AkashaZuul

I liked the Simplicity pattern, but the cuffs are nuts! And also make the coat very late 1600-early 1700's style. They're also terribly impractical if you need to use your arms for anything other than dancing. I'm planning on testing out J. P. Ryan's 1750's men's coat here shortly, which seems to have more period construction techniques. Has anyone tried this pattern? I'd love to see photos of anyone's coat from that pattern. You can see my previous posts for photos of the Simplicity coat. . .

Cheryl, I would like to suggest that (if you haven't done so already) you contact your local SPCA and Humane Society, and also put an ad in the newspaper in your area. In my experience, folks don't seem to call the pet hospitals when they lose pets, they always check the shelters instead. Although it's great that you have a new family member, there is always the possibility that some little kid is without his favorite pet for the holidays, and is still desperately looking out there in hopes of finding it. Wouldn't that be awfully sad? There are folks out here who post every single day on Craig's List about their lost parrot, and have been doing so for over 15 months, so I know some people never give up hope. Unfortunately, cockatiels are generally seen as "disposable" pets, so more likely than not, your friend is there to stay. You can also post information here: http://www.mickaboo.com/lostandfound.html I volunteer with Mickaboo, and their website is also a good place to get information on diet, especially about converting to pellets. I am one of the teachers for Mickaboo's bird care classes, so if you have any questions about your new friend, please let me know. Yes, cockatiels can be trained to talk!

*removes hat* That is very sad news for all of us out here on the West Coast. I hope the new owners love her as much as we all do. I will definitely miss seeing her on the Bay.

Good luck with your sale! Although the items you are selling are fantastic, I can understand why you are making the sacrifice. . . Will you post a photo of the Batmobile when you get it? I wish I had the cash to give that Mustang a loving home. . .

Pretty much as I thought. . . just for the cost of buying sails alone, you could probably find a lovely boat that needed only reasonable work. Just looked for a nice Rosborough, but can't find one. Last one I saw was about $70K, in great shape.

I'm hoping the Royaliste will post and give some insight on how much $$$ it would take to remast and rig for sails. If those aren't working masts, I'd imagine quite a cost to get just the lumber itself. . . I can't tell from the photos what they really are. They look like telephone poles, actually. : ) It's still pretty cool, though.

Cute, but no rigging! I am not even certain that the masts are even real masts. . .

Well, finally, here are some pics of the coat and gown . . . .haven't been doing much computing since I fell and have my arm in a cast! Just a dislocated thumb.

Scott and I will definitely be there!

Gosh, what a wonderful night that was. Jack, Jill, and everyone who helped put the Buccaneer's Ball together did a fantastic job. I am crazy about that Revenge model in the corner. What an amazing job on the decor! The entertainment was great, the food was delicious, and I can't wait to go back for more! See you guys tonight. . . .

Awww. *blush* Thank you! I had a lot of fun making that stuff. I only wish I'd had more time to add trim to everything, but c'est la vie. Stuff like that is always a "work in progress", right? : ) Scott looked great in his coat, though. I hadn't seen the whole ensemble together until he changed mid-night and scared everybody with his wig! We've been together for three years now, and this is the first time I've ever seen him with hair. The dress with panniers was a riot to dance in, and my first attempt at a saque dress. I've never worn hoops that big before! However, I now understand why noble ladies had servants. . . I would probably have been in the bathroom all night trying to get into the dress if it hadn't been for a very helpful mermaid who was extremely handy with corsets and pins. No photos *yet*. I'm bringing my camera tonight, so hopefully I can post some soon. What a terrific party; I only wish there were more occasions during the year to dress up for!

Hmm. . .That sleeve thing has me stymied. I eased in the sleeve ease by hand and pin, no gathering threads necessary. After I spent the time pinning it in place, I machine sewed it in instead of hand sewing it like I planned because it just fit. How odd. Not that I'm complaining, really, but I was hoping to glean insight into where other people were having problems. : ( Cool pattern, though, if anyone has considered trying it and not done it yet. Remember to measure that sleeve length though, since it is supposed to come out a bit short, and some folks may not like that look. See Barbossa's short sleeves as an example.

So what are the problems people have been having with this pattern? I am almost finished with the one I'm making for Scott, and so far had no trouble with it at all. The size Large fit him just fine, and all I had to do was add 2" to the bottom and sleeves. The sleeves fit in the sleeve holes perfectly the first time, which I was surprised about since I'd heard that folks were having trouble with that. My only complaints about the pattern are that it doesn't have a lining (which I added), and that the godets aren't really period without proper pleats and an opening in the middle. However, it really turned out nice. Oh and also that the cuffs attach funny if you follow the directions. I'll post pics when we get the buttons attached. Anybody going to the Buccaneer's Ball will get to see it in person!

Scott also got a pirate shot glass at Faire and loves it so far. They do great work. . . I've got goblets and tankards from them that I've collected since 1994. The patina they acquire after years of use is beautiful! Happy Drinking. . . .

But I want my butt to be <------------------------THIS BIG!!!------------------------------> Like this: Actually, I think this dress is in fact a 1780's saque gown with the sides pulled up, no? I have photos in a couple of books showing the train being pulled up through the pocket holes. I'm still trying to figure out how to do it, and if it looks stupid or not. : ) I'm crazy about this dress, and just won the fabric on eBay to make it!