Double Period Project - 1812 / 1912

I realize that it has been a long time since I have posted anything on my blog. I had some minor health problems last year and my planned costuming projects fell by the wayside.  I was not able to attend Costume Con 29 even though it was in driving distance, 3 hours north. It seemed that one thing after another put the breaks on my costuming plans.

I still surfed the net and I stumbled upon Your Wardrobe Unlocked by Catherine Hay whose home base is in London.  It was a great site with lots of useful articles, some were free.  I actually had seen and used the site several times, but I  had never joined.  This time, last February 2011, I decided to join and I am glad that I did.

One of the articles dealth with costume project planning and the dreaded " project scope creep".  That was me, I would have a wonderful plan for a costume project and would even start the project, but I never stop researching for more information or pictorial inspiration.  Of course you always find another inspirational picture that you want to use instead of the one you selected for your project initially.  Just a few changes, patterns, fabric, accessories, time, nothing major, right? Wrong, they were all major and this scope creep derailed several projects of mine in the past.

The article mentioned breaking down the costume project into doable, small units of works, pattern drafting, pattern cuting, pattern alterations etc.  You then break these down into smaller units of works.  In this way, the project doesn't begin to overwhelm you with all of the things which much be done.  This made sense to me. I it really does work.

Anyway, each year Your Wardrobe Unlocked has a costuming contest which, it's called the Double Period Project Contest.  For 2012, the double periods will be the year 1812 and the year 1912, you can make a costume from one year or both, or you can make one item, corset, hat, gloves, gown, coat etc. to enter the challenge, you don't have to make an entire outfit unless you want.

You have until January 2012 to complete the costume(s) or item(s).

I have decided to enter the contest and make costumes for both period, 1812 and 1912.  I know it insane, but I know that I can do it.

Here we go, so stay tuned.................