gwendolyngrey: (Default)
Gwendolyn ([personal profile] gwendolyngrey) wrote2009-03-30 07:45 pm

A little light at the end of the tunnel

Things are speeding up and whizzing by at an alarming rate now that it's the last week before my show.  I have five days left at my disposal, and I have 2.7 paintings left to do.  It'll be crazy-intense, but now that all the sewing is done, I can properly concentrate on Making Art.

I wore the 1840 dress at critique today, where it was very well received.  Actually, that's a big understatement.  I walked through the door, and my prof, Ed, took one look, gave his trademark little gasp, and exclaimed "All my dreams just came true."  He then proceeded to walk all around me, peering closely at the seams and the pleats and asking all sorts of questions about the construction and the time period.  Apparently, everyone in illustration has total faith in my knowledge of general and costume history, and often come to me with questions about what sort of behavior would be appropriate at which time and who wore what when, besides basic things like dates of major events.  And the thing is, they believe whatever I tell them.  I have not yet abused this trust, but it's tempting. 

Anyway, coming back to Ed, he was really pleased with the dress, and frequently said how he wished he had a project that matched it because he really wanted to paint it.  Coming from an artist, I take that as a great compliment.

On my way home from campus, I stopped by work to show off as it's directly on my way.  The ladies I work with at the fabric store HEAR about what I'm making all the time, but I've never shown them more than the occasional photo.  There was plenty of oo-ing and ah-ing... it was all very ego-reinforcing.

Once I got home, I didn't feel like setting things up for a proper "photoshoot", so I just took a couple pictures and a  quick video out on the deck.










ext_78889: Elizabeth I armor (sewing retro)

[identity profile] flummoxicated.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
Lovely - the dress makes a great swishy noise too!

[identity profile] lindseyerin37.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
That is stunning. Really, really beautiful.

[identity profile] padawansguide.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 12:26 am (UTC)(link)
Wow, that is so lovely!

[identity profile] nuranar.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 12:47 am (UTC)(link)
Wow, gorgeous! Did you have an inspiration for this one? I need to find more 1840s pictures!

[identity profile] idlewild-grey.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 01:17 am (UTC)(link)
I was actually inspired by an 1838 dress in the Kyoto "Fashion" book. I changed certain elements to push it into the '40s, and made it in navy blue instead of the original red... but it's definitely still similar. I had trouble finding good 1840s reference, and figured that updating something from two years prior to that decade would be an appropriate approach.

[identity profile] nuranar.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 02:35 am (UTC)(link)
Aww, that's neat. Especially since I like late 30s, too. Early Dickens. :D The white details are very eye-catching!

[identity profile] jubilima.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
Such crisp, clean lines! I can see the illustrator in you--you "drew" the seams perfectly on your body.

[identity profile] girliegirl32786.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
That is stunning! And you did perfect justice to the dress in the Kyoto book. That has always been big favorite of mine.

[identity profile] lizcostumes.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 02:07 am (UTC)(link)
You have a lovely silhouette and shape, and the detailing is so wonderful too! I really like how it moves, too. Very impressive piece!

Angela

[identity profile] jenthompson.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 02:10 am (UTC)(link)
*swoon*

That is just divine!

[identity profile] sarahnucci.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
I love it - that dress is on my list of ones I want to make!
ext_15623: (Gainsborough Lady)

[identity profile] anomilygrace.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 02:22 am (UTC)(link)
So lovely! That looks fabulous.

[identity profile] lyschan.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
My first thought was, "Lovely!" Everyone else seems to think so too :D Really, beautiful work!! I am so excited to see your show!!

And also, your story about Ed was so great. Awww... :D

[identity profile] bite-the-rose.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 02:40 am (UTC)(link)
i was walking on the catwalk above the gallery and glanced down and saw you wearing it. you have no idea how happy it made me to see you in period dress. some days i wish it was a requirement that we had to dress up like that. or just in a gown, period.

[identity profile] jennylafleur.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 02:55 am (UTC)(link)
Absolutely stunning! I've always loved the red Kyoto dress and you have done a truly fabulous version of it - bravo!

[identity profile] jade-nolan.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 03:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Isn't it awesome when people unconditionally believe what you tell them?!! =D

Oh, and as for the dress....... you could actually get me to wear it. If that tells you anything! ;P

[identity profile] ashamanja-babu.livejournal.com 2009-03-31 05:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Pretty!! I love the buttons on the front.