sewing progress

The scales are finally basted, thank <deity>! What I have learned:

• There is absolutely no way to do this on machine - the underlying material wants to stretch too much. I'm going to be hunkering down with my favorite DVDs to sew these on by hand.
  
• It is surprisingly lightweight, considering that there are 4 layers of fabric involved. However, because vinyl doesn't breathe, I predict that it's going to be hot as hell to wear.
  
• Try-on revealed that the scales do not squeak or stick to each other. This is probably because the vinyl is backed with a knit so it doesn't rub against itself.
  
• Sewer's Aid is my friend. It's a silicone-gel needle lubricant that makes it go oh-so-much faster. Thimbles are also my friends, but I predict that we will become closer friends in the coming weeks.
  

Gauntlets are completed (maybe some reshaping), wig is on order, skirt is halfway done.

Given that this is project represents a couple of firsts for me (first time working with vinyl, first time making a science fiction costume), I think I am doing rather well (crosses fingers). Having said this, someone shoot me if I try something this labor intensive again (yes, it won't work, but do it anyway)...

Wish me luck...

ROAR Protest photos

DC Indymedia's coverage of the Protest against the Rave Act. No, neither D. or I are in any of the photos.

Other photos here and here.

weekend in review

Had a pretty quiet weekend of reading, writing, sewing, and lolling about.

I tried to go shopping - I was really in the mood to do so, and even had a gift certificate to Express - but really found nothing I liked. Either didn't fit or was in such a lousy fabrication that I didn't even want to try it on (why, oh why are manufacturers still using 1970's-era polyester double-knit when there are so many better things???). Frankly I'd rather save and spend the $ on something nice than get a bargain on some rubbish that looks great on the hanger and nowhere else. Or simply get nice materials and make something (an attitude that amuses D. - I go shopping and then conclude that if I want something done right I have to do it myself...)

I'm reading Antonia Fraser's popular biography of Marie Antoinette. Quite good but a huge book. I love that I can renew stuff through the library website now (good girl using website instead of buying more books - not like that will stop, but I'm trying to check out what I know I will only read once...)

Today the allergies really got to me - searing headache half of the day and itchy eyes, though at least I'm not stuffy or sneezing.

Off to fold the last of the laundry and put in some eye drops.