November 20, 2016
Class Review — Design & Sew an A-Line Skirt
Deadlines will be the death of me. I set them, and relax knowing I have lots of time to get the task done. Then suddenly out of nowhere, I have mere hours left before my project is due. But it’s all fine because I’ve planned out everything in my head so just a quick execution and … right execution. That is how I go out: ambushed and executed by a deadline.
This time around, it was a skirt. I made a deal with two friends to review the same class and post on the same day. We set the date. I watched the class. But did I start the work then? Nope! I started drafting the pattern earlier this week. Here are the reasons I didn’t finish sewing my skirt:
- I got caught up in the drafting phase and took extra time to add this and that to it. Who knew I would love drafting so much?!
- I got to the zipper installation step and found that all those bins of zippers didn’t contain a single colour that would work.
- The cat ate my waistband.
Somewhere under the furniture, there lurks a slimy ball of chewed turquoise fabric just waiting to pounce, so I’ll just sit here with my feet up and get on to my critique of Design and Sew an A-Line Skirt with Deborah Moebes.
FYI, Craftsy didn’t charge me for this particular class. They gave it to me eons ago, hoping I would eventually get around to writing a review.
Whoops! Before I get into my deep thoughts, it might help if you know what kinda cockamamie idea got me in this position. My friend, Michelle who also blogs, suggested we review all the Craftsy classes we have been hoarding accumulating over the years. We would post our reviews on the same day every month.
That was meant to keep us accountable to each other and help us get through those classes before we were both celebrating our centennials (Amer.) or centenaries (Brit.) with bottle bottom glasses and our teeth on the nightstand. She recruited Naomi, and that’s how it all started. Hang with me and I’ll give you their coordinates so you can get their opinions as well. (We all know my opinion is what counts though, right? Right??)
What is Craftsy
Craftsy is, arguably, one of the best and most popular platforms for learning arts, crafts and sewing online. And that’s my totally biased, but genuine opinion. I even belong to a Facebook group for people who are in denial about their addiction to the Cracksy. The classes range from painting and photography to woodworking and metal smithing. Once you buy a class, it’s yours to keep for life. And you have anytime access to watch and review it, as long as you have internet connection. If you take a chance and buy a class and then find that you hate it, you have one month to switch it to another class or get a refund. You can’t tell me that isn’t low, almost negligible, risk!
One other thing: They’ve recently done a little reinventing and are pushing the supplies they sell. That hasn’t been going over too well with the die-hard learners like me. We don’t want to order supplies; we just wanna stuff more knowledge between our ears. Ok, now we can move on to the review…
Instructor: Deborah Moebes
I’m sure it’s her theatre background that makes her just so riveting on camera. I love her energy and how comfortable she is talking to the big glass eye. I kept forgetting that I was watching her onscreen and not in the room with her. She’s certainly not a stand-up comedian so I wasn’t LMAO but she is pretty funny and her language and easy-going style made me grin a lot.
That said, I do have a huge issue and I don’t know who’s getting demerit points for this one. Craftsy promises that the teachers are available in the forum to answer student questions, but our questions are going unanswered unless classmates jump in and help out. I’m all for the group knowledge (hive mind?) experience, but it is disappointing that we can’t interact with Deborah. Is this because she’s abandoned the class? Or did Craftsy forget to tell us that the teachers are only available for a limited time? Whatever the reason, don’t expect to get any answers or advice from Deborah outside of the video lessons.
Minor issues (read as Marsha’s Pet Peeves): It just about drove me batty that she sewed over pins — every time. Aaaaaaghhh!
Class: Design and Sew an A-Line Skirt (Did you forget already?)
As you might guess from the title, this one class covers 2 different skills—pattern drafting and sewing.
Drafting = Math! If you really and truly want to throw up at the thought of algebra and geometry lessons, keep your distance from any drafting class. If you’re only feeling a little squeamish, then go for it. The methods for calculations that Deborah uses in this class are the simplified ones so if you passed Junior High math, you’ll be fine.
Of course simplified means it’s not perfectly accurate and it takes some fiddling and fudging. Don’t fool yourself into expecting the drafting process to be nice and neat. It’s a $%^# mess!
I did have to turn to other resources to make sense of some parts of the lessons. “Squaring Up” had me in a state of bewilderment until I revisited the drafting series on Creative Bug. Until then, I was sliding my ruler up and down, side to side, up and down again, with zero clue as to what I was hoping to accomplish.
The sewing part is really straightforward and unremarkable, except the aforementioned pins. I did use the side seam pocket template à la Liesl Gibson on Creative Bug. I just liked the shape a little better than the template included in the class material.
My overall opinion (mine and mine alone) is that this class is an excellent introduction to drafting custom garments. It’s simple enough that it isn’t intimidating, and it includes enough variations that you don’t need to hack anything. So I’d recommend this to an adventurous beginner who looks at pretty skirts in the store and says, “Pshhh, I can make that!” It also makes sense for an experienced sewist who would like to take a swipe at designing and fitting.
OPO (Other People’s Opinions)
Remember I said that there were other friends in on this adventure? Well, good for you! Because that means you can get 3 opinions before you decide to drop a few pennies on this class. Please, please and pretty please go read what my friends Michelle and Naomi have to say about the class. I’ll be reading too because I have no flippin’ idea what they thought.
Naomi’s post is here on Barely Beige and Michelle’s can be found here on Michelle’s Creations. (I keep wanting to say, “Michelle’s Brags,” but that’s an old joke from April.) Do me a huge favour and go visit them.
You know I gots nuttn but love for my readers — that’s you! I’m off to miss the next deadline. Be well.
Cheers!
PS. Naomi is new at this, so show her some love and follow her blog.
Tags: A-line, craftsy, design, pattern drafting, skirt
September 20, 2016
Canada Cups Winners Announced & New Giveaway
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Edited to add:
Marian A. was the charmed winner of the 3-class prize pack provided by Craftsy. Congrats, Marian!
Rochelle F. won the black lace, but traded it in for more zippers instead.
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Welcome back! You and I both know that you’re here to find out if you, or someone you know, won a prize. Go on, admit it! … But don’t be in too much of a hurry to leave. There’s more. We wanted everyone to win so we’ve got some discounts for you, from some of our best kept Canadian secrets. Plus, I’m having a mini-giveaway of 1/2 metre of black stretch lace from my personal stash. Read past the winners’ names to find out more.
Giveaway Winners
Are you one of the lucky 10?
- Lavender and Lace bra-making class from Braphoria: Reece Montgomery (Canada)
- Two $25 CAD store credit certificates (for you and a friend) from Bra-makers Supply: Denise Marie (USA)
- Exclusive pre-release Latte bra kit from The Emerald Studio: Jodi Barrington (Canada)
- Complete bra kit including findings, underwires, and lace from Uplift Custom Bras: Angela Smith (Canada)
- The Sophie Swimsuit online class, incl. PDF pattern from Closet Case Files: Yiling (USA)
- $50 CAD store credit from Blackbird Fabrics: Chelle (USA) [Not again! This woman has a horseshoe hidden somewhere!]
- $25 CAD gift card from Ann’s Fabric Shop & a PDF pattern from Jalie: Jeannie (USA)
- $50 CAD gift card from Central Sewing Machines: Patricia (Canada)
- Complete bra kit from Custom Bras: Kelly Boggs (Canada)
- The 10th prize is a bundle of 3 classes from Craftsy, worth more than $200 USD. Their Giveaway is still open until tonight, 11:59 PM MST. This lucky skunk of a winner will be notified directly by Craftsy. (I’m so jelly!)
Discounts From Our Sponsors
—> Get the two Craftsy classes I reviewed for 50% off (half price, 2 for 1, half off…) If you love the look of corsets (they’re hot this Fall), and you can operate your sewing machine, then you definitely want to pick up at least one of these classes: Sewing Corsets: Essential Techniques – Alison Smith and/or Custom Corsets: Bones, Casings & Busks – Linda Sparks. Expires: Sept. 30
—> Visit Jalie for 20% off when you buy 3 or more PDF Patterns. Code: JALIE3PDF
—> Stop by Custom Bras for 10% off any item in stock. Code: Tour2016
—> Pop over to With Love Lingerie and score big with 50% off any order over $40. Code: Bloghop2016. Expires: Dec. 15, 2016
—> Drop in at Farthingales for 15% off your order. Code: Cancups
—> Pass by Miss Maika Fabrics to get 15% off some yummy fabric. Code: LINGERIE16. Expires: Sept. 30
Mini-Giveaway
And Another Giveaway
Craftsy (yes, them again!) is giving away a mega mystery box of crafting goodies. The prize includes a class, plus supplies based on your crafting interests. Sounds like something I want to win for myself. Maybe I shouldn’t even be telling you about this so my chances will be better. … kitty’s already out of the box, horse out of the barn… just go enter so I can shut my trap!
I’m so glad you took this trip with us. It was out of this world, but I’m dying from the jetlag now, though. (Or was it the pixie dust I swallowed in-flight?) Whatever has me so knackered, this old girl is signing off to go have a little afternoon nap.
See you soon!
Did You Miss Any of Our Posts from the Tour?
Here again are all the posts from our magical trip with the Fairy Bra Mother and our impish friends:
- Beverly, our Fairy Bra Mother, launched the tour with her airy fairy introduction
- Valérie reviewed the Craftsy class Sewing Lingerie: Essential Techniques, by Alison Smith, même en français
- Michelle S. also reviewed Sewing Lingerie: Essential Techniques, by Alison Smith
- Lisa brought us a feature on Linda at Uplift Custom Bras
- Rachel got Emerald Erin sharing her story
- Lisa fit right in as a new Pin-Up Girl using Beverly Johnson’s class, Sewing Bras: Construction and Fit on Craftsy
- Shelaine also made her first bra from Sewing Bras: Construction and Fit
- Rachelle got up close and personal with Carrie from With Love Lingerie
- Valérie went totally casual with Miss Maika Fabrics
- Rachelle wrote a review of Craftsy’s Sewing Bras: Foam, Lace & Beyond, by Beverly Johnson
- Michelle N. shared her thoughts on Sewing Bras: Foam, Lace & Beyond as well.
- Jessica from Gracious Threads got the scoop on our Fairy Bra Mother
- Deb of Sprouting Jubejube chatted with Emilie from Jalie
- Karin and her daughter got chaotic (twice!) with their corsets at Sewing Corsets: Essential Techniques, by Alison Smith & Custom Corsets: Bones, Casing & Busks, by Linda Sparks
- Marsha flew by the seams of her pants into the same two corset classes from Craftsy
- Shelaine had a lovely chat with Melissa from Ann’s Fabric Shop
- Michelle N. got Karin of Mrs. Weaver’s to talk about her Finest Unmentionables
- Rachel tried her hands at designing her own assets with another Craftsy class Sewing Bras: Designer Techniques, by Beverly Johnson
- Jessica did the same with Sewing Bras: Designer Techniques, by Beverly Johnson
- Valérie came back again for an interview with Blackbird Fabrics
- Michelle N. took us for a look at her favourite local sewing spot, Central Sewing Machines
- Michelle S. returned to talk to Wendy of Custom Bras about her bespoke bras. Be what??
- Marsha got a taste of what’s behind Farthingales’ corsets
- Deb went bottoms up in the latest Beverly Johnson/Craftsy collaboration, Sewing Panties: Construction & Fit
- And so did Michelle in her Sewing Panties: Construction & Fit class
- Linda brought up the rear with her wrap-up post on Farthingales
Coming Up:
- Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It’s always fun!
- See you next year for another round of …
Tags: blog tour, Canada, Canada Cups, craftsy, Fairy Bra Mother, Giveaway, lace, lingerie
September 18, 2016
Canada Cups Giveaway 2016
We’re finally at the end of our official Canada Cups tour, but we’re not quite finished yet. We have some exciting prizes to give away — 10 of them, in fact. But before I let you loose with the entries, how about a round of applause for our stupendous bloggers and indulgent sponsors who made this all possible?
Our Bloggers
The links to all their blog posts are at the end so please visit and revisit in the coming weeks because we’re not done with our unofficial posts about intimate topics and scandalous unmentionables.
Our Magnanimous Sponsors
Thank you all for joining us as we ran circles around the country in our foundation garments like a C-list slasher movie. (What’s up with those, anyway?) It’s been a pleasure taking you into our sewing rooms, bedrooms and in some cases, our living rooms. Please come back and visit soon.
¡Hasta la proxima!
Giveaways
Will you be one of the big winners in our tour?
10 prizes = 10 winners
* All dollar amounts are in Canadian currency (CAD) unless otherwise specified.
- Braphoria (Mrs Weaver’s) is giving the Lavender and Lace bra-making class to one lucky winner.
- From Bra-makers Supply we have two $25 store credit certificates (for you and a friend).
- Exclusive pre-release Latte bra kit from The Emerald Studio.
- Uplift Custom Bras is providing one winner with a full bra kit including findings, underwires, and lace from Linda’s private stash.
- One winner will receive the Sophie Swimsuit online class and PDF pattern from Closet Case Files.
- Some lucky duck will win a $50 store credit from Blackbird Fabrics.
- We’ve combined a $25 gift card from Ann’s Fabric Shop with a PDF pattern from Jalie for one of our winners.
- Central Sewing has a $50 gift card for a certain someone.
- Custom Bras is prepared to fit out one winner with a bra kit.
- The 10th prize is a bundle of 3 classes from Craftsy. Winner will be notified directly by Craftsy. Click Here to Enter
Go ahead and jump right into the giveaway now. You’ve waited long enough.
Three (yes 3!) Craftsy classes of your choice:
Complete Tour Itinerary
It’s been magical, people, just magical
All Posts
- Beverly, our Fairy Bra Mother, launched the tour with her airy fairy introduction
- Valérie reviewed “Sewing Lingerie: Essential Techniques”, by Alison Smith, même en français
- Michelle S. reviewed the same class
- Lisa brought us a feature on Linda at Uplift Custom Bras
- Rachel got Emerald Erin sharing her story
- Lisa fit right in as a new Pin-Up Girl using Beverly Johnson’s class, “Sewing Bras: Construction and Fit”
- Shelaine also made her first bra from the same class
- Rachelle got up close and personal with Carrie from With Love Lingerie
- Valérie went totally casual with Miss Maika Fabrics
- Rachelle wrote a review of “Sewing Bras: Foam, Lace & Beyond”, by Beverly Johnson
- Michelle N. shared her thoughts on the same Craftsy class
- Jessica from Gracious Threads got the scoop on our Fairy Bra Mother
- Deb of Sprouting Jubejube chatted with Emilie from Jalie
- Karin and her daughter got chaotic (twice!) with their corsets at “Sewing Corsets: Essential Techniques”, by Alison Smith & “Custom Corsets: Bones, Casing & Busks”, by Linda Sparks
- Marsha flew by the seams of her pants into the same corsetry air space
- Shelaine had a lovely chat with Melissa from Ann’s Fabric Shop
- Michelle got Karin of Mrs. Weaver’s to talk about her Finest Unmentionables
- Rachel tried her hands at designing her own assets
- Jessica did the same with her Craftsy class, “Sewing Bras: Designer Techniques”, by Beverly Johnson
- Valérie came back again for an interview with Blackbird Fabrics
- Michelle N. took us to her favourite local sewing spot
- Michelle S. returned to talk to Wendy about her bespoke bras. Be what??
- Marsha got a taste of what’s behind Farthingales’ corsets
- Deb went bottoms up
- And so did Michelle in her new panties
- Linda brings up the rear with her wrap-up post on Farthingales
♥
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today’s your last chance.
♥
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
Life of a Fairy Bra Mother, Little Heart Threads, Glitter in my Coffee, Michelle’s Creations, Mrs. Weaver’s Finest Unmentionables, Braphoria, Gracious Threads, Élégantine!, Shelaine’s Designs, That’s so Venice, Sprouting Jubejube, Flying by the Seam of my Pants, The Wild Stitch, Farthingales Corset Blog
♥
After September 20
- Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It’s always fun!
- Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30
♥
Tags: blog tour, Canada, Corset, craftsy, creative, Fairy Bra Mother, Giveaway, intimates, lace, lingerie, panties, unmentionables
September 17, 2016
Canada Cups: Meet Linda Sparks of Farthingales
Is she really a corset snob?
Two nights ago I watched a movie called “Silk” set in the mid 19th century, while writing for the Canada Cups blog tour. For the first time ever, I looked closely at the costumes of the Victorian Era. And for the first time ever, I cared about what those ladies had under their skirts — bustles and corsets and crinolines. What better time to tell the story of Linda Sparks, owner of Farthingales, Craftsy instructor and historical (as opposed to hysterical) undergarment expert!
Watch this little video Linda has on her site, check out our interview transcript below, and then you tell me if she deserves to be called a corset snob.
The Interview
ML: Let’s start with the past and work our way forward. We have to get some of the basic info out of the way: How long have you been sewing?
LS: 40 years this year, I hadn’t thought about it…oh my.
ML: How can that be?? Did you have a sewing machine in-utero?
…
ML: What did you start with? Kind of sewing machine? Lessons? Home Economics class?
LS: Neither my grandmothers nor my mother sewed but my mother had a sewing machine, a brown Elna with a knee press rather than a foot pedal. The summer I was 15…
ML: Oh! You only look like you’re in your 30’s then…
LS: [laughing] Not in real life!
… I bought my first pattern and made my first top — without having the patience to read a pattern instructions. I saw it as a puzzle and it did fit and I did wear it. Figuring out the puzzle was more fun than actual sewing!
ML: So you bought the pattern and didn’t use it? Do you still have it stashed somewhere?
LS: No, it’s long gone as are the few other memorable pieces I made before going off to study fashion at college.
…
ML: Thinking back, what would you say was the pivotal point that led you to corsetry?
LS: I was taught how to make corsets when I was working in the wardrobe department at the Stratford Festival but it wasn’t until after I started my business that I had the time and the motivation to really explore the art of corsetry. By then, I had developed arthritis in my hands and hand sewing was not possible so I dove into developing a method of corset making that required no hand sewing and created an efficient way to make corsets that would still be durable enough for theatrical needs.
ML: I’m not sure I understand. Are you saying you started your business before you explored the art and history of corsetry?
LS: Yes, I started the business first as an on-line source of costuming supplies back in 1998.
ML: Did you start out with corsets? Or something else?
LS: It evolved into a focus on corset supplies – they were always part of it but they became the primary focus.
ML: What is the biggest disaster you’ve ever had that, in retrospect, was really funny or a blessing in disguise?
LS: [Silence]
ML: [Grinning] I guess I won’t get an answer to that one, huh?
LS: There really have been no disasters, everything can be fixed somehow.
ML: Alright, let’s move on to the present… What’s a typical workday for you?
LS: “Untypical”. For ten of the last 11 years I usually worked 6 days a week, but for the past year I’ve been reworking my schedule and I’m still figuring out a routine that allows me to get both the work and personal goals that I want to achieve …achieved, so right now there is no typical. I do try to get on Facebook every day to follow groups and answer questions – same goes with Craftsy.
ML: Outside of work, how to you spend your time? Do you do any other sewing? Any other craft or art?
LS: For years I had no time. I worked, and we’ve been working on renovating the house when we have the time and the energy. In another year that will be done, so my husband and I are planning on hiking and doing outdoor things. I have made the odd quilt and a few bags — mostly as gifts.
ML: That’s starting to sound like a balanced life… What are the culture and atmosphere like in Farthingales?
LS: Farthingales is not a retail store so we’ve made no effort to create a visual atmosphere the way you’d need to for retail. The business is housed in an old feedmill with hardwood floors, it’s a fairly large open space (we’ve got about 2,000 square feet) and the walls are lined with shelf units from floor to ceiling that hold bins upon bins of corset bones (6 different steel qualities in a vast array of sizes), busks, and coutil (25 different ones), as well as many other costume making supplies. It’s really a very functional space that’s in no way pretty.
There are only two of us so it’s very quiet. Cathy works in the main area processing the orders from start to finish and she usually has country music playing. I have a small office that also has floor to ceiling shelves holding all my corset teaching materials and samples… and all those bits you figure you may have a use for someday! So, lots and lots of uniform sized bins and boxes… sort of like a very large pantry!
ML: Oh great! Now you have me picturing Old Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. But it would seem you have no shortage of bones in your pantry.
LS: [Chuckling] Yes, that is a good image and no, no shortage of bones!
ML: [Wondering if corsetry might be the solution to … um, change of topic!]
Oh dear! Take 5 while I go rescue a little bird from my cat. I’ll be right back!
… The bird is alright, and recovering in a make-shift cage. Back to the interrogation interview.
ML: From selling supplies, through designing and teaching, to wearing corsets, what part of the whole process appeals to you most?
LS: Definitely the developing of ideas and planning things out, no matter what part of the business it’s for; a new way to make a corset, a better way to handle materials, developing a new product to make a process easier (most recent is our bone-tipping tool for pliers that requires no strength and no fuss to cap the ends of corset bones).
ML: I saw you demonstrate that tool in your Craftsy class. It looks so ridiculously easy.
LS: It is.
ML: Speaking of Craftsy, can you tell us how you became one of their teachers?
LS: I submitted a proposal a few years ago and never heard back, then I heard about the corset class by Alison [Smith] and thought that was the end of it, but then I got a call from one of the Craftsy people and we talked about options and came up with this class. I spent about 80 hours before taping planning and developing the script and the samples and working with one of their staff each week for about 8 weeks.
ML: What was the experience like? Any behind the scenes beans you want to spill?
LS: The team I worked with was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to see the studio as my own – but that was hard when it was all so new… and it’s dark … and you’re looking into a camera lens and smiling at no one you can see. That part was really hard to get used to, so the first day was rough, the second day was much better. The process as a whole is wonderfully controlled and the team covers all the bases – I never felt that anything had been overlooked or that I was solely responsible for the outcome. It was a stressful couple of days despite everyone’s efforts because I’m not used to teaching a camera lens and there are no human faces or reactions to respond to – which you have in an “in person” class. There is also the challenge of working with a machine I’d never worked with before.
ML: What about that cute story you told me off the record? Want to go on record with it? I bet lots of people would like to know what happens when two worlds collide on-camera.
LS: They told me several weeks prior to the taping what machines they had and I chose one to be mine on set. I borrowed the same model from my local dealer for a couple of weekends to be sure I knew how it operated. When I got on set the machine worked fine, then part way through day one it started skipping stitches. We spent about an hour trying everything to get it to work and the delay was adding to my stress levels. They opted to bring in another machine…it was like looking at an airplane cockpit and I couldn’t figure out how it worked – everything had to be programmed. I ended up taking the manual back to my hotel and things went better the second day…so ignore my ineptitude when wearing the green shirt! Any other time, I’d have loved the chance to play on a $12,000 machine.
I have to interject here that it’s a good thing Linda chose to tell the story, because I’d be veeeeery tempted to tell it myself — my way! (And nobody wants that!)
ML: So, what’s your sewing/costuming nickname? I’m sure you have one by now.
LS: Not that I know of.
ML: [Giving serious thought to “Corset Snob”] Alright, we’ll work on that. Let’s get back to the future…
ML: Do you think you might film another Craftsy class, now that you have one under your belt, so to speak?
LS: Corset making is an art you can really delve into – there is so much more than many people think, and I have ideas for other classes but we’ll see how well this one goes. It’s not of mass interest the way many other needle crafts are, so it may not be as big a seller as it needs to be. I’ll give it a few months and then send in another proposal… but who knows maybe it will be about bustle building.
ML: Some of us could do without adding more bustle behind us. Either that or lay off the biscuits and booze—either way…
LS: Well, cage crinolines hide all that, so maybe cage crinolines will be next.
ML: Crinkle chips? Did I hear crinkle… Oh crinolines! Nevermind…
…
ML: I understand you’re starting to get into bag-making. Where do you see this going?
LS: That will just be a hobby. As my time has started to free up a bit, I’m doing different things and bags will be something I do for me. I love the idea of creating bags for specific purposes, developing the patterns to get pockets where I want them, and for what I need them for.
ML: There are tons of patterns out there that you can easily “hack” to get them just the way you want. But I suspect you would love the whole concept development and testing part. And it would be very silly of me not to mention the amazing Craftsy class, Design Your Own Handbag, by Brett Bara. Have you taken that one yet?
LS: I don’t think I have that one yet but I have taken two and I love that, like corsets, they can look daunting but as you break them down into puzzle pieces, you can see how they all fit.
ML: Totally! It’s nothing more than taking just the right modules and putting them together in the right order. It’s all as simple as following a biscuit recipe. [So says the woman who can’t follow a biscuit recipe to save her life.]
ML: I think I’ve been enough of a pest. Just one more thing I would like to know… What are your plans for the next few months? Anything exciting we should be watching out for?
LS: The soonest thing will be the posting on my website of the pattern I used in the Craftsy class for the maroon waist cincher. I’m hoping to finish the instructions this week and figure out how to get the pattern onto the website so it can be downloaded.
In October I’ll be in Vancouver as a vendor at the ASDP (Association of Sewing and Design Professionals) conference. I’m also attending an event called Ruffle Con in the US, just to see what it’s like. In November I’m teaching corset making classes in both Montreal and Stratford and both are now sold out. I used to do the Creativ Festival in Toronto but it conflicted with the Vancouver date and it was time to meet a new audience, so I won’t be there this year. In March, I’ll be in St. Louis teaching a corset making class at the USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology) convention and then in April I think I’ll be at Anime North in Toronto.
ML: Oh sorry, I stopped listening after you said “Montreal” and “”sold out” in the same sentence. I’ll need a minute to cry, but I’ll be back on my knees to beg you to let me assist you. I can hand out thread and guard the water glasses, tighten cords — anything!! Pleeeeease?
LS: The Montreal class sold out within about 4 days of posting it! I don’t host it and the space is tight so there truly is not room for another body. It’s being held at École du Couture Celine Ross. Are you familiar with the place? We will likely do a class next year.
[Insert ocular waterworks. I don’t take rejection well. And here I was starting to think I was special.]
ML: Never heard of them, but you better believe I’m about to go stalk them. Next year, Linda, Next year…
So, let’s be honest, Linda was so careful and subdued during this interview that I had all but convinced myself that she was going to be a total stick-in-the mud for this tour. As it turned out, I can happily say that I was wrong. After she relaxed with us a bit, she started to show that she has the ability to be as silly as the rest of us. Maybe not quite as extraverted and naughty as some of us, but she is far from being dull.
As the interviewer, I’m taking responsibility for not drawing out her goofy side. Maybe next year, I’ll have her singing on camera. That would be fun! Almost as much fun as mentally deconstructing Keira Knightly’s costumes.
See you after the movie! 😉
P.S. So, what do you think? Can we come up with a good nickname for Linda?
P.P.S. Be sure to enter the awesome giveaway by our sponsor Craftsy. And come back tomorrow for the tour wrap-up hosted by the Corset Snob herself.
Giveaways
Click the image above now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):
Stay with us to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes from these generous sponsors:
- complete kits to make your own bra,
- bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
- fabric, and more …
Thank you to these amazing sponsors who are helping make this tour a success:
Complete Tour Itinerary
Come along on the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes
♥
Past Posts
- Beverly, our Fairy Bra Mother, launched the tour with her airy fairy introduction
- Valérie reviewed “Sewing Lingerie: Essential Techniques”, by Alison Smith, même en français
- Michelle S. reviewed the same class
- Lisa brought us a feature on Linda at Uplift Custom Bras
- Rachel got Emerald Erin sharing her story
- Lisa fit right in as a new Pin-Up Girl using Beverly Johnson’s class, “Sewing Bras: Construction and Fit”
- Shelaine also made her first bra from the same class
- Rachelle got up close and personal with Carrie from With Love Lingerie
- Valérie went totally casual with Miss Maika Fabrics
- Rachelle wrote a review of “Sewing Bras: Foam, Lace & Beyond”, by Beverly Johnson
- Michelle N. shared her thoughts on the same Craftsy class
- Jessica from Gracious Threads got the scoop on our Fairy Bra Mother
- Deb of Sprouting Jubejube chatted with Emilie from Jalie
- Karin and her daughter got chaotic (twice!) with their corsets at “Sewing Corsets: Essential Techniques”, by Alison Smith & “Custom Corsets: Bones, Casing & Busks”, by Linda Sparks
- Marsha flew by the seams of her pants into the same corsetry air space
- Shelaine had a lovely chat with Melissa from Ann’s Fabric Shop
- Michelle got Karin of Mrs. Weaver’s to talk about her Finest Unmentionables
- Rachel tried her hands at designing her own assets
- Jessica did the same with her Craftsy class, “Sewing Bras: Designer Techniques”, by Beverly Johnson
- Valérie came back again for an interview with Blackbird Fabrics
- Michelle N. took us to her favourite local sewing spot
♥
Today’s posts ———>> Saturday, September 17 <<——— We are here
- Michelle S. returns to talk to Wendy about her bespoke bras. Be what??
- Marsha gets a taste of what’s behind Farthingales’ corsets
- Deb goes bottoms up
- And so does Michelle in her new panties
♥
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It’s giveaway day today!
- Linda brings up the rear with her wrap-up post on Farthingales
♥
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today’s your last chance.
♥
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
Life of a Fairy Bra Mother, Little Heart Threads, Glitter in my Coffee, Michelle’s Creations, Mrs. Weaver’s Finest Unmentionables, Braphoria, Gracious Threads, Élégantine!, Shelaine’s Designs, That’s so Venice, Sprouting Jubejube, Flying by the Seam of my Pants, The Wild Stitch, Farthingales Corset Blog
♥
After September 20
- Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It’s always fun!
- Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30
♥
Tags: bustles, Canada Cups, corsets, craftsy, Farthingales, Linda Sparks, Stratford, undergarments
September 15, 2016
Canada Cups — Craftsy Corset Classes
Hey! Come on into my boudoir for a moment. We have to talk about something very intimate. Remember when my friend Gem, the burlesque dancer, posted on Facebook that she just finished making 2 corsets? And I thought she couldn’t have made them from scratch; she probably just added some feathers and bows to personalize it. Because nobody makes corsets at home on their domestic sewing machines! Remember that? I guess not, since I never told you about it before this.
Truth is, I thought all undergarments were made by some mysterious heavy industrial machines that could shape and curve fabric and bend underwires. Oh boy! Was I wrong! And glad of it. Who knew that I would have, in the last two months, learned everything I need to know to make my very own skivvies with underwires, busks*, boning and all. Lay back on the silky pillows and let me take you on a journey, down a very adult rabbit hole with Craftsy and the girls. (I normally hate adulting, but this is fun.)
Tags: blog tour, bra, Canada, Corset, craftsy, Fairy Bra Mother, Giveaway, intimates, lingerie, underwear, unmentionables
September 14, 2016
Canada Cups — Day 3 Itinerary
Happy Hump Day!! And in the spirit of the day, plus the theme of the tour, let’s all sing a rousing chorus of “My Humps” (Black Eyed Peas): My humps, my humps, my lovely lady lumps. My humps, my humps… I’m not sure this song has any more lyrics, so let’s call it done, shall we?
Here is where you will find 4 fabulous Canadian bloggers discussing their humps, lumps and bumps today:
Enjoy!
♥
Wednesday, September 14
- Rachelle layers it on with her review of a Craftsy class
&
Her surrogate Bosom Buddy Michelle N. from Michelle’s Creations weighs in on the same Craftsy class - Jessica from Gracious Threads gets the skinny on our Fairy Bra Mother
- Deb of Sprouting Jubejube chats with Emilie from Jalie
Meet you at the next stop!
P.S. Be sure to enter the awesome giveaway by our sponsor Craftsy.
Giveaways
Click the image above now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):
Stay with us to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes from these generous sponsors:
- complete kits to make your own bra,
- bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
- fabric, and more …
Thank you to these amazing sponsors who are helping make this tour a success:
Complete Tour Itinerary
Come along on the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes
// Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //
♥
Sunday, September 11
- Beverly, our Fairy Bra Mother, launches with her airy fairy introduction
♥
Monday, September 12
- Valérie, la Élégantine, gets us airborne with some lingerie of her own, même en français
&
Her Bosom Buddy Michelle S. from Little Heart Threads, balances with more sweet lingerie - Lisa who drinks Glitter in my Coffee brings us an Uplifting post
- Rachel of The Wild Stitch manages a little tête-à-tête with Emerald Erin
♥
Tuesday, September 13
- Lisa fits right in as a new Pin Up Girl
&
Her Bosom Buddy, Shelaine, also makes her first bra - Rachelle gets up close and personal with Carrie from With Love Lingerie
- Valérie returns with a whole new Bosom Buddy to tell us about Miss Maika Fabrics (This girl gets around!)
♥
Wednesday, September 14 <<——— We are here
- Rachelle gets to the bottom of things with her review of a Craftsy class
&
Her surrogate Bosom Buddy Michelle N. from Michelle’s Creations dishes on the same Craftsy class - Jessica from Gracious Threads gets the skinny on our Fairy Bra Mother
- Deb of Sprouting Jubejube chats with Emilie from Jalie
♥
Thursday, September 15
- Karin gets chaotic (twice!) with corsets at Mrs. Weaver’s Finest Unmentionables
&
Her BB Marsha flies by the seams of her pants into the corsetry web - Shelaine is up to something and we have no idea what
- Michelle gets Mrs. Weaver to talk about her Finest Unmentionables
♥
Friday, September 16
- Wild Stitch Rachel tries her hands at designing her own assets
&
So does her Cross Country BB Jess from the west - Valérie est du rétour avec une entrevue de Blackbird
- Michelle N. takes us to a secret spot in the centre of things
♥
Saturday, September 17
- Michelle S. returns to talk to Wendy about her bespoke bras. Be what??
- Marsha gets a taste of what’s behind Farthingales’ corsets
- Meanwhile BBs Deb and Michelle N. go bottoms up in panties
♥
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It’s giveaway day today!
- Marsha from Seam of my Pants guest posts on Farthingales for the wrap-up post
♥
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today’s your last chance.
♥
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
Life of a Fairy Bra Mother, Little Heart Threads, Glitter in my Coffee, Michelle’s Creations, Mrs. Weaver’s Finest Unmentionables, Braphoria, Gracious Threads, Élégantine!, Shelaine’s Designs, That’s so Venice, Sprouting Jubejube, Flying by the Seam of my Pants, The Wild Stitch, Farthingales Corset Blog
♥
After September 20
- Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It’s always fun!
- Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30
♥
Tags: blog tour, bras, Canada, Corset, craftsy, Fairy Bra Mother, Giveaway, intimates, Jalie, lingerie, unmentionables
September 13, 2016
Canada Cups — Day 2 Itinerary & Craftsy Giveaway
Tuesday, that day of the week between Monday Blues and Hump Day. At least we have fun stuff to get your through it. Let’s go tripping across Canada with the Fairy Bra Mother and her gang of step-children.
Here is where you will find us today.
♥
Tuesday, September 13
- Lisa fits right in as a new Pin Up Girl
&
Her Bosom Buddy, Shelaine, also makes her first bra - Rachelle gets up close and personal with Carrie from With Love Lingerie
- Valérie returns with a whole new Bosom Buddy to tell us about Miss Maika Fabrics (This girl gets around!)
See you at the next stop!
P.S. Be sure to enter the awesome giveaway by our sponsor Craftsy.
Giveaways
Click the image above now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):
Stay with us to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes from these generous sponsors:
- complete kits to make your own bra,
- bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
- fabric, and more …
♥
Complete Tour Itinerary
Come along on the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes
// Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //
♥
Sunday, September 11
- Beverly, our Fairy Bra Mother, launches with her airy fairy introduction
♥
Monday, September 12
- Valérie, la Élégantine, gets us airborne with some lingerie of her own, même en français
&
Her Bosom Buddy Michelle S. from Little Heart Threads, balances with more sweet lingerie - Lisa who drinks Glitter in my Coffee brings us an Uplifting post
- Rachel of The Wild Stitch manages a little tête-à-tête with Emerald Erin
♥
Tuesday, September 13
- Lisa fits right in as a new Pin Up Girl
&
Her Bosom Buddy, Shelaine, also makes her first bra - Rachelle gets up close and personal with Carrie from With Love Lingerie
- Valérie returns with a whole new Bosom Buddy to tell us about Miss Maika Fabrics (This girl gets around!)
♥
Wednesday, September 14
- Rachelle gets to the bottom of things with her review of a Craftsy class
&
Her surrogate Bosom Buddy Michelle N. from Michelle’s Creations dishes on the same Craftsy class - Jessica from Gracious Threads gets the skinny on our Fairy Bra Mother
- Deb of Sprouting Jubejube chats with Emilie from Jalie
♥
Thursday, September 15
- Karin gets chaotic (twice!) with corsets at Mrs. Weaver’s Finest Unmentionables
&
Her BB Marsha flies by the seams of her pants into the corsetry web - Shelaine is up to something and we have no idea what
- Michelle gets Mrs. Weaver to talk about her Finest Unmentionables
♥
Friday, September 16
- Wild Stitch Rachel tries her hands at designing her own assets
&
So does her Cross Country BB Jess from the west - Valérie est du rétour avec une entrevue de Blackbird
- Michelle N. takes us to a secret spot in the centre of things
♥
Saturday, September 17
- Michelle S. returns to talk to Wendy about her bespoke bras. Be what??
- Marsha gets a taste of what’s behind Farthingales’ corsets
- Meanwhile BBs Deb and Michelle N. go bottoms up in panties
♥
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It’s giveaway day today!
- Marsha from Seam of my Pants guest posts on Farthingales for the wrap-up post
♥
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today’s your last chance.
♥
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
Life of a Fairy Bra Mother, Little Heart Threads, Glitter in my Coffee, Michelle’s Creations, Mrs. Weaver’s Finest Unmentionables, Braphoria, Gracious Threads, Élégantine!, Shelaine’s Designs, That’s so Venice, Sprouting Jubejube, Flying by the Seam of my Pants, The Wild Stitch, Farthingales Corset Blog
♥
After September 20
- Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It’s always fun!
- Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30
♥
Tags: blog tour, bras, Canada, Corset, craftsy, intimates, lace, lingerie, panties, unmentionables