Category Archives: Creative journeys

Creative journeys, creativity abounds, TAV Studio News

Couture Adventures 2020: Focus on “Magnificent”

February 11, 2020 Tracey Vibert

I am super grateful to the folks who joined me this fall/winter in being my models/co-creators/willing superheroes to showcase my skills as a designer.

This year, the nature of my “collection” is more “adventures”– #TAVCreationsAngels Assemble !

Each week I plan to focus on one of these amazing people and the character and creation we produced !

**Today, let’s talk about The Regal ” Magnificent“…**

Wearing beads and sequins on silk chiffon, a glorious green colour and exuding an ageless elegance, Magnificent, AKA Queen Ivy, holds all to a higher standard.

She commands attention to the finest details in her own endeavours and expects nothing less from others. Her superpowers challenge those around her to excellence.

The Design:

Vintage silk beaded dress redesign

Labour: $260 for the second Renovation/ incarnation

This two piece gown is in its third incarnation – having been once a dance costume < approximately in a size 18, worn by 5 feet 8 inches /173cm tall Halyma>, and before that, it had been a two piece set with full sleeves, and a higher front neckline.

The ultimate in upcycling is keeping these vintage pieces in circulation, adjusting in ways that allow for future changes and resizing it for our Magnificent who did not fill it out – in height or width, but it now flatters her frame !

Worn by Halyma back in 2015 for a performance in Ottawa. Photo taken by WTL < darner media.ca>

It was adjusted for size and style once again, and tailored to make it wearable for the Downton Abby High Tea!

Using the fullness of the skirt to create a new design of flattering pleats in the back, this helped reduce the size as needed.

We also had some fun at the Capital Wedding Show…

Magnificent at the Capital Wedding Show…

One more fun thing that we were able to enjoy at this year’s Capital Wedding Show was meeting and participating in 3DAvatar‘s booth:

You walk into their time machine and are immortalized instantly!

Head over to my Facebook page here to see the dress in 3D –

Creative journeys, creativity abounds, Events

COUTURE ADVENTURES 2020: FOCUS ON “SWEET SARCASM”

February 2, 2020 Tracey Vibert

I am super grateful to the folks who joined me this fall/winter in being my models/co-creators/willing superheroes to showcase my skills as a designer.

This year, the nature of my “collection” is more “adventures”– #TAVCreationsAngels Assemble !

Each week I plan to focus on one of these amazing people and the character and creation we produced !

Today, let’s talk about some Sweet Sarcasm…

This sassy character will keep you guessing about her true intent, as she can be so gentle and sweet one second, then swoosh, you’ve be sliced with the sword of sarcasm she keeps hidden behind that smile…

#alliterationmuch?

With an evening gown to show her elegance…

The design…

How amazing is this ? A totally reversible silk jacket that has a pocket accessible in both directions?!

Sweet Sarcasm had a vision of the jacket and we could not decide which silk would work better – so we chose both!!

Worn with an evening gown or a casual matching skirt or pants, this jacket will be a staple!

Custom Reversible jacket in silk:

Labour $495
Supplies:

3m Gold silk
3m burgundy silk
Two fabulous buttons

We also had some fun at the Capital Wedding Show…

One more fun thing that we were able to enjoy at this year’s Capital Wedding Show was meeting and participating in 3DAvatar‘s booth:

You walk into their time machine and are immortalized instantly!

Head over to my Facebook page here to see the dress in 3D –

Creative journeys, creativity abounds

COUTURE ADVENTURES 2020: Focus on “Blossom”

January 27, 2020 Tracey Vibert

I am super grateful to the folks who joined me this fall/winter in being my models/co-creators/willing superheroes to showcase my skills as a designer.

This year, the nature of my “collection” is more “adventures”– #TAVCreationsAngels Assemble !

Each week I plan to focus on one of these amazing people and the character and creation we produced !

Today’s focus is on the Beautiful Blossom…

“Blossom”, a gentle soul whose smile radiates joy…and brings that to everyone she meets.

She floats about as a flower dances in the breeze, with an inner strength to carry her gracefully along!

Last year, I had created this dress and was able to showcase it a bit in 2019, but was so please that “Blossom” could join me at this year’s Capital Wedding Show.

So we had some fun taking shots throughout the weekend…

One more fun thing that we were able to enjoy at this year’s Capital Wedding Show was meeting and participating in 3DAvatar‘s booth:

You walk into their time machine and are immortalized instantly!

Head over to my Tumblr page here to see the dress in 3d –

https://tavcreations.tumblr.com/post/190488170543/tav-creations-original-design-remake-of-a

creativity abounds, On a more personal note

Remaking my dog’s harness…

August 30, 2019 Tracey Vibert

I took some time over this month, around seeing clients and working on gorgeous wedding gowns, bridesmaids and other fabulous pieces, to do some camping.

The #StudioMascot, Sprocket, of course came along with us. Her present harness, which I bought in the spring to replace her previous ones that had clips that snapped, is made from a combination of straps. All of them solid and stiff, with strong rings connecting them.

Sadly, the hard straps and her barrel chest did not work well for the 18km walk day.

Blisters developed in her “armpits” and I did not realize until we were taking the harness off of her back at camp.

She’s very stoic at times. But the sores needed to heal.

We switched to just attaching the leash to her collar and that worked for the most part – when the mole popped onto our site, we have to wrestle with her to keep her from chasing it, but otherwise, the leash on her neck was fine for our walks. We enjoyed the remaining time on the campground and sighed deeply as we packed up to come home.

One of her old harnesses I used to re create a new one.

Back in the studio, I immediately grabbed some of her previous harnesses, which I keep in case I can use the parts. I checked them to see what I could do to get her into a more comfortable but still functional harness.

The choice was made to use one that offered a padded chest support as a pattern and I extended the length of it. I used part of the original straps and added reclaimed ones that I had taken off my husband’s back pack.

Thus, I was able to create a cute denim harness that works well and won’t cause her discomfort if we go on long walk in the future.

Out for a test drive with the excess strapping still there until I confirmed it was big enough to fit her chest.

Side view shows the bit of extra at her neckline, which I darted for the finished product.

New elastic was installed into the triangle and straight spine strap from the original, and new waist strapping.

Before I darted the centre front, still was comfy. but the dart creayted just a bit better fit.

And a trip to the vet for updating her shots proved the concept of the harness fully!

Creative journeys, creativity abounds

Couture Journey: Fantasy Gown

January 21, 2019 Tracey Vibert

Michelle’s Fantasy Gown – Full Renovation
Labour Approx $950-$1200

Michelle was one of my last amazing brides that I met through Norde Bridal in 2017. When Erin asked me if I would be comfortable adding lights to the skirt of a dress, I was ecstatic too have the opportunity! And when I met Michelle, I knew we were on the same page and would have a blast together!! I will be creating a more detailed post in the future on the who process, for now – a concise overview!

Special thank you to Michelle for providing the photos, other than the cinderella carriage one – I got that at the Capital Wedding show! Isnt’ she stunning?

Michelle’s gown was purchased when she was a larger size, and while it was a good canvas for her final vision, it was NOT EXACTLY what she wanted.

The “Renovations” for her dress involved both major re-sizing and redesigning, including: taking in sides and reshaping the bustline, lowering the back neckline, lengthening the satin underskirt, adding pale pink and purple tulle to the skirt, and creating a strong 3 point bustle.

And the glorious bonus – adding 4 battery powered strips of lights to the skirt and determining a plan for how this can work.

Supplies:

6m tulle in each colour
.5m satin
4 battery packs of light strips and batteries
Purchased Hoop skirt

Creative journeys, creativity abounds

Couture Journey – RE-STYLE and Re-Fit

January 17, 2019 Tracey Vibert

RE-STYLE and RE-FIT*:
Labour $350-$450

Katheryne’s dress is an example of a re-fit and re-style option.

The original dress < made by TAV Creations in the late 90s> was slightly large and had full shoulders. With a bit of discussing, it was decided that a portrait neckline would showcase her shoulders in a more flattering style.

The original dress was the correct size, needing only minor tailoring adjustments to fit more smoothly; boning and cups were added to better support the new design.

Supplies:

Boning 3m
Cups
Elastic .5m

*Original Gown: made to Client’s taste:
Labour: Gown $1100-$1500 plus Embellishment $200-$300

Supplies:

Brocade: 2.5m
Lining: 2.5m
Chiffon: 5m
Beaded fringe: 2m
Lace trim 3.5m
zipper
Boning 3m
Cups
Elastic .5m

Creative journeys, creativity abounds

Couture Journey – Retro Goth-A-Billy Gown

January 16, 2019 Tracey Vibert

Retro “ Goth-a Billy” Party gown
Labour $650-$800

Christina’s Dress is an original design by TAV Creations based on retro/pin-up style lines.

The fitted bodice and circular skirt flatter most figures and the full straps allow the bride to feel secure in a regular bra.

The scrunched portrait collar adds an element of luxury and elegance, while being removable to allow for that extra freedom and versatility for later on during the festivities, or an option for future wearability. The lace appliqué detailing connects the collar to the dress in a subtle and discrete blending.

SUPPLIES:

Fabric total 6m < 4.5m red; 1.5m burgundy>
Interlining .75 m
Horsehair for hem 4.5m
Tulle for collar .75m
Zipper
Hook and eye
Lace appliques

Purchased:
Crinoline
Fascinator in black
– personalized with matching fabric $30-$40

Creative journeys, creativity abounds, Events

Couture Journey – Inspired creativity informing my 2019

January 11, 2019 Tracey Vibert

In the spring of 2018, my focus shifted back to fully embracing my home studio space and re-examining my approach to how I wanted to proceed with TAV Creations.

Designing, custom sewing, bespoke gowns and accessories are all my favourite things – and while I LOVE to sew almost anything and will welcome any creative challenge, I really wanted to get back to my first loves…

Couture

Design

Collaboration

So, I posted an invitation to some of the wonderful creative souls in my world to join me on a couture adventure and I was blessed with 5 awesome willing participants.

From November to January, we met, we chatted, we explored ideas and began the process, each of these “clients” going on their own journey with me, and finally culminating in 3 new “bespoke”/ custom garments and 2 re-designs/ re-fit ensembles.

These pieces will be on display in person at the Capital Wedding Show this weekend, and we enjoyed the fun of having photos shoots so that I could also share some great images of the dresses for those who may not make it out this weekend!

Veils and more – still some prep for this weekend!

TAV Creations Studio News goes up this month too! An occasional burst of creativity into your email box! Sign up today – look right – and everyone who signs up by January 14th will receive a 10% off coupon for 2019 sewing!

I created these pieces as a way to showcase a few fun examples of the many different areas of design and sewing I have visited since I began sewing for clients in 1988.

There is room to adjust and personalize, and the process is an organic journey on which the client and I co-create something unique and amazing.

A magical coat to turn any outfit bridal!

Booking a consultation gives us time to talk in my quiet home studio space and really explore the options together.

Thank you to the many clients who have inspired me over the years to get creative in different ways and bring their style and ideas to life!

Tracey

Creative journeys, creativity abounds, Events

Percolating on a plan…

October 16, 2018 Tracey Vibert

The juxtaposition of being a highly skilled couturiere

with over 30 years of experience and on the job training, with the strong need to create whacky fun things, sometimes puts my marketing choices in a quandry.

Add to that the recent connections I have had with 2 local bridal salons, where they provided a direct line of brides to my studio space – whether it was under their roof or under my own, and I’ve been letting my own marketing slide a bit to the back burner.

It is now fall of 2018 and I’ve made it through the heavy bridal season, and have been doing some relaxing projects of a geeky and practical nature, and I am ready to look at my plans for January 2019 – I’ve signed up to have a space at the Capital Wedding Show at the Shaw Centre, January 12, 13, 2019.

Now I want to get creative and plan out what to present!

After listening to Robert Sawyer‘s talk at Can*Con on Sunday morning, interesting questions have been brought to the forefront of my thinking. What is the theme*? What is the message**? It was inspiring to formulate more cohesive thoughts regarding my own creative endeavours as I listened and percolated 🙂

What is the theme* of TAV Creations?

What is the message** of TAV Creations…?

In reference to practical marketing, how do I garner the interest of folks who want interesting and outside the box dresses, which still taking care of more traditional brides – in custom designs, re-designs/ style modifications, and alterations ?

King and Queen – White chess pieces…photo by Jared Young

I want to make every client feel the most comfortable and confident in their outfit – whether it’s cosplaying a character from a well known comic series, being the Princess for a day, or King and Queen of the chess board…

What I love about custom work, is the collaboration – working with someone who has lovely ideas, a clear vision, or a fun concept and making it happen. It might be a quick fix, or it might take multiple visits, but it is a journey together.

Practical ideas: I want to make 2 new pieces, modify 2 existing pieces and I want to have live models assisting in my booth at the bridal show, wearing garments I have made/adjusted specifically for them.

I’ve already had a couple of great suggestions and I am looking at numbers and timing and realize I need to get the word out there.

Stay tuned, and I’ll get a proper game plan and indicators of the bodies I would like to have available for January 12/13 weekend within the next few days!

Definitions:
*Theme: noun: an idea that recurs in or pervades a work of art or literature: love and honour are the pivotal themes of the Hornblower books.
**Message: noun: a significant political, social, or moral point that is being conveyed by a film, speech, etc.: a campaign to get the message about home security across.