Back from the dead with a completion? Floral Stripe JSK Completion and Charity Sale

Oh boy, has it been awhile! Well I have been active elsewhere, but just not here. I thought I'd dust off the cobwebs and show up with my latest work!

So a little backstory on this particular piece. It's actually five years in the making! I started sewing this dress back in 2015, and then suddenly stopped working on it for a reason unknown to me now (it was so long ago, but I think I got annoyed with some element of the construction and then started working on other projects, thus abandoning it in a drawer.)

Originally I was making it for myself when I was much more heavily into these particular color schemes in lolita fashion. My style now has changed a lot, and when I wear classic styles now I lean more on the gothic side of things.

So that's why I decided to just finish off the dress and sell it. While selling it, I figured, why not help out some great causes in the process? I'll come back to the details on this at the end of the post, but first off, the completed JSK.

The Completed Piece

The design is loosely based on that of Mary Magdalene's "Rose Basket" JSK. When I purchased this fabric many years ago (long time followers might remember a post I made ages ago with all the fabrics I bought at Shabby Fabrics, this was one of them) and when I saw it, first thing I wanted to do was make a pleated dress similar to that style.

I tried to make sure I didn't buy extra things to finish this. I attempted to finish this off with sewing supplies I had around the house. The only two things I had to purchase in addition was the ribbon for the waist belt, and a zipper for the side seam (the one I had on hand was too short.) Thankfully it just about matched the red ribbon I had on hand!

I'm happy I went with this rose red color for the ribbon elements. It really brings the whole thing to life. I used lace on the hem instead of mesh, but I think this would be pretty with a mesh hem like the original too.

The straps have an elastic loop so they are mildly adjustable. The button can also be moved if needed. Originally I wanted to do a buttonhole, but my machine was not cooperating to do it, so I ended up improvising. I think it's quite suitable though.

The ribbon bow on the neckline is a brooch which can be removed, along with the waist ties. Back is shirred at the center allowing for comfort and adjustability as usual. It would have been nice if the braid trim was also rose red, but I had already went with the gold.

Coordinates: One Dress, Three Ways

Coordinate One: Royalty

So I wanted to do a more regal look to see if this dress would look nice sort of dressed up. The coordinate is missing some elements, like I would probably pair these with some really fancy lace tights for instance (perhaps imagine it for yourself.) A really fancy purse, perhaps in a dark brown would be rather nice. The reds don't exactly match, but the darker red is there in the print as the shadow element in the floral, so it works nicely. Also removed the waist ties (yep again, they are removable!) but I could totally see it replaced with a dark brown belt. For shoes I'd pair it with some really fancy dark brown or burgundy heels, oxfords, or victorian styled boots.

Coordinate Two: Country Floral

Here I went with something a little more casual and prairie-like. I paired the JSK with this burgundy blouse from Axes Femme, along with a straw boater hat that I decorated with some clip in flowers that match. I also added simple ivory lace topped socks. For shoes, I figure some nice oxford flats would do nicely, or some dark brown victorian ankle boots. This would also be really cute with a straw basket bag as well, decorated with some of the same color elements.

Coordinate Three: Iconic Classic

Here we have your quintessential classic lolita look circa around 2010. Simple but detailed blouse, classic rectangular headdress, and over-the-knee socks with a modest pattern. I could totally see this in Gothic and Lolita Bible at the height of the classic lolita obsession from around that time. I'd pair this with your classic ballerina flats with a small platform or low heel in burgundy, perhaps those cute ones that Innocent World used to carry (do they still make shoes? I have no idea.)

Sales Info and Charity Details

So as I mentioned in the beginning, I've decided not to keep this. It will be for sale! First I'm opening up the sale to my close friends, then to the greater community. Due to the current climate (the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the continued struggle in Racial Justice Reform and the Black Lives Matter movement) I wanted to donate a portion of the sales amount to three particular causes that specifically support BlPOC Trans Lives:

The Okra Project

Transgender Law Center

The Marsha P. Johnson Institute

I will be selling the dress for $250 USD + Shipping and 30% of the proceeds will be donated among the three charities ($25 USD each.) Receipts of the donation will be posted on my social media for transparency and proof of donation.

Dress Measurements and Specs

Bust: 34"~38" (86cm~96cm)
High Waist: 26"~ 30" (66cm~76cm)
Total Length (from Shoulder to Lace Hem): 36" (92cm)
(Please inquire for additional measurements)

Dress will also come with a matching washable cloth mask with ribbon ties made of some of the scrap fabric. Please make sure to wash the mask by hand before using!

Again, I will be opening sales to people in my personal circle first, and then to the general public on July 8th, 2020. For further inquires on the dress availability, please DM me on Instagram @dixmacabre.

Thanks for your support! 

Powder Blue Floral Rococo Inspired One Piece Dress Completion

I'm back with my most recent project! This dress is about five years overdue, and I actually finished it in September right before Rufflecon, but I've been a bit busy (ahem more like lazy, haha) recently so I only got to take official photos today!

This dress is remotely inspired by the Mary Magdelene OP here. I really liked this dress, and I wanted to make one like it for years. I bought this floral fabric from the Mary Rose Collection around 2010-2011, and it sat in a drawer until very recently. I decided that I was going to push forward and make this dress in time for the Rufflecon High Tea. Let's jump into the photos now shall we?

The Front - Trimmed with self fabric hand done ruching ruffles, chinese braid, satin-organza ribbons, and ivory pearls. The center of the dress is made of off white cotton striped seersucker.

The Side - You can see the princess sleeves here trimmed with embroidered lace.

The Back - Originally I wanted to do a faux sacque back evoking the "Robe a la Francaise" but I ran out of floral fabric. I had only scraps left! 

Bodice Details - That last button is a little off I know, haha. The neckline ruffle is trimmed with looped cluny lace and Chinese braid.

I intended for the bodice to dip more in the front, but it didn't turn out as extreme, but it's okay. And boy, did that ruching take long. Again, it was all hand ruffled (my sewing machine ruffles for me, but I always have to hand adjust) 

Added this brooch detail last minute with some leftover ribbon and a button finding. It's removable.

I also added double looped bows with pearls. I made the bows myself and added the pearls to the centers.

A closeup of the embroidered lace on the princess sleeves. I also added bows here.

You can see the seersucker texture better here.

The embroidered lace is also on the hem attached to the lining. The looped cluny lace is on the hem of the dress too. And yes, I machine hemmed and serged the edges of all that ruching, crazy!

And there you go! Bonus picture of me wearing it at Rufflecon!

There are a lot of things I would change about this outfit, it was a bit rushed, but next time! This dress is so extravagant though that it's not at all for everyday wear. Next time I wear it, I will probably do an updo hairstyle or fancy ponytail, a natural colored wig, a pearl choker, and a large headpiece with feathers. And of course different shoes. 

I plan on making other Rococo styled OP's in the future. There is so much variation that can be done! I also want to try my hand at a more authentic longer length gown. 

Thanks for viewing! I have more projects underway. Soon I will be preparing for Rufflecon 2016 where Lilith et Adalia will be showing in the fashion show and selling in the Marketplace! So it's about to be a very busy year. Expect lots of progress posts!

"Memories of Byzantium" Collection - Piece One - Gilded Jumperskirt

Hello everyone! Here I am again with the beginning of a brand new collection, "Memories of Byzantium" inspired by, as you probably can tell by the name, the Byzantine Era of history known for it's glorious Christian iconography and the use of golden, pearlized, and jeweled details. This is an era of history that really inspires me very much, and I've always wanted to make Lolita pieces inspired by this iconic era. I really love Christian iconography and understand it's spiritual significance. Many people have mixed feelings on this subject in fashion, but I personally appreciate it very much.

I made this first piece for my own personal wardrobe, to debut in an opulent Gothic Lolita ensemble for Day 2 at RuffleCon this year!

So let's begin with the photos!

Piece One - Gilded JSK

(Click the images for larger versions)

This dress features a cotton jewel toned cross print (Michael Miller's Golden Angel Divine Crosses, which you can buy here at Fabric.com), black cotton jacquard bodice fabric, and various gilded trims including gold beading lace, gold and jewel toned jacquard and organza ribbons, and black scalloped Cluny lace. 

I did my usual partial shirring in the back and laced it with the gold trimmed organza ribbon. I left the ties long for a more dramatic effect. I'm not really into waist ties at the moment, so I think I prefer doing long ties in my lacing backs for a bit. 

Closeups of the trims. I trimmed the straps with the gold beading lace that I also used around the hem. I also cut the lace in half and used it in the princess seams. Then I added this polyester trim around the top of the bodice that looks sort of like inlaid jewels. At first, I thought the trim seemed a bit cheap, but in turned out to be the perfect touch.

I used gold tassels at the ends of the jacquard ribbon tails. The tails are supposed to mimic the look of clergy robes. 

Closeup of the tassel. They are fairly large and I really like how the look pulled together.

Closeup of the laces I used at the hem. In addition to the golden beading lace, I used cotton edging lace and embroidered tulle lace (attached to the hem of the lining.)

I used the flat cotton lace to make a cross on the front bodice. I really like this detail most. I love the contrast in textures. 

And that's it! Next I'm making a headdress and veil to coordinate with this! You will see it in my next post. I'm just about done with the headdress and I still have the veil to make. It should be quite a dramatic look and I'm really excited to wear everything!

So I did say this was the first piece in the collection right? I will be making a raglan sleeve One Piece dress and a High Waist skirt using these fabrics and trims! I will however be selling them under the Lilith et Adalia label over on Etsy sometime at the beginning of next year - accompanied by a few other Religious themed pieces. Look out for that!

I have one more dress to make before Rufflecon, which is only a month away! I have to hurry. My next piece is a Rococo inspired dress that is long in the making, and it will be for the Sunday High Tea. I hope that I finish in time!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Until next time!

Cross Post~ Lilith et Adalia: Women's Collection - Dress One - "Vienna de Lune" Chemise Dress Debut

Cross Posting from our Blog over at Lilith et Adalia! Our first Women's Wear Collection piece is complete and will be going up for sale on our Etsy Shop this Wednesday August 12th at 8PM EST!

You can view the full blog post by clicking here!

Just a few images on my end. 

See more detailed photos and get more information in the original blog post!

It's been a little quiet around here but I've been keeping busy! I have a ton of projects in work in the next few months. If you follow me on my Facebook Page or my Instagram, I post what I'm working on much more often and you can see pieces literally as they come to fruition in real time.

Rufflecon is fast approaching, so I have two dresses to make for myself before the weekend of October 2nd! I will be wearing handmade dresses and accessories all weekend long!

I will be here with detailed photos of everything I have made as son as they are complete!

Thank you for viewing, and I would love it if you all could support Lilith et Adalia too, which soon I will be exclusively selling the things I make under that name. Many of you have been following my work for years and I appreciate you all sticking around this long!

With love,
Aria Macabre

Commission: Black Organza Overskirt and Black Lace Rectangle Headdress + Veil

Hello everyone! Just thought I'd do a quick post to reveal my latest projects, which were commissions for a friend of mines! She requested to have a black organza overskirt made that was reminiscent of Angelic Pretty stylings. The tiered skirt style was inspired by the Crystal Dream Carnival Tiered JSK and the cascade bow was inspired by the one on Milky Cross.

She also requested a rectangular headdress and veil inspired by the Katrina veil style. We both really loved that one and when I had mentioned I wanted to make something like it, she jumped at the idea of having one for herself! She however wanted her veil to be longer.

So anyway, lets get to the photos shall we?

Coordinated with AatP Name of the Rose JSK, Pumkin Cat Chiffon Blouse, and Jewelry from Moss Marchen.

The organza is very full and fluffy. Lots and lots of yardage went into the creation of this! The second tier has about 200 inches of fabric in it believe it or not! The front is cut away just like the style that inspired it, and I even managed to find lace to trim the edges that is strikingly similar to the kind AP uses! I was so excited when I found it in the local trim store. 

The waist is fully elastic and ties at the front with a hidden satin ribbon. The bow at the front is detachable with brooch pins and so are the cascades! You can take it off and wear them on multiple things! I'm really pleased with how this turned out, even though the organza was a bit hard to work with at times. I do plan on making more in the future, but first I need to make one for myself! I have a few ideas for different styled ones, such as asymmetrical, ruffle hemmed, different colors... 

Now for the headdress and veil!

I'm super happy with this one too! It gave me a few mishaps, but in the end I think it turned out okay. The veil is a rectangular shape as well and is long at the sides and picks up at the back when worn. This is a waist length veil, as requested. The headdress is all black with embroidered lace and braiding details that I find are becoming my signature. The headdress attaches to the veil through tiny slits I made and secured the opening with thread binding by hand so it wouldn't tear. The original Katrina veil has a similar finishing, thus where the idea came from!

I really need to make one of these for myself soon! I think I will make my veil shorter though and in a different shape. 

So that's everything for now! I hope you all liked them! I have so man more projects in the works coming up (maybe too many!) so wish me luck in successfully completing it all!