All posts by Tracey Vibert

I've been sewing since I was 12 and creating bridal gowns since 1987. Let's play!
Creative journeys, On a more personal note

Designing…

So, here I sit, surrounded by beautiful fabrics I have collected, been given, and love them all dearly.

And I am preparing to start creating pieces for an upcoming event in early March where I will hope to sell pieces I have created and put my heart and soul into, hoping the right combination of size, style and colour will find it’s happy new owner.

But it’s completely illogical to my nature.

I co-create.

I design for my clients, working hand in hand with them to bring a shared vision to life.  They give me a starting point, some silhouettes, so colours, some concepts, and then I let my creative juices flow, drawing up ideas and offering them their options based on budget, time, and any other relevant factors.

Every piece is an original, every piece is a creation born from energy combined by two of us.

Don’t get me wrong, I do believe my personally generated designs are lovely, and have great potential to be personalized by the person who purchases them, either with my help or with their own styling.

Most people don’t see  what I see. I have created pieces that I considered beautiful canvasses that can be reworked with beads or tailoring and made into completely awesome pieces. But people often only see them as too plain.

By keeping them plain, I keep them budget friendly, so that the dancer can choose how much more she wished to spend on embellishment.

all hand beaded
all hand beaded

 

This grey velvet became my costume, but started as a one piece baladi dress that had no beadwork.  Then I decide I would just rework it for myself – and it turned out to be my featured performance costume for my Halyma’s Bellydance DVD # 1.

In the early days of sewing for the Bazaar, I used to create pieces while thinking of specific dancers who might like them, and quite often, I was blessed with their agreement and purchase.  Since I would tend to make them in the correct size for that dancer, it worked out well.

But I started to feel like I was almost victimizing those dancers and coercing them into purchasing by using my powers for evil.

I have continued to create simple pieces, but found that, without focus on a specific dancer to inspire me, many of the pieces remain unsold.  So they will be heavily discounted at the upcoming event in hope that will find a new home.

I think I need my muses back.

So, if you come shopping on March 8th at the Dancers’ Bazaar and see something that looks like it was made for you, and it’s in your size – feel flattered – you probably inspired me 🙂

Details:

Dancers Bazaar, Sunday March 8th, 12 noon to 4 p.m., 250 McArthur, Knight’s of Columbus Hall. Free parking and free admission. Facebook event  Organizer’s website

And remember, if you actually want something custom made, that’s what I do – email me!

Creative journeys

Welcome 2015 – Looking forward to new adventures

One thing that 2014 taught me was to never say never but to pay attention to the results of your choices.

I enjoyed creative freedom I haven’t had in a while, and was able to make some beautiful costumes for lovely dancers:

I was honoured to be one of 3 recipients of the Experience Asie Award for my work with towards creating a strong bellydance community in the National Capital area.

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And I was able to re-habit the Queenship of Mary Community, as well as continue sewing for many of my return clients.

I also discovered I have to be OK with saying no. No is not meant to hurt others, it’s meant to take care of myself so that I can be my best when I say yes.

I have to schedule in “downtime” throughout the month, not just once  a year when we take our family holiday. Recharging once a week is important and even if I have to split it between a few days, I’ll be scheduling in my times so that I don’t overbook/ overdo.

Anxiety attacks are an interesting way for my body to tell me to stop. Fortunately, so far, they have been short-lived, only once while driving, and I am looking into reducing stress and eating better to help alleviate them, before they develop more.

And as I start 2015 with the usual mix of confirmed and potential sources of income and opportunities to be practical or creative – when things fall into place, I get to do both – I am doing my best to revisit past sources of inspiration – writing, and cooking for sure.

I also will hopefully find the time to get back into creative drawing and maybe even painting – but no pressure.

I hope that everyone finds their path in 2015 without rancour, minimal stress and kindness to themselves and others.

Creative journeys

Level 3+ sewing – Monday evenings starting March 24th!

Join us for the Level 3+ Sewing Course – practically a club!  We’ll cover anything you may have missed, not quite fully understood, want to practice, etc from the previous 3 levels, as well as explore any new topics the group would like to cover.

Mondays, March 24, 31 and April 7 from 7-9 p.m. at the Routhier Community Centre.

Which room ? to be determined  – but you can NOW SIGN UP!

If you have taken at least one sewing course with me in the past this will be a fun course to review, practice, and hopefully cover some new topics as well!

UPDATE: Here’s what the course outline is!

Creative journeys

Taking a day – dental leave…

Lots of stuff going through my mind as I am taking today to fully recover from some dental work I had done yesterday.

I may get a bit descriptive in this post, so it’s okay if you choose to stop here.

The dental work itself went superbly, considering what have to be done.

I am presently sans one canine that had already undergone a root canal in 1997, but no cap. In September 2013, at a fundraiser where I was the co-chair, I sat to watch the movie we were showing with a lovely bag of popcorn and the crunch I felt was not a kernel. No pain, though, just that odd texture of broken tooth.

But with no pain, I was not worried, I did contact my dentist though and had a visit there that week. X-ray and up close and personal check up later… something should be done.

Sometimes people can ignore broken teeth – if it’s all above the gum line, nothing going into the root, etc. but I had a dark grey spot near the root, and the break had gone below my gum line.

Personal note: I am a self-employed artistic type with a stronger creative streak than business streak. I manage just fine, but I don’t have the self-discipline to pay into a monthly insurance policy to cover these types of things. So, no dental insurance.

Presented with a myriad of options:
1-save the tooth = re-root canal to get rid of the possible infection { grey spot showing in the x-ray}; cap it including gum work.
2-pull the tooth and proceed with 1 of the following options:
a- denture
b- bridge
c- implant
d- nothing.

These options have dollar signs ranging from $300 through to $4000

So, I ignored it.

Then in November, another piece broke off.

I contacted my dentist for a referral appointment to a specialist who could remove the tooth. Decision number 1.

I went for the consultation and was given a horrendous estimate including over $400 for the “laughing gas” which they found “most people need to have”.

I was not pleased.

I contacted my dentist, providing the office with full disclosure on the estimate so that they had more information when someone else might have a similar situation and after much discussion they offered to set me up for another consultation.

The second consultation had me meet with people who were much more approachable and understanding about my non insurance situation and there was only a few things that would be added to the cost, IF, they were needed at the time of extraction. This included a bone graft if I was planning on an implant in the future.

So, appointments were set and yesterday I went in for my extraction.

15 minutes late, and the first dental assistant had tendonitis, so another person would be helping, but the Dr. was totally chill and made me feel very relaxed.
Not with laughing gas.

I appreciated the warning when the second freezing needle was going in that it would “really pinch” for about 3 seconds. She counted and she was correct.

I turned on my audio book – ” The Blind Watchmaker” by Richard Dawkins – as it has successfully been putting me to sleep every time I listen to it { no offence, RD!}- and I settled in.

I have a great imagination when it comes to visualizing based on what I feel.
I could feel an instrument being wedged in between the tooth and gum in a circular motion. cool.
I am not really sure what else actually happened, but my minds eye went with a few size tests on clamps to grab hold of the tooth that was remaining above the gum line, and then she began to pull.
I figured I would help by visualizing the tooth slipping out of the gums in an easy… POP, there it went!

Less than 5 minutes of active time after the freezing had set.

And I hear, “That’s it – it came out in one piece….. and the infection came out with the tooth…. and no bone graft required.”

a bit more internal scraping to clean up and we were done.

” sorry you couldn’t get more into your book.”

I texted Tom to let him know I was done, and feeling okay, so he did not have to come out to meet me. I had also texted him to let him know when we were starting, so he was also surprised at how quickly it happened.

I came home, walking not too quickly, did everything on the information sheets – take pain killers before the freezing comes out, use an ice pack for 20 minutes on, 20minutes off.

Soft food was already prepped for my supper – and I ate well yesterday before the dentist so that I would not need a big supper.

And here I am the next day, feeling a little bit of discomfort, and only get a bit light headed if I bend forward or try to pick up something heavy.

I’ll take it easy today, and do computer work, and try to enjoy a medically prescribed day off.

Almost time for my soft food lunch!

Creative journeys

Do you have a TAV Creations designed outfit in your closet?

Did I make you an amazing outfit for dance? An evening event? Your wedding?

Why do I ask?

Well…
In April 2014, at the upcoming Eurikadance Dancers’ Bazaar, she is planning to have a fashion show featuring pieces by participating vendors/exhibitors.
And while I do have a few small pieces for sale, and will probably make at leafs a few more pieces for the event, my main love has always been the custom work. And I’ve had the chance to make some amazing clients some amazing pieces!
And many of these pieces come out once every few years, if that.
What I am hoping to have happen is that a few of my past/present clients would be willing to ideally model one of her great ensembles we’ve co-created, at the April 6th event.  This will help me showcase the custom work I have done and am happily continuing to do with sparkly creative results!

If you are open to this idea:

1- I would prefer a head-to-toe TAV Creations original – something we designed together and I made the entire thing, besides any obvious accessories such as jewelry/shoes.  It can be a dance costume, a bridal piece, evening gown.

2- You are available to model the outfit during the afternoon event on April 6 – time to be determined OR
2A- You are okay with the outfit begin loaned and modelled by someone else for the show.

If you are interested/ open to this idea, please message me at tracey@tav-creations.com or on Facebook or on Twitter.

Thanks for the consideration!

Tracey

 

Creative journeys

Revisiting my Haute Couture Skillz: Covering shoes in lace

I perhaps should have done a play by play, but i’ve been having a finicky day with these puppies, so I figured since they are almost finished, I can post a pic or two, and take a break from the glue!

Couple of fun things to not – if you ever do this yourself, you can use the double sided tape found in drug stores that is used to keep blouses from gaping, straps from shifting etc, and temporarily cover a plain pair of shoes with fabric for a special matching feeling.  It will last for an evening I think, but not long term, and with these being lace, I wanted it to be secure.  So I used the double sided tape to hold the fabric in place to confirm positioning { the lace is not mirror image, so I did my best } before using highly toxic { I know, I know } glue to tack it all down permanently.

Final steps are to clear up any shaggy bits along the sole, and then glue a tiny ribbon along the inside to keep the edges all in place.

PHOTOS:

Dana's shoes covered with lace 2013

 

 

I also had the pleasure of adding organza sleeves to her strapless dress, beading the lace on the sleeves to complement the existing lace, adding more appliqués to the bodice and generally redesigning her dress.

closer view of bodice and sleeve-dana2013 Bodice of dress- Dana2013 Dana 2013 Dana 2013-3 Dana 2013-2

 

creativity abounds

Eco Tav Items

it's a silk veil bag!is it a pillow?Silk and cotton veil pouches by EcoTav CreationsSilk and cotton veil pouches by EcoTav CreationsSilk and cotton veil pouches by EcoTav CreationsSilk and cotton veil pouches by EcoTav Creations
Silk and cotton veil pouches by EcoTav CreationsSilk and cotton veil pouches by EcoTav CreationsSilk and cotton veil pouches by EcoTav CreationsSilk and cotton veil pouches by EcoTav CreationsSilk and cotton veil pouches by EcoTav CreationsSilk and cotton veil pouches by EcoTav Creations

Eco-TAV Creations items, a set on Flickr.

With custom sewing begin my first love, creating ready made costume pieces for the upcoming Bazaar was an option only if I had adequate time to be uber creative.

With that self-imposed limitation, and a full respect for the clients who are coming to me these days and need my full attention to bring their pieces to life, I chose to stick with Eco-TAV pieces.

So here are a few shots of my latest creative endeavour- – reversible bags to protect your favourite veil! Made from reclaimed textiles – hand dyed cotton and silk pieces from india, these one of a kind pieces let you protect your “new precious”!

So be sure to pop by my table at the October 20th New Ottawa Dancers’ Bazaar from 12 noon to 4 p.m.!

 

Creative journeys

Fall 2013 Sewing Lessons

Once again I will be teaching basic sewing this fall:

Sewing Level 1
Course number: 867021 – $50.00
Learn Basic hand sewing skills and some machine work along with what to look for when buying a sewing machine.

Register online at Ottawa.ca or call 613-244-4470
Saturdays, September 21 to October 5, 2013
10:00 AM to 12 noon – 2 hours each Saturday
Routhier Community Centre, 172 Guigues Street, Ottawa, ON
POSSIBLE Monday Evening option starting September 16 for 6 weeks from 7-8 p.m. or September 23rd , 3 weeks from 6:30 to 8;30 p.m.
If this would be of interest, please contact either the centre by phone or email me info@eco-tav.com

FOR COURSE INFORMATION: CLICK HERE

Sewing Level 2
Course number: 867029 – $50.00
Implementing skills learned in Level 1:
Learn to alter your clothes, install a zipper and general repairs. Hand and sewing machine work. Basic store bought patterns will be covered. Sewing machine an asset.

Register online at Ottawa.ca or call 613-244-4470
Saturdays, October 19 to November 2, 2013
10:00 AM to 12 noon – 2 hours each Saturday
Routhier Community Centre, 172 Guigues Street, Ottawa, ON

FOR COURSE INFORMATION: CLICK HERE

Sewing Level 3
Course number: 867040- $50.00
Implementing the techniques learned in levels 1 and 2, level 3 students will start and finish a basic project including zipper installation, seam finishing, some fitting skills and more.  Project will be a simple skirt.  Click through the course information link below for pattern information. Muslin will be provided. Students will then bring their own fabric to create finished project. Students need access to sewing machine for homework.

Register online at Ottawa.ca or call 613-244-4470
Saturdays, November 16 to November 30, 2013
10:00 AM to 12 noon – 2 hours each Saturday
Routhier Community Centre, 172 Guigues Street, Ottawa, ON

FOR COURSE INFORMATION: CLICK HERE

creativity abounds

Taking in a craft show for perspective

Thanks to Linda who came out to brunch and had her pass out for the Signatures Craft Show that is happening at the Ottawa Convention Centre, I decided to join her for a $7 walkabout – good chance to chat while checking out the show.

I have had booths at a variety of shows over the years, from small craft shows in churches and community centres up to a full weekend booth at the National Women’s Show.
A few years back, after realizing my accounting skills were something I was choosing to ignore, I finally paid attention and realized that I would never make back the money invested in participating in these events. Not the way I work. More on that shortly….

20130407-133435.jpg
I walked through the rows of gorgeous items today and was full of respect for these artisans. The workmanship goes beyond the actual products into the booth design, display elements, choice of booth staff, attitude and atmosphere. I know, I’ve been there.

They say, “You have to spend money to make money”. At some point, you have to see if you are actually making money or not. And the costs for being a part of this type of event, requires a lot of on site sales or preorders to ensure a reasonable ROI ( return on investment ).

Statement of the obvious, I know.

And yet, I forgot for years that my strength is custom work. I kept dabbling every few years in some sort of “ready-to-wear” type item, hoping it would sell itself on its own virtues. I have fabulous ideas, don’t get me wrong, and I make them very well.

What I really do well, is pick apart a client’s brain to find out what they want, and then make it happen for them. Whether it’s creating original pieces, providing intense bridal alterations or deep design renovations, as long as it is pretty and sparkly, I enjoy making someone’s vision come to life.

What I do not do fabulously well, is marketing and/or sales. I am “understated” at self promotion. I have reasonably informative websites, I have done a few fun videos, blog posts, and do my best to get ads up in local spots where I hope to get the word out.

Which all sounds like some good choices, but spending money to be at trade shows was a serious money pit for me, and it took me a while to realize it just wasn’t me.

I’ll not say never again, but for now, I don’t miss it at all.

The early arrival, the clamouring from a loading area to the display area, only to find that you though you would be able to art up suddenly won’t work and a trip to the nearest store is required, not missed at all.

Spending hours watching people avoid eye contact because they just want to look at your booth, but not be forced to talk to you, because they then would either have to explain why they are not stopping or buying, you can have it.

And I don’t miss the conversations that start with me explaining the fabulous virtues of whatever I am flogging at the moment only to end with, “yeah, my friend, sister, aunt, 2nd cousin twice removed sews/ does Bellydance/ eats bonbons and that’s why I don’t need to support your business…” .

That’s not actually how it goes, but I wanted to see if you were paying attention…

And so, full respect to all of you folk who work the trade shows in whatever capacity! I apologize that I don’t have the disposable income to buy your awesome stuff, but since I also am an artisan, I know you understand.
—

BTW- I look forward to seeing you all as you pop by the Ottawa Browncoats’ Booth at the May 10-13 Ottawa ComicCon! Good thing Linda will be there to do the selling part!!
Last year’s poster by Don McMillan:

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