The glamour and lure of the theatre

As I have said before, I had the great luck to be trainee at a theatre last year, and it's something that have always been fascinating me ever since I was allowed up on the attic of a great opera house many years back. All the things you find at such a place...ah, it is truly inspiring. <3
I could indulge in feathered fans, extravagant jewellry, tiaras, stockings, tutus, period dresses, corsets...I could stay there forever. The sheer glitter and luxury fascinates me. It isn't Lolita...of course it isn't, at least not for us to wear, but I adore it so much!
I have been playing with the thought of creating real, period corsets and other accessories inspired by the theatre and opera... I have so many ideas for so many beautiful things. I wonder if I could open a theatre/opera part of the webshop, or if that would be overdoing things...

(Bild hittad på: 17th century wedding gown )

The Phantom of the Opera and friday evening

As far as fridays go, this has been a very slow day. Of course, slow days can be pleasant in their own way, but to sit idle on a friday... Well, I thought I needed something to do besides knitting more bonnets. I found this addicting little point-and-click detective game. The theme is the Phantom of the Opera and I couldn't stop playing!
I must say that I really recommend justforfun-games.com for this very reason, they have many interesting mini-games when you truly have nothing better to do. On rainy, cold days like this one. <3 I found it very pleasant to play while knitting.

A new dress and rainy days

Yesterday I finally put the scissors to that lovely black/gray/white cirkus-fabric, and this is how it turned out! <3 I spent the whole day sewing but I'm so happy with how it turned out! I may add a second black flounce a little higher, but I haven't decided yet. :)

The coming days will be quite gloomy if the weather forcast is correct, with quite a lot of rain and warmer temperatures for the season. But I'm not worried! <3 It's already snowing up north so I'm positive that the colder weather will be back once it has gained new strength.

Frosty nights and a white Christmas tree

Tonight was yet another cold autumn night, so when I got out on my daily walk all the grass and moss were crusted with a fine layer of winter white frost. I don't know about you, but I love frost. <3 The air gets cold and fresh and everything smells so nice... It is truly my favourite time of year! Even if I do require some new, warm tights.
Hm. I wonder if I can sew those myself...

And this is for you, Coco! We discussed Christmas trees yesterday, and you said you were curious about a white one. I found this beautiful picture browsing the net:

(I did not take this photo. Credit goes to the photographer, though I have no idea who that is!)

Rain, chocolate and a new working desk

Most people tend to dislike rain, but if it's not raining too often I rather like it. Today we awoke to the gentle pitter-patter och rain against our French balconies. Listening to the sound is quite soothing, and wrapped in lots of blankets and pillows the morning could hardly be sweeter. <3
In chilly mornings like these, a cup of hot chocolate with caramel sugar is just right. Here's my recipe for you:

- 2 large cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of cranulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- Some whipped cream
- A few pieces of caramel/candied sugar.

Heat the milk slowly, while whisking up a foam in it. The second it starts boiling, take it off the stove. Briskly whisk down the sugar and cocoa until the cocoa is completely whisked in. Pour the chocolate into a big cup of your choice, put in some caramel sugar, and a spoonful of whipped cream on top. Yum. <3

Yesterday I received a new working desk! It's almost four times the size of my old one, so now I finally have enough space to work on. <3 It's perfect! All I need now is some small boxes to put my things in...since the new desk has no drawers...

First snow and the knitted muff is finished!

Tonight we arose to a white world. I had expected a few flakes, having read and re-read the weather reports, but there were a lot more snow than I had expected. It had patches here and there, of course, but most of the ground was covered with powdered snow.
Of course, I couldn't resist talking a stroll in this winter wonderland. It was so beautiful. <3 Especially with the sun coming down and touching the ground, turning every little snowflake into a diamond of ice.

As I write this, I'm drinking a cup of hot chocolate with caramel sugar, listening to classic music. Outside the clouds are gathering as if there will be more snow, but inside it is comfortably warm. <3 It's been a great day for knitting today, so I finished the muff I started on yesterday. I couldn't resist adding some details to make it look absolutely dreamy...

Victorian collar and a knitted muff

A year ago I had the great opportinity to be a trainee at a real theatre, in the costume area. While I did indeed help out with other things when need arouse (such as laying the tables in the giant dining hall when there were especially many guests), my first and foremoust duties were to the costume atelier.
Theatres has always fascinated me, as I expect they do many, so I was in Heaven when I started out. I fell in love with everything. Every spangle, every frill, every bead and glittering shoe... The glamour was dazzling. Of course, it was hard work, but... It was one of those opportunties of a life time.
As I was there - both mending, adjusting and some sewing - I learned a great deal about period clothing. Corsets in particular. As I've always been in love with the 19th century, I was bound to create something inspired by that area...
So today I sew a collar. A corset being far too complicated to sell in my webshop at the moment, this collar originated from a sketch I had in my workbook.What do you think?

Maybe it was The Little White Horse - I don't know - but I just wanted to create something a bit more period. And as we speak I am knitting a white muff - knitting braids on it if you know what I mean? We'll see how it turns out. :)