Pink Bouquet Makeup

Oh wow has it really been that long since I last posted? I've almost got the next EGLB sewing tutorial ready, but in the meantime I decided to try following some of the other tutorials in the Gothic and Lolita Bible. I tried the first makeup tutorial in the second volume, which was flower themed and showed three "Flow Bouquet Makeup" looks. The first is the Pink Bouquet modeled by Misako Aoki:


I didn't style my clothing or hair at all - only focused on the face to see what the makeup would look like. And here is my version:



I took some photos in various lighting:





And one more if Misako:


I think the look was rather pretty and sweet, though the step about highlighting the bridge of the nose I think could be edited to include some shading on the side. It may not be as necessary for people who have a more defined bridge of the nose, but for most Asian features, the bridge is much flatter and only highlighting without then doing some light shading to create more contrast will only make the nose even less defined.

Kana Ruffle Blouse: Editing Needed!

Today I decided to try another EGLB sewing pattern, and decided on the Kana Ruffle Blouse from the third volume. I took photos of the steps as I went, but I found several issues with the pattern and directions that I'd like to mess with before actually doing a tutorial because... well, it just is difficult and some parts don't make sense!

This is what it looks like so far (no buttons because I'm not sure I want to bother)


When I get more fabric I'll try it again. If you'd like to see a list of what I found trange with the pattern and directions, keep reading:

*Collar pattern is strangely curved
*Collar doesn't seem to fit correctly
*Collar stand and collar are attached in a very strange and difficult way
*Cuffs are attached in a strange and difficult way
*Front darts go above the bust point, which makes no sense unless your chest is larger than your bust
*The sleeve cap is very shallow, making the sleeves naturally hang at an outwards angle rather than straight down, meaning there is more fabric bunching up at the underarms when the arms are relaxed
*Directions say to "fold the placket as shown" but there are no pictures or anything showing how to fold it (don't worry, it's easy)

EGLB Sewing Tutorial: Mille Fleur & Mille Noir Mini Fur Cape

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I said that I would make sewing tutorials for the English Gothic and Lolita Bibles that I own because the printed directions are really vague.

Well, after my first foray into the Kana Knickerbockers pattern, which didn't match up, I became quite disheartened and gave up for a while. Today I gave it another go with a simpler pattern from the fourth EGLB:


The majority of the patterns in this volume are knitted patterns (I am awful at knitting... crochet is more my thing!) but the Mille Fleur & Mille Noir pattern for a Mini Cape is rated one star, so it should be a good one to start with!

First of all, you need to copy the pattern pieces. There are only two, but they are both labeled "Fabric x1" so you will see in the photos I made a mistake.

Materials:
*45cm X 80cm fur fabric
*45cm X 80cm lining
*130cm of 36mm ribbon
*80cm of 15mm wide stabilizing tape (fusible)

NOTE: I did not use stabilizing tape!

I originally wanted to copy the printed directions and add my own notes, but the given instructions are such rubbish that it would make no sense, so I wrote my own!

Time: 4 hours (it did not take me four hours)
Difficulty:♥○○○○

Directions:
1) Cut your fabric. The larger piece is the fur fabric, and the crescent shape is the lining. They are both labeled "fabric" so I thought the cape would have a collar and cut both in fur!

The white pieces are the pattern pieces.
Make sure to notch where noted so you can match up your pieces later!
Also cut your ribbon in half lengthwise so you have two ribbons.

2)Finish the ends of your ribbons so they don't unravel. Roll the end twice to encase the raw edge and then stitch like so:

Finish just one end on each because the other end will be sewn into the cape, and finishing the ends would create a bulge.

3)Match the notches on the curved edge of the two pattern pieces, right sides together (that is, the furry side facing the right side of your lining). Pin your ribbon ends to the fur with the long tails hidden between the two layers of fabric. Stitch up until the notches at the neckline where the pattern had a squiggly line (means it needs to be gathered).
Turn your cape right-side out.

Trim or shave the fur from the seam allowances to reduce bulk!

4)Hand-sew the neckline, matching up the center of both pieces. The fur piece will fold down to meet the lining piece because it is larger. This allows a clean-look when the cape is worn so the lining doesn't show.


That's it! You're done!
Here is what it looks like being modeled by my dress form, Caroline:



I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial. If there are any questions or if anything is unclear, please leave me a comment to let me know!

What Am I?

Did you guess what my homework dress inspiration was? If not, I will show you the answer


Fat goldfish!!!

All Hallow's Eve Closes Its Door Once More

I wish I could start off with some happier news, but for me, sadly, The ending of the season brought the ending of a life. My grandfather passed away as the day turned from October 31 to November 1.

My family came together (those of us in Taiwan and Mainland China, and my dad from America to see his passing. I got there too late for a last look, but was able to burn incense and bow to Buddha and my grandpa. The funeral is next week, so I will not be updating much. Both my sisters are coming to Taiwan, I Think!!


We used to have Halloween together, wearing handmade costumes that got passed down the line. I don't remember much about childehood, and I don't remember what candy we got or whose house was scariest, but I know we did it!!

After these years, I supposed we have all grown up

Like that? Do we look like that now??

I haven't been in the same place with both my sisters for quite some time now. IT's odd how growing u you cannot wait to have your siblings vanish, but when you move out, their presence seems like a fresh breath of memories. At least until they overstay their welcome and remember why you wanted them to leave in the first place.

So, what did I do for Halloween this year? I had a photoshoot for my assignment due the next day!



Can you guess what it is? Albeit, it's more of a fashion interpretation than a full-out costume, but it's still good!!! I'll post the answer tomorrow :)

How was your Halloween? Did you dress up? Reactions? Loot? Let me know!
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