Long Time

So, back at last, from not having posted for . . . a long time. Not much news so much, at least not to my loyal readers, who are also my mom and boyfriend.

I went to my Wednesday morning knitting group, and on a whim, walked into the Greek Orthodox bookstore across the street. I was thinking I'd browse at a few ikons, then toddle home. I walked in on the very end of an adult scripture class, and met Father Timothy, with whom I had a great conversation on whether the psalmody (cantillation in Jewish tradition - the chanting of Biblical or scriptural text) of individual Orthodox churches (Greek, Armenian, Russian, etc.) was informed by their history, particularly by a strong history of oppression and/or genocide. Apparently Armenians are downright Jewish in their use of melancholy, lilting tunes and minor keys. Even when they go up for Communion, it's mournful. They have a lot to mourn, I'll admit.

It's in the low seventies here. In February. I'm considering going out and playing my ukulele in the park a little later, once I've done some laundry (drat the cat!) and figured out something to eat for lunch.

Steampunkery, or the Adventures of Miss Beatrix Travers-Braithwaite

I had a lovely time meeting fellow Steampunks at the (decidedly non-veggie-friendly) Sam's Hof Brau. We discussed inspirations, plans for the future, and various ephemera. And I look forward to our next meeting!

Crafting

So I finally blocked the doily I knit something like a month and a half ago.



It's the first really frilly thing I've knitted, but I must say that I like knitting lace. We'll call it the first stop in a complete tea set, and see if that ever ends up happening.

When one has been previously spoiled . . .

. . . by always having a sewing machine, it is surprising how sore the index finger and thumb of the working hand can become bgvvvvbvgggggg

(That last bit was Vimes' contribution to the blog. Give him a hand - he's not even one, and successfully blogging!)

I'm currently shortening a pair of trousers I never wear (featuring as they do unfashionably wide legs, which would be fine, except that they are also too short for my legs, making my limbs look stumpy and amputated, neither of which are true.) into a pair of jaunty knickerbockers. Pictures to follow, of course.

Shame. If only I had a pattern and some more time, I could put together a vest from that red upholstery fabric of my brother's chair and have a cute tomboy outfit to add to my steampunk wardrobe.

Post-script: A mere three hours and they are complete! I'm afraid the pictures may take a bit longer, however, since they don't look very good just laying on the floor, and it's dashed difficult to take pictures of one's own trousers while one is wearing them! So you shall have to wait until my DBF is home to help.

So here are the pics, photography by DBF:



And I swear, my rear looks much better in person:



Just cutting, pleating, and sewing, et voilà!

Hardanger and soft contentment

My friend Mary from the East Sac Knit and Crochet/Fiber Arts group has been teaching me how to do Hardanger embroidery, a Norwegian craft related to Italian Reticella. I've had my frustrations, mostly related to my getting overexcited and cutting where I oughtn't to have cut, and the inevitable tangles and knots risked by any embroideress who allows herself more than an inch or two of thread on her needle, avoiding the need to cut and thread every few millimeters of work. But I've come to find the counted satin stitch and buttonhole that form the pattern and the needleweaving around the 'connecting bars' very relaxing.



At any rate, my first attempt is finished - I have only to wash the thing, to make the few fuzzy loose ends shrink back into the design, and decide what to do in the center, whether to use a traditional satin stitch motif, some other stitches, or some applied something-or-other.



So I am sure the reader can assume for his or herself how very pleased I am with myself.

Speaking of Steampunk . . .

. . . and, of course, my fabled (albeit embarrassing) love of internet personality quizzes, The 'What's your Steampunk Persona?' Quiz.

Your result for The Steampunk Style Test...

The Aristocrat

50% Elegant, 28% Technological, 37% Historical, 40% Adventurous and 43% Playful!

You are the Aristocrat, the embodiment of steampunk elegance and poise. For you, dressing steampunk is first and foremost about simply looking good, with accessories and details to follow. However, this does not mean that you ignore the demands of creating a “steampunk look.” Your outfits weave together a balance between technology and style, and between period accuracy and beautiful anachronism. While your fashion inspiration may come from anywhere across the Victorian social spectrum, you always find a way to make your outfit beautiful. You will probably be found in the clothes of the steam age elite simply because of the greater elegance available to them. Chances are you dress this way because you like it, and you would still dress in this manner even if steampunk was not a popular interest.

Try our other Steampunk test here.

Take The Steampunk Style Test at HelloQuizzy

Steampunkery

So, there's a Steampunk meetup here in Sacramento, and as such, it's time to see what I have that can be worn for the occasion, and require no additional purchase whatsoever. The bowler that usually lives on my wire corset-shaped sculpture is serving as the base, and my first hip scarf, some faux-pearl beads, a bunch of pins, a rhinestone decoration I got for 50¢, and some gold netting I got to stabilize the cutwork sleeves of my Italisn Ren gown served as the decorations. Here's just with the scarf:




And with all the gew-gaws:




Miniature hats and fascinators are a Steampunk trend, but I'll get by with my (almost) full-sized ones for a while.