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cersi lannister costume

ok, please indulge my inner child for a few minutes here while I post about my Hallowe'en costume. I considered spending a full paragraph here apologizing/justifying my nerdiness and/or narcissism, but hey, if there is any place where it is appropriate for a full grown adult to display pictures of themselves dressed up as a fictional character from another planet, I think a personal blog on the good ole' internet is it. So, without further ado, here is the Cersi Lannister costume I made to wear this Hallowe'en. So, if you don't already watch Game of Thrones, you really should. Unless you are my Mother or Mother-in-Law (hi Moms!) in which case you should NOT. Definitely not. But if you don't, a quick bit of explanation here. Cersi Lannister is the Queen of a place called The Seven Kingdoms, on a continent called Westros in a fictional world created by George R.R. Martin in the series of books A Song of Ice and Fire. To quote wikipedia, "She is physically beautiful and intelligent, but she is also greedy, cruel, manipulative, and amoral; she is also short tempered and quick to hold grudges, as well as often rushing into situations without pausing to consider the consequences of her actions." Yeah, so not like she's my hero or anything, she's actually a pretty unsavoury character and definitely should win some sort of "Worst Mother in Westros" award. But still, I enjoy love/hating her in the show wherein she is played masterfully by Lena Heady, and also, has one of the best wardrobes in any fictional world. Hence my decision to dress up as her for Hallowe'en. Here is the costume that I was inspired by.

Though its a pretty limited image of that particular look, so here's another one. Different lighting and whatnot, but gives you a nice idea of the sleeves. 

And here is what I, with my limited sewing skills and budget, came up with.So basically this is really the first garment I have ever sewed. Its certainly not perfect, but for someone who up to this point has only ever sewn large flat rectangles (ie: quilts) I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. 

The inspiration for Cersi's costumes in the television series is sort of a blend of traditional Kimono and high medieval styles. Knowing that, I bought McCall's costume pattern 2940, which is a simple kimono style robe pattern, and then I altered the crap out of it. Especially the sleeves.  Because the sleeves are really the key feature of this costume. I tightened up the upper arm, and then majorly expanded the cuffs for that long, rectangular banner-like effect. 

The twelve-year-old girl in me just adores the way that they billow when I walk. 

Also, since this is a Hallowe'en costume, I did not want to break the bank on it. So here's what I spent: $14.99 for a long burgundy high-waisted slip dress from Value Village. It was probably a bridesmaid's dress. I used it as the underskirt/layer of this costume. You can see it peaking out from under the robe at the bottom in the full length shots. Then, at the same Value Village I found a burgundy, jacquard woven tablecloth (in almost exactly the same shade as the underdress), with an acanthus motif for $7.99 which I used to make the robe itself. From my local fabric store, I bought a gold coloured imitation shantung silk remnant  for $4.00 which I used to edge the robe and sleeves. The gold cord tie on the belt was also a remnant, which cost $1.50. The faux leather that I used for the belt was the most expensive fabric, at $24.00 a meter, but I only bout a little bit of it, so it cost me $6.00 all together. For a grand total of, what, $34.50, give or take a few pennies. And I got to wear it three times over the Hallowe'en season, at various parties and of course, trick or treating (for which I paired it with a full length black cape. Yes, I own a full length black cape. Deal with it.)

As far as jewelry, I had to wear a big old ring...

and a big old locket...., both of which are just pieces of jewelry that I happen to already own anyways, so they did not cost me anything extra. Didn't want to shell out for the replica Cersi Lannister jewelry with thier house sigil on it. Would have been cool, but like it said this is a Hallowe'en costume and I had a budget. And barely noticeable under it all, are my sturdy brown riding-style boots. I just had no idea what sort of footwear to use. I have a feeling that Cersi probably glides around the Red Keep in some sort of delicate, soft, silent slippers (the better to overhear the intrigue my dear) but I spent a couple of hour's googling "Game of Thrones shoes" and "Footwear on Westros" to no avail. I mean, you can never see their shoes, so I guess its a moot point, but for such a completely visualized fictional world, I know they cannot have let the ball drop on footwear. I'm sure there is some crazy on-set cobbler making gorgeous made to measure quasi-archaic sandals and slippers and boots for that cast of hundreds, and I WANT TO SEE THEM ya'll! Get on it internet. 

Things I wish I had done better: I'd love to have had an actual metal belt like the one she wears in the show (and which you can see in the source pictures at the top of the post. I heard an interview with the costume designer Michele Clapton, talking about how Cersi often has some aspect of her clothing that is like armour, for both practical and emotional reasons, which is think is so interesting. So a metal corset/belt-y thing would have been nice. But I just haven't had any time to fire up the forge lately. Just a bit beyond my skill set. And I would have LOVED to have put in the time to embellish it with the embroidery as done in the original costume. I actually am a pretty accomplished embroiderer, and could probably pull off a dumbed down and passable version of the hummingbird detail (though nothing as amazing as the original work done by Michele Carragher, which you can see in insane detail here) but again, just didn't have the time to do it justice.  I need to thank my good friend Farihah Shah for obliging me an coming over on a wet, cold November morning to do this little shoot for me. I must say, it was funny to do a shoot and not really smile. Not really a grinner, that cersi. And I had a hard time pulling of Lena Headey's cold, self-satisfied smirk, or glowering disapproval. Mostly I just look gaunt. Could have been the cold. 

And of course, there were some distractions. Namely this guy, who under normal circumstances doesn't particularly care to pose for a picture, but as soon as you tell him to get out of the shot, there's no getting rid of him.
And also this guy: Mr. Action Hero Baby. I was of course, tempted to costume them as the little royal lords of Westros, but seeing as how Cersi's son Joffrey Lannister is the most hateful character in the history of Fantasy fiction, I just could not do that to either of my lovely boys. 

So now that I know I can sew a garment for an actual human body, there is an even bigger world of making out there for me to explore. I don't know if I have the time, patience or passion for it, but I just might have to try out a few simple, everyday things for myself. Though I do love an impractical sleeve.....

deadline

Sorry that I've been a bit absent around here. Not up to my usual five posts a week standards for sure! But I have a deadline to meet and I'm trying to get stuff done, and somehow, my evenings just get shorter and shorter. Also, I'm a procrastinator. I don't particulary enjoy this deadline that I'm working towards, and luckily, in the day to day life of a busy mom I can find a million things that I have to do first. Laundry, dinner, school related what-have-yous; there are lots of other things to keep me busy during the day. But I should be using my evenings to work towards my deadline. "Oh but wait!" I say to myself, "the blog! You have to blog, you can do that instead of that other stuff you don't want to do....." So in an effort to achieve some sort of self-discipline I've been not letting myself blog as often. The idea being that with fewer fun distractions I will forced, heels dragging, towards my deadline. Sigh. So tonight I'm going to blog, but not a big juicy pictures 'n' stories post, only a quick little "look at this cool stuff I found on the internet (while I was procrastinating of course).

Actually hubs showed these to me. First, watch this.

Wasn't that oddly satisfying? This one's for every printer you ever wanted to kick. I just love stuff like this. If I made videos, this would be the kind of thing I would do. It sort of feels like making a patchwork quilt to me, with all the cutting things up and putting them back together. So fun.

This one is also great, and highlights a televisual pet peeve of mine in a very humorous way.

 Honestly, it makes me crazy how they do this in EVERY crime drama on TV (and in the movies for that matter). Apparently every investigative unit in a major city has this kind of advance and somewhat unrealistic technology that allows them to pull image data out of thin air by suggesting that a grainy picture could be enhanced. It makes me scoff and throw up my hands every time. Which always makes hubs laugh. So I guess it has its benefits.

Anyhow, hope you enjoyed those. Now I must get back to work. sigh.

 

can you tell me how to get....

Are you ready for this?

Because oh. my. gosh. Look at what we got!

The Fisher Price Play Family Sesame Street playset, first produced in 1975, but this one was produced in the last year of production, 1977 because our Oscar the Grouch has no handle on the lid of his trashcan. (Thank you internet for your incredible minutae)

I know, I know. I kind of started hyperventilating a bit when I heard it was coming our way. You see, my Mom is probably the most active disseminator of my blog links (and if she was just a little more social media savvy I'd be all over the freakin' internet) but lets just say that among her friends and family, this blog is very well read. (Hello all my Aunts! Thanks for reading!) So my Aunt Marg saw us this summer and said "oh, I heard you like Fisher Price Little People. I have a couple of old sets that I saved from when the kids were little. I thought you might like them." Um, yes please. 

So there were two sets, but I'm going to make you wait awhile for the second one. And this one deserves its very own post. Because it is AMAZING. Please sit back and enjoy while I dork out over the amazing details. ahem.  This is the Hooper's Storefront view. Note the awesome architectural details. The stained glass transom window. The moulding. The awning. The brickwork. The tiles. Ach, there is so much I love about this. 

And look inside the store! There is a diner counter piece that fits in there so customers can sit, and a little magazine rack thing on the right there, with merchandise and stuff that is also a seperate piece. And of course, Mr. Hooper and Susan. SUSAN. Best FP little person ever, with her magenta dress and her natural style hair. The Best. 

I can hardly stand how cute that background litho is. Cake is 25 cents. Can I get a piece of that cake please?

Then, when you go around the corner you get a litho with Luis' fix-it shop and also, Big Birds alley-way home. 

And then around front is, of course, the Brownstone that you'd find at 123 Sesame Street.

And then the last side has the tire swing and fire escape stair way. I love those ripped posters. And the round window. And that light above the door. Details!

Of course, 123 Sesame Street is where Bert and Ernie live. And thier little apartment does not disappoint. 

Their twin beds are monogrammed for Pete's sake. And yes, that is a framed pigeon picture up on the wall. And Ernie's rubber duckie can be glimpsed on the edge of the tub through the open bathroom door.

And there's also an apartment above Hooper's Store. I'm not sure it's where Cookie Monster actually lived (because then where would Mr. Hooper live? What's the point of having a small corner store in a big city if you can't actually live above it? I'm just sayin') but he's hanging out there, watching a little TV for now. 

Yep, the inscription on Big Bird's signed and framed photo on the wall proves it. Definitely Mr. Hooper's apartment. 

I'm just so pleased with this addition to our toy collection. And the Boy's just love it too! It has been played with lots, the Oscar in his trashcan in the Little Dude's favourite, and for some strange reason, the Baby just loves that white ladder/stairs thing. Oh, and the mailbox is a favourite bit too, as a little person child can fit underneath it and that is apparently hilarious. We are going to get so much fun play time out of this. And its a nearly complete sit. The only thing missing, is the chalk and earaser for that chalkboard bit in the middle, but those are almost always missing from these old sets. And the only character we don't have is Gordon. I may have to start trolling around on esty looking for a Gordon because I don't want Susan to be lonely. 

This is such an amazing gift, from my kind Aunt and Uncle. The Boy's faces just lit up when we pulled this out of the bag. I'm telling you, it was like Christmas, for all of us. And I have to say a special thank-you to my Aunt for keeping it is such good condition, and keeping all of those many, many little pieces together. As a parent myself now, I know whenever I find a good quality vintage toy with all or most of its parts intact and together that there is a mom somewhere to thank for it. Because it was she who picked up and gathered together those pieces so many, many times at the end of a long, hard day. It was she who got down on her hands and knees and pulled these little people out from under couches and chairs before she vacuumed, so that they did not get sucked up and disappear along with the broken bits of crackers and popcorn and buttons and dust bunnies. It was she who, with little thanks, found stray Cookie Monsters and Grouches and herded them back into their plastic fold, to be played with another day. So its nice now, as a mom to say "Thank you Aunt Marg! Thanks for being a great mom. Thanks for cleaning up the toys and keeping these guys together. Thnaks for holding onto them, even though it was big and bulky and the kids were all grown up. And thanks for thinking of us when you cleaned out your basement. Because we love playing with them."

the daily grind

Years ago, in our B.C. lives (that's Before Children, not British Colombia) Hubs and I went on a trip to Holland. While we were there, we went to a thrift shop (quelle surprise) and he bought himself and old fashioned crank handled coffee grinder. Its made of wood and has a charming little drawer that you pull out, full of freshly ground coffee. Neither of us are big coffee drinkers, so even though it takes a lot of effort, he still enjoys grinding his coffee this way. Sometimes he'll sit in front of the TV and grinding away in the evening while we watch a little crime drama or something light and funny. He calls it his knitting. 

(Speaking of TV, he and I just finished watching Broadchurch. I can't say it was "enjoyable" but it was absolutely compelling. If you like mystery, crime drama, and the fine quality programming coming form the UK these days, I'd recommend it. However, if you can't handle watching the secrets and lies of a quiet coastal town being revealed in the wake of the tragic murder of a child, this is not for you. It was very well done, but also very sad, so be warned. But man, those people acted their faces off! Some of the best performances I've seen in ages.)

Anyhow, I came home from work the other day to find that he'd kicked the whole grinding thing up a notch.  Its not quite the same rustic, old-timey experience that is was before, but it is a heck of a lot faster.

And much, much more intersting to five-year-olds. Not that it wasn't interesting before. The Little Dude always likes to help with the coffee grinder. Actually, both the boys love it. They want a chance to turn the handle, pull out the little drawer, and take a big, appreciative sniff at the freshly ground coffee. But add a power tool to that experience? Ah, pure heaven! Coffee ground in record time, and fun and exitement shared by all. Except for me maybe, who just wanted to eat my late dinner without the accompanying screech of the drill. Oh well. Better than the screeching of bored and fidgety toddlers, so I'll take it and gladly. 

sewing + tv competitions = awesome

Look what I just found on YouTube.

 Its a reality tv competition about sewing! I know, right? I love it when the universe takes two of your favourite things and smashes them together. And its not all Project Runway like where as long as you can't see that the hem has been glued in place its all good. Oh no, its all about the actual craft of sewing. And its in Britian, so they pronouce things like "applique" all English-y like, and talk about "haberdashery". Oh listen to me blather on- it is now officially confirmed: I am a total dork. But seriously, I've watched all four episodes in bits and pieces over the last couple of days and it was very, very enjoyable. And doesn't leave me with that bad taste in my mouth that some other reality shows do. (*ahemdancemomsahem*) Also, they have little historical info segments about sewing and clothing that are very enjoyable, and they explain the shit out of everything for the sake of the viewer who might not know that much about sewing. Which at times is annoying (is there anyone who would watch a television show about home sewing that does not know how a patch pocket is constructed?) and at other times is informative (I certianly learned a lot during the how-to-sew-trousers segment).

Anhyow, my point is that if you like to sew and like to watch tv, you should watch this show. Also, you should sew something while you do it. Knitting and Crocheting would also be acceptable. 

how to loose an evening. In a good way.

Sorry that I didn't get around to posting last night, and it looks like tonight is not going to be much of a post either. I had an extremely busy day, in a good way, tying up lots of loose ends, getting lots of housework done. It was satisfying, but tiring and when the boys were finally in bed, I decided to spend the night curled up on the couch with my patchwork and a bag of candy, lost on my way from Lark Rise to Candleford. Have you seen this show? I just started borrowing them from the library and now I'm hooked. Its a BBC series that is somewhere between Road to Avonlea (which I was never a huge fan of) and Downton Abbey. Its not as good as Downton, but better than Avonlea. Not too treacle-y, definitely a bit of a soap, but not as gripping as Downton. Still, its a lovely way to pass an evening, and I'm pretty much down for anything in period costume. Funny moments, cute bits, a few tear-jerkers and even a pretty scary ghost story once. 

 Sorry I couldn't find the trailer without spanish subtitles. On the other hand, I think that'll be convenient for my Spanish speaking readers.

Anyhow, I'll try to be back here tomorrow with something slightly more interesting than a night of TV and sewing. Though I'm making no promises - there are five seasons and I'm only half way through.

preying or praying?

We had a temporary pet/science lesson recently. You must look closely...

...because he likes to lurk up near the ceiling of his temporary home.

Can you see him? (or her, you'll have to excuse me for I don't know which) Its a Preying Mantis (sorry I could not resist that link. The production is hilarious. Horror movie/monster truck show) In this case he is enjoying his supper (as we enjoyed ours) of a fly which was delivered to him live, by Hubs, and caught and dispatched quite quickly with a flying leap worthy of a Ninja. I was a little chagrined that feeding time became a spectator sport. Of course, we are not seeking to shield the Little Dude from the circle of life. We've had enough conversations about death, and how everyone dies and where meat comes from that I'd be hypocritical to pretend that the Preying Mantis does not kill and eat flies. But I had to give Hubs the evil eye, as he in particular was cheering and guffawing a bit too gleefully and Mr. Fly met his necessary end. After all, this is intended to be more of a scientific observation than a gladiatorial spectacle. Thus admonished we observed the Preying Mantis, as he took his nourishment, in a more solemn manner. 

(You must forgive the tone of my writing 'voice' tonight as I have just finished watching back to back episode of the excellent BBC drama "Cranford" staring Dame Judi Dench, and now, try as I might, I cannot stop talking like a genteel middle class lady of the early 19th century. Hopefully this affectation will have disappeared by morning, else I fear I will become tiresome to my dear Husband.)

After our evening repast (er, sorry, dinner) we decided to set our pet free. Though he seemed reluctant to go. After all, we had been supplying him with a steady diet of flies and perhaps he liked the ease and availability of the menu. But after a bit of shaking and some gentle encouragement with a blade of grass he managed to venture out into the great green world of our tomato garden. 

He was so well camouflaged that as soon as we took our eyes off him, it was hard to find him back. Ah well, he was fun to have around while it lasted, but we soon forgot all about him...

...when we discovered ripe raspberries on the other side of the garden.

Everyone was eager for a taste...

...even if it was only one or two berries. They were as well enjoyed as if there had been a bowl full.

Hope you are all able to get out and enjoy a bit of the cooler evening weather during this heat wave. A bounce on the trampoline during the heat of the day would do me in, but I can be cajoled to jump after seven.

 

mother's day

Or rather, the day after Mother's Day, as I mostly blog last thing at night so I know that most of you are reading this the day after I write it. But today was Mother's Day. Sigh. I know I've only been at this mothering thing for about four years, but I figured out awhile ago that Mother's Day is a real rip off. I thought it was going to be a day about mothers, you know, honouring all our hard work, showering us with gifts and thanks. I imagined I'd be shooed off into an easy chair whilst my adoring husband made meals and dealt with potty breaks while I sipped some sort of fruity drink and paged through the latest issue of Vogue. 

Yeah, those of you who have been mothers for awhile now are laughing as you read that. Because YOU know that mothers get SCREWED on Mother's Day (and I'm don't mean that in the good way). It mostly ends up being a day like all the rest, but possibly with more elaborate food prep. (On a related note, read Anne Lamott's Why I Hate Mother's Day. She's one of my favourite authors, and makes some very good points here. Thanks to my girl Sara for passing this one on).

Though to be fair, I cannot complain too much this year. (I wasn't expecting much, so that helps). We all got up in the morning together as usual, with Hubs heading out to the kitchen to start the oatmeal for breakfast. I went and got the Baby for his morning breast feed. And we had a lovely time, relaxing in the big bed for the 10 minutes that it takes him to eat, and then lolling around for another few minutes smiling and laughing and poking each other in the belly buttons. It was sweet. And then when I headed out to the kitchen I was met with flowers and a little present made by Hubs (a stainless steel ring he'd fashioned from a bit of pipe at work. Really, its nicer than is sounds and fits my middle finger perfectly).

Then L.D. and I were off to church, and after that there was a big family get together at my mom's house. But I actually was not there for most of it. I ran off to act in a play; a small informal workshop/community type theatre thing in a town nearby. Which was really nice actually. Its good to put that Theatre degree to work after all those years. And after an afternoon of pretending to be someone else, I returned home to the lovely smells and happy noises of a family having fun at my Mom's house. And the food! Oh, the food. I haven't got words for how good that home cooked deliciousness is, especially when you are not the one that cooked it. So really, my Mom was the mom who got the shortest end of the stick today, as she for sure did the most work. The ribs were to die for, I'm telling you, and I know that food does not get that tasty by accident. 

Anyhow, after a day in the sun with all the fun of cousins and ATV's and then a massive dinner, we packed two VERY tired kids into the car and after some much needed baths they were tucked into bed. Though L.D. did not go so willingly into that good night. Not without a bit of fussing along the way, but it was understandable after so much excitement. (another related side link, read dooce's description of how she knew her daughter was a three year old and laugh. your. ass. off. She so nails it. No one writes about parenting funnier then that)

So, what was my point? Oh yeah, it was mother's day. And though I did not get to sleep in, or lounge around, it was still really lovely. And as I tucked my boys into bed tonight watching sleep lay its soft, sweet mantle over them, it seemed like a pretty good day. 

And then I was poking about on the youtube and I found The. Most. Fantastic. Clip. EVER. And perfect for Mother's day. Behold:

 

This video makes me wish that I was a parent in the 70's. Or rather, it makes me wish I lived on Sesame Street in the 70's. Because then Buffy Sainte Marie could be my neighbour and we could hang out with Big Bird and nurse our babies together. Seriously, how awesome is this! Best line: "and I get to hug him when I do it, see." Awwwwwww! The only thing that makes me sad about this is that it could never, ever be on TV now. People would LOSE THEIR MINDS about a grown woman breast feeding her child on national television these days, much less on a children's show. 

If you liked this you should also check out Buffy Gives Cody a Bath, which is all KINDS of adorable, and has the catchiest little impromptu bathing the baby song you will ever hear. You'll be humming it all day, yup yup. Though I have to say again, this would never make it onto TV now. Because people are crazy now, and think that children seeing naked babies will destroy the very fabric of society. Oh, 70's idealism, where have you gone?

 

ach..

I had such big plans to blog. I had pictures chosen and we had an exciting new making/food adventure that I was already to share with you, and then... the Baby decided not to go to sleep. UNTIL 10:00! I have no idea what that was about, but it was about 10:18 before he decided to lay down and sleep. Decided. I'm telling you, that kid, in the words of that pop psych guy on that Simpson's episode "he does... what he feels like." Its not as though he finally fall asleep as I rocked or nursed him. Nope, after a good long cry and a walk around the house and some quiet sitting, I finally set him in his crib, he looked up at me, and then turned around and lay down. And then I got the heck out of dodge before he changed his mind. 

Anyhow, you should go and read these excerpts from Emma Thompson's journal that she kept during the shooting of Sense and Sensibility. One of my top ten favourite movies of all time. Reading her journal made me feel like I was there when they were shooting it. Sigh. I can dream can't I. Also, it made me laugh my head off. I will never read "Squirrel Nutkin" the same way again. 

amish teens

I had an unexpectedly busy night tonight, so I don't really have time for a big, long, gushy post about my kids (as is my wont) but instead will just take a moment to share a link with you. I was looking around on youtube for something the other day, and I'm telling you, I have no idea what strange order of click following click led me to this, but I was quite captivated by a reality TV show that I'd never heard anything about. And the reason I've probably never heard of it, is that its called "Amish World's Squarest Teenagers" Worst reality show title ever. Unless it was a contest to ascertain which Amish Teen was the actually the World's Squarest. Which it is not. What it is, is a surprisingly sensitive documentary style television show, in which five Amish teens go to the UK and live with four different families during the period of time which they refer to as "rumspringa", aka, a time to "sow their wild oats" before they settle down and accept the life and traditions of their church. It was surprisingly respectful and educational (another reason why I've probably never heard of it). There are no fights, or major conflicts, or swearing or backstabbing, (it is about the Amish after all) so in a sense its not really a reality TV show. But it was quite compelling. I'm almost done watching it. (in the 11 minute increments in which it was posted on youtube, 16 parts in total) And I've been quite captivated. But who knows, I haven't seen the end yet. I could be all down hill from part 15, with tattoos and drunkenness and pregnancies and wet bonnet contests and the like. Though I kind of doubt it.