Dec 9, 2019

Perfect Gift for the Jane Austen Fan - Pride and Prejudice Quiz Book

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – Quiz Book - Complete Novel Plus: Quizzes, Crosswords and Word SearchesAre You looking for the perfect gift for the Jane Austen fan who has everything and still wants more??? More Collins? More Darcy? More Choices?

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that an intelligent Reader with a good sense of humour, must be in want of more Jane Austen.”

 I'm a huge Jane Austen fan. Pride and Prejudice is one my may all time favourite books and this year I decided to share my love of Austen by writing a Quiz Book which I hope will also delight new readers and die-hard Austenites.

To View on Amazon.com Click HERE : Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – Quiz Book -Complete Novel Plus: Quizzes, Crosswords and WordSearches




Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – Quiz Book - Complete Novel Plus: Quizzes, Crosswords and Word Searches


Whether you’re a Pride and Prejudice expert, or new to the delightful works of Jane Austen this brand new edition contains something for all. Inside you will find:
  • Pride and Prejudice complete novel
  • 61 Chapter Quizzes
  • 30 Crosswords
  • 31 Word Searches
All 120+ pages of puzzles have been specifically written for each chapter, and will entertain for hours.

True Fans of P&P who already know Longbourn was terrorised by an arsonist, Wickham a spy for Napoleon, and Mr Collins the heartthrob of a generation, will find the quizzes superbly easy. Everyone else will find them tolerably amusing.

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – Quiz Book - Complete Novel Plus: Quizzes, Crosswords and Word Searches is the perfect gift for the Jane Austen fan

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – Quiz Book - Complete Novel Plus: Quizzes, Crosswords and Word Searches is the perfect gift for the Jane Austen fan who has everything and still wants more! 

 

I hope you'll consider looking it up my Pride and Prejudice Quiz Book on Amazon or Pin it on Pinterest.

 

Thank You! A portion of the proceeds from the sale of my book will be donated to causes I am involved with, including:
1) Adoption of retired racing greyhounds.
2) Purchasing books for children staying in the local hospital.


To View on Amazon.com Click HERE : Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – Quiz Book -Complete Novel Plus: Quizzes, Crosswords and WordSearches


Aug 30, 2017

Inspiration Post: HSF Seen Onscreen Challenge

I imagine every person interested in period dramas has seen an actor outfit on screen and thought "Want!"
 
Colin Firth as Mr Darcy in the BBC's Pride and Prejudice (1995) BBC


Because if you're handy with a sewing machine - why not? You can make yourself an outfit inspired by something seen onscreen. It's been happening for years - before TV and movies, Books and Plays inspired Fashion trends - check out the Dreamstress blog post on the 1870s sensation that was the Olivia Bonnet
 
Where to start? Firstly, the thing to remember with period dramas is depending upon the show's budget, target audience and the taste of the costumer designer, just because you're watching a period drama doesn't mean the clothes are historically accurate. *cough* Reign.*cough*

If you're creating an item for the 2017 September Historical Sew Fortnightly Seen Onscreen Challenge -- Don't know what that is? Details here -- Then historical accuracy matters, so it's time to do some research. May I recommend starting with  Frock Flicks where quote: "we rip into Hollywood’s attempt at historical costuming and talk about exactly why they’re not accurate to the eras."

If you're an Outlander fan, then you have to check out the American Duchess website - not only did these talented designers team up with Simplicity to patterns inspired by the TV show, they are also sharing "Outlander Pattern Hacks" revealing how to make those same patterns more historically accurate.  Also you must check out the American Duchess YouTube channel.




And if, you don't have a movie or TV show already in mind, then here's some costuming eye-candy to get you inspired:

Natalie Dormer as Seymour, Lady Worsley in The Scandalous Lady W (2015)

Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet - Pride and Prejudice (1995)

 
Keira Knightley as Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire in 'The Duchess' (2008)

 


MyAnna Buring (plays Tall Susan) - 'Ripper Street' season 3

Natalie Portman as Anne Boleyn in The Other Boleyn Girl (2008).

Claire Skinner as Fanny Dashwood - Sense & Sensibility (TV Mini-Series, BBC, 2008)
"Ruth 'Ruby' Pratt" (Victoria Hamilton) and "Prudence 'Pearl' Pratt" (Matilda Ziegler), TV series  Lark Rise to Candleford
Gabriella Wilde as Caroline Penvenen in Poldark (TV Series, 2016)


And don't worry, I haven't forgotten the gentlemen:

Colin Firth as Mr Darcy Pride & Prejudice, BBC (1995)
Matthew MacFadyen as Mr Darcy Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Matthew Rhys as Mr. Darcy in Death Comes to Pemberly, based on the novel by P D James

Hmmm, any more Darcys?


Jun 22, 2017

Tips for Choosing Fashion Plates: HSF Challenge July 2017



Creating a historically inspired outfit has many challenges. Even deciding what to make can cause a lot of headaches because sometimes the endless possibilities can be overwhelming. Where to start? Using a Fashion Plate as a starting point makes the decision of what to sew so much easier because it gives you a focus.

But what aspects should you consider when picking a Fashion Plate?




What follows are my tips for choosing the Fashion Plate to use as the design base for your outfit.

For me, I have approximately 3 methods.

 Firstly, let’s go guilt free - The Fabric de-Stash Colourway Method

 

Anyone who sews will know the twin emotions of both joy and guilt that the mounting fabric stash fosters. So Step One is: go to your stash and pick two complimentary fabrics.

For example, from my stash I’ve a plain green and a floral pink stripe that work well together. (pictured below)




Step 2: Start a Pinterest Inspiration board, name it it after your fabrics and start collecting and pinning any fashion plates that have similar colours.

For example mine is: Green and Pink Outfit



Step 3: Now, start adding sewing pattern references within that colourway pin board that are as close to the fashion Plate as you can find.

This may take some time, but there’s no rush. Eventually one out of all Fashion Plates will stand out to you as the perfect outfit, and hopefully you’ll have already find the suitable sewing pattern and be all set to go.

Easy, huh? 

Here’s the one I’ve chosen:



Of course there’s no need to be limited to matching your fabric stash colours to the fashion plates colours. It just makes things easier.

But if you want to ignore colours, I suggest the The Fabric de-Stash Fabric-type Method.


Step One: From your stash choose a distinct fabric type: floaty muslin, rich brocade, white linen, etc.
For myself, recently I’ve been given some green velvet fabric (old curtains).

Step Two: Start a Pin Board using that fabric type as your theme.
Rather than start a “green outfits” Fashion plates pinboard, I’ve started “Velvet outfits” pinboard that includes extant dresses and other resources as well as Fashion Plates.
And because I’ve developed a recent interest in 1890s styles, I decided to limit my search to this era.

Using velvet and 1890s as my search parameters I selected this Fashion Plate (below) as my source for the outfit to make from the green velvet in my stash.


The last method I use, is what I call The Spark of Interest Method

 

It’s basically you see a Fashion Plate and are drawn to it by some distinct element within.

For example, I was instantly drawn to this Fashion Plate – one, because I mostly make Victorian outfits, and two – the main reason truthfully, is the dog in the plate is the same colour as one of my greyhounds, so bonus re-creating points!



And below you can see my Seaside outfit work in Progress. It's to the point it's wearable, but needs a few tweaks.

1870s historically inspired seaside outfit from Fashion Plate - work in progress





1870s historically inspired seaside outfit from Fashion Plate - work in progress



https://nz.pinterest.com/kuracarpenter/1870-seaside-costume-to-make/




If you're interested in making an 1870s seaside outfit, you may find the pinboard I created for bringing this fashion plate to life helpful.

















Of course the trouble with the Spark method is, anything may catch your eye...


So, if you choose the Spark method, I recommend :


  • stay within your historical era comfort-zone. 
  • Also, unless you’re prepared to buy fabric specifically to match the outfit, concentrate on the silhouette, 
  • get the garments shapes right rather that worrying about the colours and fabric patterns.

 

 

Below are some helpful resources to completing your outfits:



1) I've been pinning Fashion Plates for a while, here's my selection of Fashion Plates from Regency to Edwardian Era


Vintage Fashion Plates




2) Jennifer Rosbrugh of Historical Sewing has a couple of wonderful blog posts: Bringing a Fashion Plate to Life and follow how she created her "Scotch and Soda" dress inspired by a fashion plate read about that HERE
Jennifer Rosbrugh of Historical Sewing
 3) What if you've found a Fashion Plate, but you want more info and the link to the original source is broken? Tin Eye is a reverse search engine for images.

BEST OF LUCK!






This Post was written as an Inspiration post for the HSF Historical Sewing Fortnightly Fashion Plates Challenge July 2017. Learn more about the HSF and how to join in here

Sep 2, 2016

Op-Shop Score! Seventies Sheets


My cousin-in-law is a crafty minded person like myself, with a passion for 70s retro fabrics. Unfortunately there's lack of op-shops where she lives in Singapore. Therefore I've been gathering a rather lurid selection of seventies sheets to pass to her when I next visit. [Like I need a reason for op-shopping ;p ]




Mar 2, 2016

Lilliput Libraries

What are Lilliput Libraries?

They are part of global movement spurred by Little Free Libraries. Basically these are mini libraries (about the size of a large dollhouse) in neighbourhoods, usually located on their 'Guardian’s' fence, and passers-by are welcome to 'take a book now, leave a book later.'

In Dunedin Lilliput Libraries are the brain-child of Ruth Arnison, who's also coordinator for the popular Poems in the Waiting Room.  

Part of the success of these libraries is a constant supply of good-quality book donations. If you're in Dunedin, Otago, and would like to help please bring books to the Dunedin Resene store at 172 Crawford Street.

You can also Donate money at their Lilliput Libraries Givealittle page (I have! Be like me, I'm cool). Donations go towards the cost of constructing more Lilliput Libraries.

You can follow the progress of Lilliput Libraries popping up in Dunedin neighbourhoods via the Lilliput Libraries Blog and also on Facebook

I'm certainly going to try and be involved myself, other than wanting one in my neighbourhood, I really really want to paint one!

Lilliput Libraries need Book Donations

Feb 25, 2016

Fabric Review: Spoonflower's Cotton Spandex Jersey.

Recently Spoonflower had a Free Swatch offer for people to test out their new fabric, a 100% Cotton Spandex Jersey.

I used the offer to try out my new design Antique Roses in Minty and Pink and here's what my swatch looks like.
"Antique Roses - Minty on Pink" fabric design by Kura Carpenter, available via Spoonflower

The print-quality is fab, no surprises there, I've always been delighted with the Spoonflower print quality. The fabric is a stretchy and thick cotton, it feels durable, I'm very happy with it.

I plan to make this swatch into a pin-cushion. I'll post a tutorial soon.


Jan 25, 2016

Book Review: "Hecklinger's Ladies' Garments" by Chas Hecklinger (published 1886)

Victorian sewing book Hecklinger's Ladies' Garments -  by Chas Hecklinger


The 1886 Victorian sewing book Hecklinger's Ladies' Garments - A Text Book How to Cut Up and Make Ladies' Garments by Chas Hecklinger is a gem of a book.

This is the first Victorian sewing book that I have printed out the entire text because it has so much useful historical detail.

The section on draping skirts is worthy alone, and while the actual selection of bodice patterns are few, there are finished drawings to show styles, as well as pages and pages on possible trims. 

From pattern to construction to finishing, this text covers a lot more than many of its contemporary publications. I rate this book 5 out 5 stars.

 Hecklinger's Ladies' Garments is free to download through the Internet Archive HERE

 Image from Victorian sewing book "Hecklinger's Ladies' Garments" showing bodice pattern

Example of skirt draping from Victorian sewing book "Hecklinger's Ladies' Garments"

Suggestions for finished dress styles, from Victorian sewing book "Hecklinger's Ladies' Garments"

Detailed drawings show interior of dress bodices, from Victorian sewing book "Hecklinger's Ladies' Garments"