...

Congratulations on your first order and entry into custom bustles. I love them. Love steampunk. I'm sorry your kitty has issues. Hope they get settled soon. And good luck with your new border.

Claire R. said...

The concept of "traveling bustle" is new to me and I like it a lot! Your bustles are really gorgeous! Too bad they have to get covered up!

RhondaBuss said...

These are great. You're going to be known as "The Bustle Queen!"

Jillybejoyful said...

Claire - these sorts of bustles are meant to be displayed, not covered up! Ah yes, times have changed - bustles can be worn OUTside the skirt in steampunk/fantasy/costume world! :D

Jillybejoyful said...

lol! I suppose any title will do ;-D

Jillybejoyful said...

OOAK, as I discovered long ago, will not make as much $$ as mass production, but some of us just can't do it any other way and keep wearing a smile in our souls :) :) :)

Jillybejoyful said...

Thank you Gwen :)

Jillybejoyful said...

Thanks Sigrid! :)

Jillybejoyful said...

She has promised to send pictures, so I'll accept a "virtual" attendance ;)

Jillybejoyful said...

I agree Judi - pets should be spayed. Period. I'm trying not to think about the potential cost His vet is possibly the most expensive in town! But, sadly, that's the price you pay for "alternative" and high quality health care.

Unknown said...

Super Fun Jilly! Congrats on your order, that's fantastic and satisfying.

Dixie said...

Hot stuff, these bustles! I'm happy you've found something fun to sew, and some customers!

Jane M said...

Love those bustles! Congrats on that order, how exciting. And good luck with your kitty. We just had an emergency vet visit for our little swwet guy and nothing serious but worth the peace of mind in the end.

glorm said...

Congratulations on your order. Let's hope it's not like that commercial and you get thousands of orders! You'll never have time to blog. :(

Sorry to hear about your kitty. Hope all turns out well.