Category Archives: creativity abounds

Creative journeys, creativity abounds

Couture Adventures 2020: Focus on Zombie Dragon Girl!

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 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 Zombie Dragon Girl!!  The juxtaposition of this superhero: a Darkness that gives Light in creativity and movement.

Zombie Dragon Girl in elegant Darkness she shines..

Zombie Dragon Girl had a clear vision of what her gown could be and the pieces all came together -from two separate donated gowns, a TAV Creations purse created in the 90’s, a sample veil that worked perfectly to enhance her distinct hair style!

 

TAV Creations sketch from ideas discussed!

Starting from a sketch that gave me the direction to head in, I had assembled the elements for our first meeting, and we kept just raving at how it could all work together!

The Design:

RE-Design and melding of Wedding gowns

Labour: $450

Two dresses, a sash, purse and veil from different sources all came together in the TAV Creations studio!

Zombie Dragon Girl’s Regency inspired silk gown was created by taking 2 wedding gowns , resizing, redesigning and reassembling to create this new piece. 

 

 

 

The original silk gown, shown here,  had full length set in sleeves, a “v” neckline in front and a lower waist line.

It was recut to remove any unsightly stains, the sleeves made into a new fun style, the skirt regathered into a more back waist emphasis. The train was reshaped to match the lace overskirt that was added.  

 The lace overskirt also offered up some appliqués to add to the donated veil to make it a fun matching headpiece 

Supplies:

  • Donated silk dress
  • Donated lace on tulle overskirt

Veil redesign – 

Labour $30 

  • Donated veil
Using lace from the overskirt, I was able to create a bun wrap shape that kept the veil long and flowing.

 

Regency Hybrid gown
Zombie Dragon Girl “Regency Hybrid gown” – back view

 

The bonus of working with this TAV Creations Angel/ superhero, was that she came with a sidekick – The White-icorn! 🙂

 

Creative journeys, creativity abounds, TAV Studio News

Couture Adventures 2020: Focus on “Magnificent”

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!
Magnificent judging you…
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”

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…
And on a lighter happier note…

 

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…

Sweet Sarcasm being Sassy!
Sweet Sarcasm being …Smirky<?>

 

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”

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

Nominated..What? Faces Magazine Ottawa Awards…

A few weeks ago I shared this:

“Hmmm… over 30 years of quietly sewing for folk in my home studio as well as with other local bridal industry folk and whoa- I’ve been nominated in the #TailoringAndAlterations category for the 2020 Faces Magazine Ottawa awards… wow!

Thanks to Deek Labelle < a fabulous client > who nominated me!!! #gratitude #humbled”

And so I let folk know about my nomination and people were so kind as to log on and vote!

Update:

Uh, yeah, so I won…

Every day my clients bring me joy, challenges, and fun… and sometimes touches of beauty like this rose…

Today’s the big day.

Unfortunately, although I did purchase tickets to attend, it’s not looking likely that I will make it out to the event tonight.

Really though, as cliche as it is, it’s super amazing just to have been nominated!!

Congratulations to everyone who has been given some added and deserved attention to their efforts in all of the categories listed by the Faces Magazine Ottawa for this event of recognition!

Everyone is a winner no matter what the final tallies announce and thanks again for voting and being supportive friends and patrons of my business and me!

Ottawa Faces Awards 2020

creativity abounds, Events, TAV Studio News

Studio Sale/ Open house – BY APPOINTMENT!

Ok – I have items that need new homes!
Instead of trying to choose a weekend date or evening date that might work for some, but not others, I will be setting up 30 minute appointments for folks to come and check things out at our mutual convenience this month!

Costume items:

TAV Creations originals
Gently used Halyma pieces < bely dance and/or Bollywood styles>
A very limited selection of items from colleagues who have just a small number of pieces they have left with me, hoping to move them along.

Accessories:

Jewelry – mostly costume/ dance related, some recent retro < 80’s90’s>
Plus:
Other stuff as I go through things.
 
How it works:
EMAIL ME to book a viewing appointment:
tracey@tav-creations.com

Appointments can be made between:

  • October 1 and 29th
  • Tuesday through Saturday
  • 11am – 6pm

When you EMAIL ME for your booking, let me know a few options that will work for you within those days/ times.

 
Prices will be mostly by donation – cash preferred.
Some items will have set prices but I am flexible.
Partial proceeds from sales of my items will go to iSisters
creativity abounds, On a more personal note

Remaking my dog’s harness…

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.

early morning on Pog Lake.

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.

The family…

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!

 

creativity abounds, Events

Looking ahead to new adventures.

As my summer break approaches,  I am winding up on the bridal work that I need to finish before I disappear briefly to give my arm a break, refresh my creative spirit and probably lie around reading .

And as always, although I am already fully booked for the first few weeks back, I am looking ahead into the mid-late fall and contemplating some fun stuff to do.

Mainly:

1- An open house to clear out excess fabrics, supplies, costume items etc that need to go on to live new lives instead of being packed in my storage boxes/closets etc.

hemming pants is one option for a mini workshop..

2- actively promoting my Private sewing lessons – both as “Sewing Guru” in my student’s home, as well as some project oriented mini workshops in my apartment studio for limited tiny groups.

SO keep an eye out for these activities in the fall, and if you have any questions or ideas of projects you would like to work on and need some guidance, let me know!

Creative journeys, creativity abounds

Couture Journey: Fantasy Gown

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
creativity abounds

Couture Journey -Steam/Theme Resize gown* with Matching Hat

Steam/Theme Resize gown* with Customized Matching Hat
Labour $600-$750

Linda’s Gown shows how a vintage dress < this is a TAV Creations piece from the mid 90s for an old west theme wedding> can be re-fit into a different size while maintaining most of the original look.

The size modifications included creating a new bodice from part of the original train, attaching it to the overskirt, creating one solid dress with straps that allow for a regular bra. The lace trim was reapplied with pearl detailing to continue the original feeling.

The over jacket was slightly modified to change up the closure in front, keeping the essence of the button detailing and changing the sleeve fit slightly, again maintaining the button closure at the wrist.

The train was re-finished at a shortened length, still detachable for dancing later.

TAV Creations Bespoke hat
Labour $150-$200

This satin top hat nods gently to the original theme of an old west wedding, while also blowing a kiss to today’s steampunk themes, and allowing for the addition of the “old/Borrowed” broach detailing.

Supplies:

  • 1m Fabric
  • .75 m pellon
  • 1.25m Wire
  • Russian netting – .75m

*Original Gown Bespoke to client’s taste:
Labour $2000-$2500

Strapped bodice into overskirt with bow and bustle attached;
Lace over jacket that closed in the centre front,
Detachable train.

Supplies:

  • Satin:4m
  • Lace: 6m
  • Buttons, zipper, pearls etc.