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6th of May, 2009
04:22 am - Getting back on the costume horse
Having been inspired to pick up a needle and thread again after several years of neglecting all but the replacing of buttons, I thought I's start a post here and hopefully over the next few months I will add assorted pictures of the progress of the costume.
For those who may be unaware Continuum this year is themed "Galaxies by Gaslight" so I'm wanting to try something along those lines.
After a long and protracted percolation on what sort of outfit I could wear that would be of interest to me but also fit my build and still be practical I eventually decided on the concept of steampunk Major General Stanley (of Pirates of Penzance fame).
At this stage the idea is starting out with these pieces:
McCall's Costume patter M4745 as the base for the outfit.
Thankfully our Beloved Prime Minister's stimulous package allowed me to have a splurge at Spotlight and buy some red wool. It's not as heavy as I'd like but then wool bought from retailers in Australia rarely is. I'm planning on lining it in wool and the too layers plus interfacing should get it to sit quite nicely.
I had picked up a collection fo General Service buttons via Ebay last eyar which also included to belt hooks for the tunic.
I bought myself a white pith helmet from Mitchell's Adventure in the city. I'd been looking at similar one's online last year before the dollar plummited but I didn't want to spend the money on something I had no guarentee would fit. Being of the fuller brain than many (my story and I'm sticking to it) buying hats can often be a pain. I've acquired a spike and a helmet plate via Ebay and have a chap in Oakleigh who is making me the chin chain. It still needs the hooks for the chain and I may send off an order to Thinredline and get a couple of metal pieces needed. Still debating the puggaree. We'll see.
Shoes I can use my own and trousers will be made. The only other thing is a white belt.
The steampunk aspect of it, since so far it sounds like cobbled together pseudo-Victoriana, will be the intention of making an artificial looking left hand. Currently I'm thinking of a base of a plain black wetsuit glove and then thin plastic tubing create the finger sections and paint them appropriate metallic finish. Some sort of plate for the back of the hand. If I get time I will try and extend the hand to a forearm and hand but I'll see how time goes.
I can at least start on the jacket now.
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/growf/pengies/thoughtful.gif) contemplative
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14th of April, 2009
06:25 pm - Long overdue update
It's been some two months since I wrote anything here so I thought I should let you know I'm still alive.
Uni has settled into classes and courses. The text book issue was resolved. It turns out that both lists were incorrect and the class had no texts assigned as the Bookshop person had said. Our lecturer thought it would be cheaper for us if she just uploaded the various extracts online for us to view. After some discussion in the first couple of tutorials the overwhelming preference was to pay the copyright fee for printing and get them collated into a student reader. I know I vastly prefer having printed reading material than reading it online. Apart from being more practical it doesn't make your screen go funny when you write on it with a highlighter.
I've renewed some acquaintances from last year though most of the people I was friends with from last year are not doing the same classes as me this semester. Have to organise to catch up with Sarah for lunch at some point. The horrible cow went to Italy over the summer and did a course on Italian art. So very jealous.
The classes themselves are interesting. Though the Nazi Germany one is certainly more of a brain struggle. Mainly because there's a lot more being added to it than the usual tropes of "here's what the Nazis did and they were bad M'Kay". And so far its mostly been the origins. I know bits of this but the actually history is far more complex than I've given it credit for.
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) cold_echo will be pleased to know that the glass cabinet has finally been given a home in the hallway and it is now out of the lounge.
I discovered a tobacconist in Frankston, Cignall Specialist Tobacconist who must be one of the few remaining places in Melbourne that deal with pipe smokers. For those who may be unaware I have had the occasional smoke on the clay pipe I acquired for re-enacting. I then moved on to using a long stemmed Ropp Cherrywood that I believe used to belong to my uncle. I might only smoke once a month or so but I do find it rather relaxing. Anyway the vulcanite stem on the Ropp broke and the clay one had snapped both during the house move. Since finding pipe suppliers is harder than finding stems I gave them a ring to see if they could help. I headed down a few days later and came away with a replacement stem for the Ropp that I was able to fit in with a little bit of sanding, two types of tobacco and a pipe lighter. I'm not going to be paying off any of his kids school fees with what I will buy but I had possibly one of the best customer service experiences I've had in years.
Uncle Kev's incentivasation payment arrived and I've had a little splurge on Ebay, though mostly replacing VHS with DVDs, paid some bills and put some aside to get the windscreen replaced. But after today I'm glad I had the money in the bank. My watch is an old Seiko given to me as my 13th birthday present. It's a damn good watch but it was in dire need of a service. I took it into the service centre today and they said they'd need to send it off to Seiko, but it was going to cost me $120. I just about died. Yes I know it's a good quality watch and as such parts might cost a little bit more but for a clean and re-oil I wouldn't have thought it would be even half that. Ouch!
I'm also hoping to use Kev's cheque to pay for some wool fabric for the costume I want to make for Continuum. If anyone knows of any good suppliers for jacket wool in red please point me their direction. I am so out of touch with costuming suppliers it's not funny.
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/growf/pengies/sweat.gif) busy
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20th of November, 2008
06:35 pm - Steampunk props
Having not done any actual costuming for close to two years now I think I've decided to dust off the accoutrements and make something for Continuum next year.
I'm contemplating a quasi-military soldier.
Partly inspired by this:
this:
And thchap to the right of this photo:
My own physique is probably not the most suitable for a military person (or at least not one of the 19th century) but I could possibly tend something toward the Professor Challenger idea.
Still combining ideas.
Current Mood: thoughtful
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9th of July, 2008
09:25 pm - Things what I learnded from today's trip into the city
The Myer foodhall is gone. So is nearly all of their toy department.
The former Telecom exchange on Little Bourke Street is now a large hole.
The former Allan's Music store on Bourke street has moved to the old Virgin Megastore building and it's previous building is in the process of being demolished.
The architecture inside the Rendezvous hotel is amazing and will require a return visit with camera in tow.
The Asian food court under the Welcome Inn has been replaced by the Ether Function Centre.
Classic Comics has closed down.
Job's warehouse is STILL there.
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/growf/pengies/yawn.gif) tired
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1st of April, 2008
10:26 pm - Continuum 5!
Hello and greetings from one of Co-Chairs for the next Continuum!
Rachel and I would like to invite you along to a casual meeting to discuss ideas for Continuum 5.
Sunday the 20th of April
10 - 12:30 (or there abouts)
Carlton Library 667 Rathdowne St, North Carlton
We're not going to shanghai you onto the committee (well not just yet anyway) but we're asking for people to come along who may be interested in helping out to varying degrees. You may be looking at taking an active hand, or maybe you can help out but not till next year. If you're interested in making a contribution we'd love to see you there.
If you can't make it along on the day but are still interested in please drop me a email and I'll catch up with you soon.
Hope to see you there.
Current Mood: busy
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8th of August, 2006
09:45 pm - Continuum 4
Some highlights of Continuum 4.
Talks by Charlie Stross who really does know some of the most bizarre conspiracy theories I've heard.
Shaun Tan's artwork.
Having several women find out the fabric of my costume feels like a soft suede.
The trailer for The Prestige!
Getting pizza delivered to the Mezzanine level of the Victoria Hotel.
Not having to get up for Sunday morning Comittee Meetings any more.
Worrying if Justin Ackroyd may be developing a "nice" bone after he gave me my books and said not to worry about paying for them till next month.
Getting to know Richard Harland a little better.
Discovering that many more people than you thought also have Livejournals (though they don't always update them).
Photos are up too.
In spite of being on the comittee I really enjoyed the convention. While I was still racing around at times, others I was able to sit down and listen to a few panels as well as being involved with several more.
There's no Continuum 5 next year due to Melbourne hosting the NatCon but I'd be very disappointed if there wasn't one in 2008. Possibly to the point of making moves to organise it myself or at least twist an arm or two for a couple of other people to get involved as well (note: this may well pass once common sense and 12 months time kick in).
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/growf/pengies/blank.gif) blah
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7th of August, 2006
11:46 am - Back from the Con
Well Continuum 4 is over and I'm back sorting through email and washing and doing a bit of house cleaning.
I've met new people and caught up with old friends. It's been great.
Details and photos to follow soon.
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/growf/pengies/happy.gif) content
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28th of July, 2006
09:55 am - End of the first "new" week
It's nearly the end of my first week at the new job. So far so good. I've spent a lot of time running out to Port Melbourne delivering cars to Patrick Stevedores. It's a pain in the arse but apparently they pay well. Didn't get lunch till 4 yesterday.
I think all the in and out of cars yesterday I've been using my stomach muscles more than usual as they were rather tender last night. :-)
I've also discovered that what I thought was a bad state for clients returning cars at the State Government is nothing to how some cars are treated in private enterprise. I would let dogs live in some of the conditions cars have been left in!
In other news I cut out the pattern for my waistcoat that I'm trying to get finished for Continuum. Went hunting for lining fabric last night and found something appropriate in the box. I need to do a button hunt which will probably be Sunday.
It's all so very busy! Once the Con is over then I'll probably be trying to organise crap for Taminick this year. Which reminds me I still need to get my tent fixed.
Current Mood: busy
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21st of June, 2006
09:33 am - Small world
I've made final bookings for the Australian guests for Continuum this morning.
So I call Flight Centre and am giving the girl all the details and she asks what's happening in Melbourne. I tell her about Continuum and she say "Oh I know Continuum".
Turns out that she's the woman who used to own Anthology Books. She even remembered me (and could remember how to spell my name)!
Heh :-)
Current Mood: chipper
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4th of June, 2006
11:35 pm - Weekend stuff.
Friday night was my first taste of roleplaying in many years. While I'm very unfamiliar with the d20 Modern rules it's been fun coming up with character ideas.
Yesterday I attacked the very neglected lawn and have shortened it from it's previous calf-length status.
Today was the Continuum Committee meeting after which I headed in to the Vic markets to try and replace a pair of gloves (no luck) and get a new belt (success), followed by a brief trip to Ikea to return an extra shelf I'd bought.
Feeling very out of place at the moment. I feel an incredible urge to do something only I have no idea what that something is.
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/growf/pengies/balloon.gif) odd
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24th of April, 2006
05:48 pm - Continuum movie night
Continuum 4
Retrorama - The Future Was Then!
Join us for a screening of The Fifth Element at the Sun Theatre in Yarraville
Friday the 12th of May.
Details here.
Current Mood: blah
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1st of December, 2005
03:31 pm - Mirrormask release
According to Nova Carlton they will be opening a limited season of Neil Gaiman's Mirrormask starting next Thursday 8th of December.
Given Sony Australia's publicity on the film has amounted to Sweet FA I will be surprised if it lasts more than a couple of weeks.
Get in while you can.
Update: After a quick phonecall to Sony in Syndey they have confirmed that "at this stage" it is ONLY being released in two Australian cinemas: The Nova in Melbourne and the George in Sydney. Depending on how successful it is there will depend on further distribution.
Sucks if you're not in Melbourne or Sydney huh?
Current Mood: hot
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31st of July, 2005
11:20 pm - Weekend update
Friday night was drinks with a lovely young lady (after communication problems on both sides shifted it from Thursday night) and me catching the last train home on Friday night.
Saturday was laundry day at home and then getting out to catch up for drinks with cold_echo & co. I got my Blackadder DVDs back (yay!) and scored a copy of Perdido Street Station by China Miéville that she was going to throw out. Also wandered past Gown of Thorns which I remember Ben telling me had recently been sold to new owners. We went in and had a look and I now have a spiderweb shirt on lay-by!
Dinner Saturday night was at the Afghan Gallery with some of the folks from the Serenity Oz boards. Dinner was good but their service sucked so I won't be back there. Finished up back at Joe's Garage for alcohol and more conversation.
Sunday was a preliminary meeting for the Continuum 4 committee and any volunteers who were wanting to help out for next year. After that I called via frou_frou and drzero's garage sale before dropping round to Dave's and returning his horror DVDs.
Tonight was the first night I've had dinner at home since Wednesday :-)
Current Mood: satisfied
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19th of July, 2005
18th of July, 2005
01:00 pm - Continuum report part 1
What a weekend!
( The Friday )
More updates and photos to follow soon
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/growf/pengies/sad.gif) cold
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7th of July, 2005
10:45 pm - I am teh trivia N3rd!
Continuum had a trivia night tonight. My team consisted of myself, mireille21, drjon and a friend of theirs whose name I can't remember.
We Won! (out of 4 teams)
In addition to that I also scored a copy of the Mirrormask screenplay - just in time to get His Royal Neilness to sign it next week. This is what happens when your lungs can blow up a balloon to bursting faster than everyone else :-)
We did have a brief interval when someone noticed the newsbreaks on one of the TVs downstairs. So far all the people in London that I can contact have been accounted for.
*hugs* to you all.
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/growf/pengies/bouncy.gif) bouncy
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13th of October, 2004
06:02 am - More Trivia nights
I attended Continuum 3's Trivia night this evening.
Some interesting questions (the list of phobias), some really BAD questions (who gives a rat's arse about Gem and the Holograms?) and a relatively fun night.
Sadly didn't win. Missed out by half a point!!!
Oh well maybe next time I'll be able to tell the difference for the movie poster for Universal Soldier and it's sequel. Then again maybe not.
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/growf/pengies/geeky.gif) nerdy
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26th of September, 2004
09:17 pm - Productive weekend
Lots of sewing done this weekend.
The hat is finished though I tempted to change the hat band to a red one.
The breeches are practically finished. I just have to add a couple more buttons to the knee fastening and they're done.
The coat is about 3/4 done. The sleeves still have to have the cuffs finished and be fitted to the jacket. The hem and the buttons will finish it. Hopefully all the machine sewing will be done tomorrow night and that will give me Tuesday night for hand sewing (with Wednesday night as a spare if things go wrong - like me sewing lining the wrong way round before realising it!)
Picked up a canvas tent that I'm borrowing for the weekend. It's a medieval bell tent but it probably stands out less than a green nylon pop-tent. That and I can stand up inside it :-) I may be borrowing a groundsheet from thebaronmk1. Will find out tomorrow night.
Popped round to mireille21's for a "football free zone" barbecue after I got home on Saturday and caught up with a few familiar faces.
And last night I watched Clash of the Titans while sewing buttons. Yep I still love it.
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/growf/pengies/cool.gif) accomplished
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6th of August, 2004
09:16 am - End of the week at last
Well it's finally Friday. I think I'm over this starting at 7:30 thing. Unfortunately I have another whole week of it next week. This morning was especially painful from having a late night round at missmargaret's watching DVDs. Self inflicted sure, but that doesn't make me feel any bouncier.
My Outlook Expre$$ cacked itself on Wednesday and I finally sat down and fixed it last night. Yes I know various people say it's a piece of shit and I should get rid of it but (touch wood) I've never had any problems with it. *shrug*
I've also realised it was my sister's birthday yesterday and I forgot to call her. Woops! Oh well I'll ring her today.
Finally managed to organise a Geek Day with Rallas whom I haven't seen in about 6 months. I told him about Dead Like Me. I said the lead character should remind him of his eldest daughter perfectly. I'll have to see if I can get the copy of the pilot episode downloaded by then.
Off to Abyss tonight with various bods and hoping to catch up with some-one interesting.
Got a few things planned for the weekend: a housewarming party and a Committee meeting for Continuum. Though I think I might try and catch up on some sleep!
I think I'll be (un)lucky if I surface before lunch on Saturday.
Current Mood: sleepy
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12th of July, 2004
11:39 pm - And so it goes...
Still trying to find off the lingering effects of this damn cold. *sniff*
I've been hermiting mostly, watching DVDs and spending too much time on the net. I have however been doing a little updating of my website. Thinking about giving it an overhaul but that's a little down the road.
Still no luck on the job front either :-(
Went off to the Continuum committee meeting on Sunday and offered to help out with next year's Con. I drew the line at an actual Committee member. Not sure if I'm quite ready to jump back into the pool that deeply again. Or at least not yet.
Also had a Costumers' Guild meeting which was quiet. I borrowed a fabulous book though called the Medieval Tailor's Assistant. It has some very easy to read descriptions and nice line drawing layouts. I think I might have to get myself a copy.
Current Mood: weird
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14th of June, 2004
05:58 pm - Continuum part the second
A quieter day today. Came in via Minotaur and picked up my magazines and have finally read the most recent edition of Girl Genius. !!! Talk about a cliff hanger!
I attended the Horror Writers Panel and part of Max Berry's Shameless Self Promotion both of which proved very interesting. It looks like Horror fiction may be set for a bit of a comeback if the enthusiasm at the panel was anything to judge by.
Spent the rest of the afternoon talking with various people (including a long discussion with a guy who is trying to start the Oz Horror Writers Association (I think I've remembered that correctly)). Talk with some of the Perth fen and pmcmurray who was the GUFF winner for 2003.
I shall be editing in some pics after dinner.
The closing ceremony was fairly standard with the eruption of the audience over the announcement of the guests for Continuum 3 in 2005.
They are:
Richard Harland
Poppy Z Brite
Neil Gaiman
Finally! Neil Gaiman is coming to Melbourne! I'm guessing I may see a lot more of the "non-fan" crowd that I know turning up to this Con.
And it's already been nicknamed GothCon :-)
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12:53 am - Continuum
Spent the last two days at Continuum with fangrrl-in-denial cold_echo. It's been nice to revisit SF fandom from a non-committee perspective and I have enjoyed myself greatly. I do wish I been able able to afford to stay at the hotel for the Con but you make do.
Ther been some interesting discussions going on as well as a few great presentations. Morgan Evans' panel on his experiences working as Orlando Bloom's stunt double on The Lord of the Rings proved quite insightful (in spite of having watched all the behind the scenes DVDs) and gave a broader understanding of some of the not so glamorous bits involved in making the movie. It also finally answered my Stuart Townsend question.
The "Lord of the Rings the book vs the film" was certainly a lively discussion as were "The Joss Whedon panel" and the "Urban Legends as Cultural Artifacts" panel.
I've purchased a copy of Jennifer Government and had Max sign it. I like having authors sign my books. Now I'll have to read it :-)
The Vest has made for many a conversation starter (and I'll post some photos as soon as I get a chance). Though I didn't get it finished until Saturday morning and have discovered that some of the transfers didn't iron on as well as they should have.
And I have finally heard Dalek stand-up comedy.
Not going to Golgotha tonight. Knackered.
Current Mood: nerdy
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13th of July, 2003
02:00 am - Work and Continuum
It's been a week. Yes.
My new job has no external email or internet access other than sites like The Age, or bank sites. Even the bistro PCs which DO have internet access have blocked LJ with Net Nanny. So the only time I get to view other people's LJ stuff is of an evening and if I'm not completely stuffed after getting home. So if there's something you've posted about a gathering or something that you think I should know about email me as well as chances are I haven't read it recently.
Turned up to work 1/2 an hour early on Friday after confusing my start time. But they let me go home 1/2 and hour early which was okay. Missed this weeks Angel as the TV guides completely fucked it up! Ended up taping the last 5 minutes! Grrrr!
This weekend I've spent mostly at Contiuum which is an SF Con in the city. I haven't been to a Con in ages. And given that I know most of the people running this one I decided to go. It's been very enjoyable. I've not read any of the works published by any of the guest authors attending I did know some of their work. Had a chat with Kate Forsyth after I caught the end of one of her panels and am curious to read some of her work - though I am a little intimidated with the thought of a hexology as a starter.
I got roped into the Buffy panel with about 2 seconds notice, which was fun. I've also had some interesting discussions on the Comics to Movies panel and the Writing for Young Readers panel. Sean McMullen's panels on the realities of medieval travel and the "physics of magical weapons" were interesting as well.
I've enjoyed it too. Costume panel is today. Hmmm should go to be then. At least I now have new reading material. Have 5 new books so far including the new Potter book.
Current Mood: geeky
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