Category Archives: Creative journeys

Creative journeys, creativity abounds

I’m a leaf on the wind – original bag by TAV Creations

 

The fall brings cooler temps, warmer colours and, for me, rich memories of organizing the Ottawa Browncoats fundraising events for about 6 years with an awesome crew.

Having retired from that a couple of years back, I now choose my volunteer efforts carefully and try to make sure they still touch my heart, without breaking my body!

This year, TAV Creations will be donating to two October events and I’m making artisan pieces with reclaimed textiles for these events.

One will be the 20th annual Witches Gathering, and the other will be the Vixens Victorious Back to the 80s dance party.

This is today’s bag- and as I took the photos it reminded me of that moment- if you are a Firefly/Serenity Fan, you know which one I mean….

Creative journeys, creativity abounds

Prom – Oh my…

I had the pleasure of helping two young ladies feel their best this prom – and that is fine.

Altering one dress to give it more support – there are a LOT of knit lined dresses out there, which is a mixed blessing – there is some flexibility provided by the knit linings and thin boning, but the support is just not the same as a woven inner structure.

Adding extra boning, take in the dress to follow the curves more closely and she’s a statuesque goddess ready to take on the night!

 

And then there’s the custom dress I began while working with Norde Bridal. Thanks to Meg who found the beautiful beaded fabric for this lucky young woman!

I’ve been posting teaser shots over the past few months:

 

And then I finished it, after 5 fittings, many small and large adjustments in the process…

– how wide should the straps be?

-how deep can the neckline be and still provide a secure fit?

-how much interlining and boning will give the right support without feeling too constricting?

And then I waited until her prom was over – and her mom started sending me shots right away – which was amazing!

close up of back view – fitting her curves!
Yyes - there was an issue with the weight of the beads and the back slit. And it hurts my ego to post this, but I choose to acknowledge the imperfection and constant need to keep working towards the perfect fit and line...
Back view
An amazing young woman on her way in the world!

And then she sent me these lovely shots the night of her prom!!

I love  the energy and spirit of this woman who came through my studio with such clear ideas of what she wanted! She’ll go far, no matter what she chooses to do!

 

 

Creative journeys, creativity abounds, On a more personal note

Costume styling- a fun change of pace!

Costume styling is also one of my things – or even just inflicting my costume visions upon friends and having them be talented enough to do their parts!

And TAV Creations helped dress everyone – with assistance from a few awesome sources and the members of Meowvellous themselves!

All of the members assisted in personalizing the pieces they wore, with 2 dresses from the now closed Norde bridal, my own corset having been made by my student/ friend Letitia; embellishments added and the skirt made by TAV Creations < me> and the crinoline from the now closed Luxe bridal salon.

Some causal clothing from my personal closet topped things off for our sexy dude, along with her own fabulous pieces!

And…drum roll please….  I give you…

2nd place winners of the 3rd annual Pete’s Lip-Sync Battle on May 5th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE – VIDEO of the performance!!:

Creative journeys, creativity abounds

Back home it is…

Life is a circular trip around the sun, through the universe and Around and Around…


Yesterday Erin helped me move things…

And today, I returned the key to the adorable little bridal store on Cumberland  AKA Norde bridal, Formerly the Handmade Bride, as the owner’s own journey is taking her focus to her ArrohandBow business < congrats and all the best to you Meg!>

In the den of my wonderful apartment are 3 garment racks.

Filled with costumes that I am transitioning through as I retire from teaching belly dance classes after this spring session, the realization that some of my Bollywood costumes will never fit me unless I work really hard and give up certain foods I really like < still deciding on that>, and an assortment of TAV Creations original clientele pieces and previously Norde, now TAV Creations client pieces.

In my studio is another 72 inch high rack that has this week’s dresses  on, and the calendar is filling up.

I am super grateful to have met and worked with Meg, Erin, Tegan and Victoria, as well as the original crew that were at the Handmade bride when I started with them back in December of 2016 – Jenna, Chelsea, Amalia, and Kessia < am I forgetting anyone?>.

It has been a pleasure and an adventure, and I have worked with some amazing brides, and look forward to continuing on the journey with this still in progress and those I am to meet in the future.

So, this weekend being a very powerful one for folks of religious persuasion, it also marks a wonderful transition for me.

You need some work done? Head over to my contact page then drop me an email!

Happy Chocolate Consuming weekend – I’ve got dresses to go sort, and fabrics to store!

 

Events, On a more personal note

It’s Official – 2 locations to serve you!

Although it’s in black and white, here’s the sign for the door.

Sign for suite 203, My studio is at 739 Ridgewood, suite 203, this is just off Riverside, near Mooney’s Bay, in the strip mall, up on the second floor. My workspace is a small area where you will both change in and have the fitting. If you wish to bring someone with you for a second opinion, please limit it to one person per visit, as it is a very cozy space. Appointments are booked for 30 minutes maximum and usually only take about 15-20 minutes. Payment is due at final pick up, though "pay as you go" is fine if that is better for your budget. Payment options are: cash, Visa, MC, email interac, and paypal. HST is applied and indicated to all final totals. Availability : I see clients Tuesdays and Wednesdays, occasionally Thursdays, and most Saturdays, in general I can be in from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. - occasionally later. Starting June 3, I will be available later most days I am in, for after work appointments Let me know if there's a day/time that suits you and we'll set it up! I may have other clients having already booked the time you want, so you can send me a few of your preferred choices and I'll confirm which are available! Email is best, so that is it written down where I can refer back to it, but for last minute changes, my phone number is 613-241-3397. Please note: due to allergies resulting in respiratory reactions, the studio is as SCENT FREE as I can maintain. PS. you can also visit my website for more details on my process: http://tav-creations.com/ecotav-couture/alterations/ “The Present is a Gift from The Past, and an Inspiration to the Future.” -Tracey “Halyma” Vibert, TEDxOttawa Talk, December 2009. Ridgewood

 

Today, I start paying the rent on the studio space I’ve made my second sewing home since last June!  Thanks to the lovely ladies at Luxe for helping arrange the transition to my new adventure!

Still by appointment only, so book me well in advance as the summer is filling up!

I look forward to serving brides, dancers, and other creative souls in both my home studio < with a mascot>, and my new   studio at 739 Ridgewood, suite 203,  just off Riverside, near Mooney’s Bay, in the strip mall, up on the second floor.

Time to get biking!

Would you like to book an appointment? Contact me either via email – tracey@tav-creations.com or fill this in:

[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

 

 

 

Creative journeys, Events

Holiday Season quickly approaching…

No ” holiday themed music” here…

Subtle in front, fun in back
Subtle in front, fun in back

just a simple reminder that there will be some fun soirees in your life in the next 6-8 weeks and you might be almost ready to start looking into that modern dilemma, ” Whatever will I wear?”

 

 

If you’ve:

  • got the perfect outfit, but it needs a bit of tailoring;
  • you thought you had the perfect outfit, but now you think it could use a redesign;
  • been gifted gorgeous fabric and now want to have it made into that creative vision;
  • or just want something new and cannot find it out there already

    Bridesmaid dresses matching concept and unique for each!
    Bridesmaid dresses matching concept and unique for each!

Who you gonna call? < um, sorry, couldn’t stop myself>

Actually – Email me please… send me your details:

  • What are you looking to have done? repairs? redesign? new piece?
  • When will you be wearing it?
  • Do you have time to come for fittings and what times are you generally available?

Then we can start playing! Either fill out this contact form or email me directly – tracey@tav-creations.com!

[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

Creative journeys

And let the vacation begin…again

Every year, August brings me my break.

My 3 R’s switch to recharge, relax, rejuvenate.

Canoe pog whitefish algonquin
Canoe point on Whitefish Lake, Algonquin Park Ontario. Photo by Tracey Vibert

So, I’ll be back in September to help in making your outfits come to life, tweak those existing pieces and bring new life to pieces that need to be redesigned!

I’ll also be teaching sewing lessons again in September  – sign up from August 13 onwards.

If you are truly in need, feel free to contact my colleague Ivy for your sewing needs in August – you can email her: Iploughman@aol.com. Or check out EcoEquitable.com for their services!

Otherwise, have a lovely few weeks and I’ll see you in September!

Tracey

Tracey slightly sarcastic head shot 2014/15

[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

Creative journeys, On a more personal note

Early morning sewing…

All my work mornings < here in the TAV Creations studio as well as at the bridal salon>  for the past few weeks I’ve been up and at it at 5:30 a.m. so I can start sewing at 6:30/7 a.m

6 a.m. morning walk before heading into work

I just could not do it today.

Yes, I have clients coming and work needs to be done and the A/C helps a lot, but not sleeping well for the past two nights has lead to a break down of the process. Heat and I do not play well together.

So this morning, I’m doing the housework I have not had time to do, with 10-12 hour shifts at the Part time job, as well as with my own work. And I’m cleaning up emails, updating web pages and a few other tech things before I with back into sewing mode.

I also am re-organizing my work schedule for the new few days to allow me those breaks I need to not go completely bonkers before I start my annual August  sabbatical.

I appreciate having work and I love my clients, and I know that taking care of me, makes me better for all around me…today’s mantra I think – maybe the mantra for the next 10 days…

Creative journeys, On a more personal note

To Bedleh or to Baladi – that is the question…

1 Comment

Yeah, sorry.

So, Here I sit in my design studio after having spent yesterday beginning prep on a costume for my alter ego, Halyma, and I stopped because I cannot decide which direction to go next.

The fabric...
The fabric…

The project:

A “Renovation” of a second hand silk chiffon beaded 2 piece dress into a dance costume to complement that of the lovely Eurika for an upcoming show on June 6.

Eurika Sea Baladi 2014

I have a straight skirt to work with, already opened up the slit and will insert a circular piece to add flare and movement and it happens to be the fabric that matched Eurika without going overboard.

The question is the top.

I can attach the present fully covering existing top and create a baladi dress, for which I will have to lower the neckline, take it in to create some shape  < a blouson style won’t quite work>.  The bottom of the top has the same scallop detail as the hem of the skirt, so it will create a line at the hip – but I will have to shape it, so that it looks more flattering than a straight horizontal line.

green silk top

Or I can go out, get a bra and cut the top up to cover it, use the sleeves and create a finished edge to the top of the skirt.

Decisions, decisions…