Lady Seabreeze and Candy Ribbons

Greetings!

This week I've two new, very beautiful Victorian day gowns. The first is named after Breezy Carver. The gown, Lady Seabreeze, is a delightful spring creation of sky blue brocade, satin, and white lace. There is a matching hat and of course a bustle skirt since it is based on a fantastic 1878 bustle gown.



The original gown came out of a museum and is now, as far as I know, in a private collection. There are a total of four skirts on this dress, and the movement of it is truly lovely. It's a perfect Easter gown. The rare sky blue color makes it a very special piece. There are undergarments included as well.

Next up is a gown I dubbed Candy Ribbons because it looks like that kind of hard candy. It is a sweet dress, no doubt about it. The most challenging part was the stripes and making sure they worked well. I hope you'll enjoy the new bustle configuration on this as well.



There is just one prim skirt on this gown, and that is the bustled part. I really do enjoy wearing this one because of the look of it. The original is made of cream colored wool with satin ribbons and emerald green fringe. This isn't an exact replica, but it's still a sleekly tailored spring time ensemble. Period undergarments are included.

Both dresses can be found on Xstreet.

Until next time, I wish you a joyful and happy Easter!

Cordially yours,
Kembri Tomsen
The Curious Seamstress

Victorian through the 1920's - A little something for everyone!

Greetings my friends!

It has been a very busy time around here as we gear up for March's RFL madness. But before we dive into the Clothing Fair on the 13th of March, I have been trying to complete a variety of garments and periods. So let's get right to our latest half a dozen offerings!

First one up, a favorite for me, Harmonia. This is a gown inspired by a really fantastic golden satin gown from about 1910 and Liberty of London. Liberty of London wasn't so much one desiger as it was a style of clothing. Elegant, not overly eleborate, but done in excellent materials, Liberty of London gowns are really lovely. Some are even outstanding, as with Harmonia. The gown, by the way, is named after the Goddess Harmonia. The neckline on this gown is awesome for framing that perfect necklace!



Continuing in our Goddess theme, we have Aphrodite Risen, a Fortuny inspired gown. Now I do go on about Mariano Fortuny in the card that comes with the gown. His gowns were less 'fashion' and more works of art. He made these gowns over a time span of some 40 years, and unless you have provenance, it's hard to tell when each gown was made. These gowns, if you can find one at auction, tend to go for the thousands of dollars, depending on condition. Now, a word here. There is NO prim skirt with this gown. It was never meant to have one. For examples please go to my Xstreet page for this gown and look at the additional images. I will be doing more Fortuny inspired gowns in the future, they're just that gorgeous. I hope you'll enjoy them if you should purchase one! The back drape is a flexi and based on Indian sari material. The headpiece that comes with this gown moves as if it were really dozens of beads hanging about your hair and face.



Next is a costume offering. This pretty little costume was done for an avatar sized music box done by Miss Canolli Capalini of Capalini Fine Furnishings. The music box came out a year ago, and I just recently decided to start releasing costumes I've done in the past. There is also a plate tutu for this gown. It can be worn either as a regular costume or as a ballet costume, and it is in Mardi Gras colors! So it covers a LOT of ground here! I love outfits like that! Eventually I have other ballet costumes in the wings that I will also release. Until then, I offer you, Harlequin.



Next we have a really unusual Victorian reception gown. Now as far as I know, this gown was not made by any well known designer. But the really brilliant use of gray satin and black velvet along with white embroidery just make this a very unique and unusual gown. I made it for my cousin Olli for Breezy Carver's Black and White ball. Now I offer it to you for your next regal affair! The name Lucrezia comes from the gown's current home, which is in a private European collection. That and can't you just see a Borgia woman wearing something this elegant and dramatic?



Next up are my two 1920's beauties. First is Roxie. A sassy, sexy little gown with hip swags that bring peoples eyes to your hips when you move. This gown, when worn with gloves and the right shoes, is really a show stopper in any era. I have to say, the velvet looks petable! There is a set of undergarments with this gown and two head pieces. The head pieces have a resizing script in them, and the script is deletable.





Now for the newest and last offering. When doing the 1920's line the one thing I find really difficult is finding good day dresses. There are literally thousands of 1920's evening gowns available for sale around the world, but there's darn few regular day to day dresses around. This gown is one I would date towards the end of the 1920's because the look is a little longer, a little softer, and the original gown was more figure hugging than many early 20's gowns. It was such a fun, cheerful dress that I had to make it! I really hope if you have any kind of 1920's yearnings that you'll eventually pick up this dress. It's very feminine and I had great fun wearing it out on a Sunday afternoon!




Now a few other words. First please do remember that about 99% of my gowns are based on real gowns and sometimes there can be color variatons within the gown itself. I do add my own touches, like trying to make sure the color is even and seams match. But occasionally, as with the Betty dress, there's just a shade more color in one part that I cannot change without totally changing the dress. You all know how I feel about that! I do not retouch the photos in my ads either, as I wish you to have a very good idea of what you're purchasing.

Next Item. If you have ever bought a gown from me on Xstreet, I would ask that you go back and review or rate it or both. Good or bad, some folks do pay attention to such ratings. So if you are in a position to comment, please do!


That's all for this post. I've picked half a dozen Worth or House of Worth gowns for the next few releases. Most of the gowns are rather involved and so there shouldn't be a huge flood of releases, but one never knows! I wish you a wonderful beginning to your March!

Take care!

Cordially yours,
Kembri

About last month . . .

Greetings!

Well, I was gone for nearly three weeks until about the middle of August. Once I got home I hugged my computer, whispered sweet nothings to my Wacom pad, and started working again. I found on my journey that I adore designing clothing for Second Life. I love finding uniquely beautiful gowns to bring to life in our virtual world. I should probably get a 'real' job at some point, but the fact of the matter is that I consider designing digital clothing my 'real' job. It speaks to my heart and soul, it is my passion and my bliss. Because of that, I will continue working on this things for as long as I'm able too!

Now onto what's new! Around Blisswood, the big store, are several treasure chests with clothing items in them that are free. Though you are limited to one. Among the items are a pink boudoir robe, a Bejeweled gown in emerald, a Bejeweled gown in Onyx, and uhm, a modern little flirty thing. So, visit Blisswood on Northern Lights, hunt around the store and outside, and you'll find the treats. It's reallly just for fun and they're not tiny motes of sand. The chests should be fairly easy to find. Also, STEAM: The Hunt, has started. There's a gear hidden around Blisswood as well as the two Curious Seamstress stores. Each has a different prize, and one of them is a set of mens clothing. Now about that set of mens clothing, it is made so that a woman can wear it too. There's a cute little top hat, two for the ladies and one for the men, and there's a skirt for the ladies. A very sleek glitch type skirt. Just pop by the Port Babbage Curious Seamstress store and find the gear. You'll see what I'm talking about!

Now, for the last few items that went out recently, I do have pictures!

This first is a sweet 1920's summer dress. No, our great-grandmothers did not all run around in flapping boots and beads all day! I loved the color of this dress, and that's why I've added it to the collection.



The second is a gorgeous Edwardian military cut walking dress, complete as always with period undergarments.



It also has a resizable hat. I'm quite pleased with this gown, and if I didn't have to be working on the next one, I'd be wearing this one!



Butterflies is such a summer treat, I know. It's based on a real Edwardian gown, and was so crisp and delicate looking that I had to make it. I've also got my first parasol here. I don't totally care for the fact that the animation doesn't override all AO's, but if you're standing around chatting, it works just fine!



This is a request piece. Or pieces as it were. New Babbage has many folks that were intersted in wearing their tartan while working. I think these can be worn by anyone really, and would do well in an urban Victorian setting. Or a cow town if you were really brave!

There are a couple of other gowns that should be out today, heaven willing and I manage to get everything done fast enough! I also have several, yes, that is several, gowns on the planning board. Or in my case, in the folders. You see, I sort gowns according to month/season/holiday period. I've already got several gowns waiting to be worked on, it's just a matter of getting to them!

I hope that you all have had a lovely summer. If you have children, I hope you're loving the back to school time! I am happily looking forward to the holidays and my personal favorite, Halloween! I ADORE that holiday for many reasons. Not the least of which is it kicks off the holiday season in my mind!

I wish you all bright blessings and much laughter.
Cordially yours,
Kembri

New July Releases!

Greetings all!

So first some news. I had intended to take a long leave of absence starting on July 11th, but the world did not see it in the same light, and so I will be postponing my trip for 2 weeks or so. That works just as well for me because it gives me time to do more gowns!

Next, my sister, Ghilayne Andrew, is now acting CEO for GreenWood Designs and The Curious Seamstress branches. This means she's taking care of the business side of things while I concentrate on trims and fabrics. If anyone wishes to offer stalls, market spaces, stores, shops, fashion shows, or anything else in that vein, please contact Ghilayne Andrew in Second Life. Drop a card to her if you please, as there's a lot going on in her life and an IM would get lost!

Now, my offerings for July are four in number so far, though I do have four more in the wings. There are two Edwardian gowns and two Victorian. Let's start with the Victorian gowns.


This gown is Redfern in Rust, based on a John Redfern gown. He was quite popular with wealthy Victorian women from about 1890 to 1920. It's a lovely gown and quite stylish.



This gown is all about being stylish by the seashore for a summer holiday!

Next our Edwardian gems. The first is a sassy little black and white number called "Peep's Pride":



Last is the gem of the bunch in my opinion. It is such a beautiful gown that I enjoy wearing it often. There are find points you cannot see in the ad, like some lovely prim roses and other details.




The Curious Seamstress now has a third branch in the New Toulouse sim. It is a fantastic New Orleans flavored sim, complete with the occasional zombie or crocodile! I hope you'll drop by at some point and visit. I've got the LM in my picks.

Now, I've some free time and I have another sweet summer gown to finish! Take care, and I hope the summer days where you are, are idyllic in every way!


Cordially yours,
Kembri

Primgraph Article and new clothing

Greetings!

Yes, real life has been insanely busy for me! I hope the first days of summer find you all well and happy.

I have recently written and had published an article on Victorian clothing. It was in issue 6 of the Primgraph. I'm putting it here for anyone to read who might wish too. It is at the end of this post.

There's also some new clothing on the way that I want to tell you all about. One is a gown called "Shepherdess". It is gorgeous, and it is a one of a kind gown. It has been purchased by a long time customer for an RFL auction. The odd thing to me was the timing, she caught me literally 2 hours before I was releasing the gown for public sale. I do hope you will all take a moment to look at it and consider bidding. All proceeds will go to RFL, and the gown comes packed in a special musical dress trunk, which plays the theme from 'Somewhere in Time'. The gown will be auctioned off on June 20th at the Illusions Grand Tour ball at Piedmont Landing. For more details please check for signs at The Curious Seamstress in New Babbage or Blisswood.



This is a very informal shot of the top of the gown! Yes, that is my home behind me.



Next is a new RFL gown done by request. It is done using the New Babbage dress tartan. I have it out for sale at Blisswood and The Curious Seamstress in New Babbage.




It can be worn several ways, and has resizing scripts in the hard bustle part of the gown.


Then I heard a great new (to me) song, 'Say Hey I love you' by Michael Franti and Spearhead. It was such a cheerful and fun summery song that I put this little outfit together!



Now that one was fun, and I highly recommend it for those nights out dancing!



Finally, I'm working on two other outfits that will be out shortly. The first is a Victorian Walking gown, the second is a man's outfit with New Babbage dress tartan. I will put those pictures up the next time I wander over this way.

I hope you all enjoy the article!

Bright blessings,
Kem



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A Lady's Dressing Room – The Wardrobe
By Lady Kembri Tomsen


Greetings, Dear Reader!

Today we shall speak of a Lady's wardrobe and some of the types of dress worn during a typical day. Now the ladies of high fashion and deep pockets have been known to change up to eight times in a day. With such a plethora of gowns, one begins to wonder what to wear and when. This little bit of article is meant to help a Lady with such choices so that she is always dressed to suit the occasion. You would not wish to wear an Evening Gown to an afternoon tea, or a Ball gown to a breakfast! Therefore, let us begin at the beginning with which garment is appropriate at what time of day.

In the morning when you are still at home, you may wish to put on a house dress. This dress is meant to be seen only by the servants and family and is fairly simple. In this gown a woman would take her breakfast and tend to her household chores. Later in the morning one might wish to change into a more formal Toilette de Reception. Such an elaborate gown as the one pictured below would more probably be worn by a wealthy woman in case visitors should drop in.


An Elaborate Morning Gown

Some ladies change instead into the Toilette de Visite or Visiting Dress to make the rounds of morning visits. For this ensemble a Lady should dress with refined elegance so as not to overshadow her hostess. Hats and short gloves are a must, and the gown is usually done in various patterns and colors which reflect the season. Sleeves should be long and the neckline high. As a polite aside, no visit should last more than twenty minutes, no matter how well you know your hostess!
An 1875 Visiting Dress

After a Lady finishes with her visits, she might return home and change again. Should she be in the city and wish to take an afternoon walk, she would change again into a Walking Dress , also known as a Promenade Dress or her Toilette de Promenade. This gown is shorter for ease of walking, and very much reflects the season in which it is worn. A winter promenade dress would be of heavier materials with such things as a coat or mantilla as part of the design for warmth. However, a summer walking gown would be of lighter fabrics and meant to be seen without such outwear. A parasol would be a must in the summer time, and a hat or bonnet should be worn in any season. A Lady never leaves the house with bare head or hands!

Tea Gowns are a whole subject unto themselves. However, for the sake of brevity, a tea gown is usually worn uncorseted and most often at home around family and close friends. It is highly elaborate, very romantic with soft lines and colors, lots of ribbons and lace, and a very feminine feel. This gown is truly a confection, meant to be a feast for the eyes! No hat or gloves are needed if one is inside. However, if one is out in the garden, then of course a hat and gloves are needed.

Next we shall speak about traveling dresses. The Carriage Dress or Traveling Dress, sometimes also known as Toilette de Voyage, this outfit is meant to stand up to the rigors of traveling. It is again seasonal to some extent, reflecting the weather one will be traveling in. The garment should be sturdy and practical. This is not the time for excessive bows and lace. Colors should be such that they do not easily show dirt or stains, and fabrics should be those which are easily cleaned. Hats or bonnets are always worn, sometimes with veiling so as to protect the complexion from dirt and dust. Again, gloves are a must as well for much the same reason.

Instead of walking or traveling, a Lady might wish to take a ride. In that case a Riding Habit or Equestrian Dress would be the gown of choice. Such garments are usually made of sturdy wools so they are not easily torn. Colors are usually forest colors, dark blues, grays or blacks, and reds are favored. Occasionally a Lady may decide on a bright fuchsia or pink riding habit. The dress itself is unstructured as a bustle would be silly when sitting a horse! Breeches are usually worn beneath for modesty. Boots, a crop, riding gloves, and a jaunty top hat complete such an ensemble. A military cut is quite common for this style of dress.

In the afternoon, a Lady might change into an Afternoon Gown. This garment would be more refined and elegant than the Morning gown or Visiting dress. This gown didn't really appear until about 1910. Before that a Lady would have stayed in her Visiting dress or perhaps changed into a less formal garment to do afternoon chores at home.

As the day winds down to dinner, a Lady would change again in the very late afternoon for dinners in public. The Reception gown would be very formal and elegant, showing off the wearer's wealth and the seamstress's skill. The neckline on this gown could be lower than day time gowns, but not too low. Sometimes short sleeves were worn in order to show a softly rounded arm. Gloves were a must, if going outdoors, but no hat or bonnet is worn. Hair ornaments would be acceptable however.

For more formal evenings, one would wear an Evening Dress or Toilette de Soiree. This gown is one of high elegance, emphasizing the Lady's beauty, wealth and taste. It would have a low neckline, perhaps short sleeves and possibly off the shoulder, lots of decoration, and perhaps a train, depending on the gown and what you would wish to do. This type of gown is worn to evening events such as operas, dinners, concerts, theatre parties and the like.

If a Lady has the obligation to attend a ball, then she will want her best gown for the occasion. It is meant to show off her beauty, wealth, and to attract possible matches if the Lady is unmarried. There would be a low neckline, short or no sleeves, lots of decoration, and a tight bodice. This gown is the setting for the jewel, and should reflect such with the best that one can afford. Gloves are always worn with a ball gown or dress. Depending on the outfit, the glove can be either shorter, wrist length or in some cases all the way to the top of the upper arm. Hair decorations are as fashionable as one can afford, with jewels, feathers, ribbons or bows. In short, this is the time to show off one's best finery!



One last gown needs to be discussed. The Wedding Gown. This most important of gowns is usually a Lady's best gown, but never a ball gown. It should have a higher neckline and long sleeves, and can have a train as well. The very wealthy often dress in white, but really any color or pattern is acceptable as long as it is your best gown. If a Lady should decide on a white wedding gown, the cut and style need not be anything different than the fashionable style of the day. After all, one can wear this gown again on other occasions!

Well, dear Reader, we have reached the end of this conversation! There are other types of garments we have not yet discussed, but perhaps we can discuss them at another time. Remember, no matter the time of day or year, your clothing should be neat, clean, and appropriate to you and your needs and status. If you feel lovely in a gown, then it is the gown for you. A true Lady defines her own style and taste within the boundaries of the current fashions. A kind heart, charity to the less fortunate, and a gracious demeanor can outshine any couture outfit in the lands.

I wish you a lovely day.

Cordially yours,
Lady Kembri Tomsen
The Curious Seamstress
of New Babbage

Lust and Charity and RFL, Oh My!

Well greetings again!

The RFL Clothing Fair is done for this year. It was a tremendous effort by, and for, all involved. I had the great privilege of listening to some of the reasons other designers participate just this morning as we chatted about the events of the last week. I won't use names, as I think privacy is paramount, but I can tell you a couple of stories. There's the designer who, like myself, is watching her sister-in-law struggle with cancer. Only that designer has watched it for five years, much longer than I have. Another designer watches her father fight breast cancer, yes it does happen to men, though it is much rarer. Another designer has lost family members and friends. This horrid disease takes many forms. Some folks survive to live long, productive lives. Others don't. Designers talking this morning all had stories about how cancer has touched their lives in one way or another. I have to mention that my own mother had breast cancer, and is a survivor of over five years now. It can be beaten. Cancer isn't always the death sentence that it was 10 years ago. Research is the key to a cure, and funding that research is part of what RFL is all about. I do not know the totals for this year just yet. Fund raising efforts will continue until July 19th, 2009. This was just the opening volley for this year. If you wish to donate, there are kiosks in many stores, including my store of Blisswood.

Now on to other things! There were two new releases during the Fair besides "Mary's Grace". One was "Charity", which you all have already seen. The other one was Vice's "Lust". The first in a new line of men's clothing. I am not the first designer to do men's clothing. I have always thought they were a bit boring, truth be told. However, I decided to go for the historical men's clothing that is more colorful. So... without too much more verbage, let me present, "Lust".




As I said, the first in a line of men's clothing, it is based on the Vices. I know I'll do six more outfits, however I do not know if I will do more after that. A lot will depend on the reception of this batch!

The tails of the coat have a resizing script to make fitting easier. The flow and movement of the tails had to be adjusted as we don't want them flitting around like a ladies skirt! There is also another set of tails set onto the skirt layer for a smoother, no flap at all, fit. In the case of the men's clothing line, modify will be one of the permissions for most of the parts. The exception will be the tails as those have the sizing script.


It has been a very long, busy day for me so far. You will also see the "Charity" dress in SL's Vain, Inc. magazine in April! One of the editors saw it at the RFL Fair and asked to use it in her article.

In May the SL magazine 'Primgraph' will have an article written by myself about types of Victorian gowns. It will be a busy few months as things continue to happen for Greenwood Designs and myself. I hope you all will join me on the journey, and that you enjoy the clothing that will be coming out in the months to come!

Take care, and may your day be one filled with little moments of unexpected joy.

Cordially yours,
Kembri

RFL Fair!

Greetings!

and oh good heavens! I'm really bad about blogging, but I'll try to get better I swear! Right now the Relay for a Life Clothing Fair is going on. I'm so excited and busy it's just amazing to me. Really! I've got some new items out, I'll put the ads here for you all to see. I've been expanding my lines of clothing into areas that interest me, and there are times when I just do not have enough hours in the day or night combined!

The ad above is for the gown, 'Mary's Grace'. If you do not know, my sister-in-law, Mary Ann, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last fall. She is just finishing some very aggressive chemo, hopefully to be done by the end of April. To let you know just how aggressive the treatment is, most people only make it through one or two of the six. She's on number six. She has been my friend and family member for near 25 years. I admire her courage and strength more than I can say. I designed the gown with her in mind, though she really doesn't have any idea what Second Life is! All proceeds for this gown will go to RFL and the American Cancer Society. The gown is only available right now at the RFL Clothing Fair, at the GreenWood Designs Store on Sim #2, The Caspian Sea sim. If you buy nothing else from me, please buy this gown to support RFL and people like my sister-in-law.





This second gown is a gorgeous, gorgeous Flapper gown! It is the first in a new line of gowns I'll be doing. This gown has a real life twin, and it is the kind of gown I would love to own and wear myself. Just look at the back on it! This is such a sexy gown in person and the pictures really can't do it justice!



When I found out some designers were tackling the 7 Deadly Sins for one of a kind gowns for RFL, I started thinking, what could I do? I decided that the females should be Virtues, and sexy, and went to work on it. The males would be the Vices, after all when these first came to the public view several hundred years ago, both Virtures and Vices were depicted as male!

"Charity" is first out the gate, followed soon not only by more female gowns or dresses, but also by a new line of men's clothing! Ok, I say that and kind of shudder a little bit! Men's clothing, to my eye and mind, is rather drab and dull, so I have gone back in time to the 18th century for inspiration! The clothing, as always, is mostly based on real pieces. I adore the coat jackets and vests from that century and so expect to see some offerings from that era for our gentlemen friends!

All right, enough babbling for today! I have the Edwardian gown "Temperance" to finish up and put out there! There's also a Rococo style gown, "Kindness" that should see the light this evening! I hope you enjoy the Fair, and as always, I wish you all well!

Bright blessings!
Kembri