A Rainy Day Project & Boho Shirt

  Today, it rained all day, and it was a seemingly long day.  I opened the windows and doors to let the breeze in and worked on some editing, and did a bit of sewing and crafting as well.
Yet, since I did not finish my current project, I will share my most  recent addition to Etsy. 

This time a super cute Boho shirt made from vintage curtains! 

When I saw these curtains, they seemed to have never have been used.  Instantly, I saw a boho 70's style top, accessorized with wood or a coronet.   So, eventually, I managed to get around to making it.  And now it is listed on Etsy! See More Pictures of this on Etsy

Glad to upcycle! 

Day 39 of the 40 Day Design Challenge! Jane Austen Costume and Handmade Children's toys

Well, tomorrow the draw closes!  

Here is our design for today, a simple regency costume. 

This costume is an up-cycle.  We upcycle by using a basic dress and then altering it for a different look.  This is the reason many of our costumes are very inexpensive.  For this one, I chose a simple blue flowered dress from the 90's, I pick these up at second hand stores.  Naturally, first, it is washed and reviewed for any marks or damages.  Then I added lace, a ribbon rose, and sewed on a silver and pearl broach.  I then made a lace shawl which I cut from lace curtain. This is our way to help the ecosystem and provide affordable costumes.  Naturally, not all of our creations are upcyclced, these days fewer than some; however, we love it when we can manage it!

Featured

And now introducing The Willi Fustus Store

The Willi Fustus Store makes doll food for American Girl sized dolls! 

Their items are all hand made, and they are one of the first shops on Etsy to make this kind of toy food.  Stop by this Etsy store to see the super cool items they make. 

There are only a few items in stock, however, more are coming sometime this month!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWilliFustusStore

Day 5 of the 40 Day Design Challenge: A Scarlet Cloak and a Place to find Noble Treasures

Normally, I post at 8:30 a.m., but today, we spend our time drifting lazily down the Huron river in shiny canoes.   Here is one of my finished renaissance costumes, obviously, I didn't sew it in day! You can see more of the renaissance http://asweetreminiscence.blogspot.com/2015/07/highland-renaissance-costume-preview.html.  However,  this new scarlet cloak is the perfect accessory!  Lined in a lighter red and trimmed in a tassel tie, this cape is stunning - and huge!  It is almost a foot longer than floor length with a massive hood!

AND now for our featured guest! 

Featured

My good friend, Grace, who supplies me with vintage treasures, and who also restores old furniture! Aren't these before and after shots so lovely?  This is just one example of her noble treasures!

Throw Back Thursday: Upcycled Purse

Just wanted to share this upcycled purse from a couple years ago!

Here is the finished purse!

UpCycling - Who invented the word?

Well, first of all, since I used this picture from the internet, let me introduce the blog/site from which I borrowed.  http://www.upcycling.co.uk/   I haven't read too many posts, however, love the diversity and the promotion of upcycling.

Now, while I borrowed the logo/picture, you may be surprised to know that I didn't borrow the word from her site or any other site.  Some years back, I decided to advertise my costumes online and wondered what word or words would properly describe such endeavors.  I was chatting to my good friend Danielle D. and she suggested marketing it as recycling or upcycling.

I asked her - "What is upcycling?"  I still remember the little laugh she gave as she admitted she didn't know if it was a word, but that it made sense.  I wasn't recycling used item such as a thrift shop, but taking something old, new, or traditional and changing it.  Changing it to something more exciting.

So, I googled it. What else would one do?  I googled the word "upcycle".  NOTHING was to be found on about 5 pages.  Miss spelled words, and related content, and of course recycling.  But nothing on upcycling.  So, I thought to myself, "Well, it might be cheesy to advertise with a homemade word, but I'll try it.   And I did.

Now, the word is everwhere.  Why didn't I trade mark it? Could it really be that I was the first one to use it online?  Did Danielle actually invent the word for one of the biggest trends hitting the planet?  I like to think so. Wikipedia says Etsy has been trending it since 2010, also that it was first coined in 1997, but I still think she coined it herself as well.

Now, I told her this, and she couldn't remember having said it.  Laughingly asked me if she really had.  So, maybe she heard it somewhere.  But I truly think, we started the trend on the internet!  At least according to my first google search we did!

Love to hear how others stumbled upon the concept.

May Creations & Photo Sessions

What lovely creations have we been busy with?  Gorgeous hair bows and matching vintage aprons for your little girl.   We had an excellent photo session with NaWink Expressions http://www.nawink.com/index.html.

 

 

I dream of Jeannie ~ Genie Costume

A costume from Arabian Nights lore, this genie costume was inspired by the retro TV show "I dream of Jeannie."  In the show Jeannie traditionally wears pink, but I had vintage material in blue. A blue genie costume it is.  The costume is trimmed in dangling gold medallions and a large vintage jewel. 

How is is made?  Vintage blue curtains & a jewel from a vintage belt.  The lining and gold trim is new, as is the thread of course. 

Would love to hear your thoughts!  The pantaloons & headdress are for sale in my store on Etsy. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AshTreeMeadowDesigns?ref=si_shop

~Welcome~

The First Design

Dress-up has always held great appeal to me. As a child , I walked down my grandfather’s hallway with a sheer pillow case on my head and a curtain draped across my shoulders—in my imagination: A beautiful bride. I had found the cast off items in the spare room closet, delicate, white, and beautiful. My uncle handed me a dandelion. My hallway procession was just the beginning of many costumes.

***

So, that is how it started. In the near future, I hope to post pictures of the outfits created for various re-enactments, costume socials, and festivals. Although most of the outfits are Victorian Era and early 1900s, we have made a few party costumes.
Many have asked me if I sew the dresses and what patterns I have used. I haven't really used patterns. All outfits are made from old cast offs. Unlike professional costume designers, old clothes are purchased from second hand stores and altered to create the desired look. Professional designs are often costly and sewing from a pattern is largely time consuming.
I strive to provide authentic costumes at a reasonable cost, recycling clothing, turning something old into something beautiful. I am often enthusiastically joined by my friends and sisters in this endeavor. My blog is both a display and a tribute to their advice, photography, design, and general friendship. Together, we plan to bring these costumes to your doorstep and hopefully entertain you with historical quotes, facts, and fun. Enjoy my blog!


~Ashley
Of the Ash Tree Meadow, Designs. (c) 2010