Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Mon Oct 06, 2014 8:43 pm

Those are roller derby bombers!!

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Fri Oct 17, 2014 8:07 pm

I just finished this large man's tutu. I had the desire to make clothes in blue and gold with red trim. I thought I'd start with the easy stuff. I love working with neckties but only if they are color coordinated. They are tiny works of art. The front and sides of this 'garment' are all equal length 16 inches. The back is a little longer and comes to a point of 19 inches from the top of the belt. This was fun and I still have all the narrow ends of the ties to make something different. I can always add more or take some off of the belt to adjust the size.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sun Oct 19, 2014 7:38 pm

Just another piece of old men's wear somewhat converted to costumery. It can also be worn as a double breasted jacket if you are a size 8. (Which I ain't.) It could use a lot more bling but my aim is to get it out of the old clothes pile. Not to make it a masterpiece. Someone else can do that.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sun Oct 19, 2014 7:44 pm

This weird light weight cape was a fat lady's skirt. (In our house FAT is not a dirty word.) I slit it up the back and took off the zipper. I made a collar by wrapping it around some batting. The ribbon is tied to a couple of pieces of old rhinestone jewelry that are sewn on. There is a little gold trim added around the bottom.

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Oct 20, 2014 6:02 am

This time of year is when to keep Christmas tree skirts in mind. They make great little capes.

Post by **Elderberry** » Mon Oct 20, 2014 8:30 am

AntiM wrote:This time of year is when to keep Christmas tree skirts in mind. They make great little capes.

And skirts!

Have you noticed that they have changed the way they make those now? It used to be that the hole for the tree trunk was much larger, so they would easily fit around a person's waist. When John went looking to replace the one he'd been wearing on the playa for years, he couldn't find a single one that would fit without the hole being cut larger. I'd guess the smaller hole might need some enlargement for use as a cape as well.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Oct 25, 2014 3:48 pm

I love this one. It's a huge long vest but it weighs practically nothing. I had fun making the epaulets from shiny trim and the big gold buttons and stars set off the soft furriness. The red collar doubles as the clasp. I just tie a couple of the tails to keep it closed.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sat Oct 25, 2014 4:43 pm

I really like that one.

RosieTahoe · Post by **RosieTahoe** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 8:02 pm

That looks so warm and fun! You've inspired me to get out my furry bathrobe and see what I can do to it...

dancingfairygirl · Post by **dancingfairygirl** » Wed Oct 29, 2014 12:58 pm

Love it, great job Ratty!!!

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 3:04 pm

A slight detour from my usual sewing of clothes.

I occasionally see an artist at the bus stop. He has the most magnificent coat that is covered in paint. I want one. Really I only want to make one. Same thing. This is the first day of paint splotch. I have paint. I have time. I will have my paintcoveredcoat.

dancingfairygirl · Post by **dancingfairygirl** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 9:59 am

How fun, Ratty! I love this!!

It looks great, are you going to keep adding more to it?

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 4:22 pm

Oh yes. As the Sugar Plump Fairies say, "More is better. Enough is enough." I'll probably paint on it every day and night for a while. Let it dry, flip it over, repeat.

dancingfairygirl · Post by **dancingfairygirl** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 4:25 pm

Awesome! I can't wait to see how it progresses

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Nov 15, 2014 10:32 am

Well, I finished it. I had to stop sometime. It's fun just letting my eyes go out of focus and dabbing paint on fabric.

JayBobBoy · Post by **JayBobBoy** » Sat Nov 15, 2014 11:35 am

Wonderful work Ratty!

As colorful and beautiful as the artist herself!!!

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Nov 15, 2014 12:55 pm

Thanks JBB. It's my typical burner project. Not at all thought out ahead of time. Lots of fun though. I was thinking of you last week when I bought coffee at Costco.

dancingfairygirl · Post by **dancingfairygirl** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 10:47 am

That looks awesome, Ratty! I'm inspired to do something similar too!

Thanks for sharing!

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 7:25 pm

Ratty wrote:Thanks JBB. It's my typical burner project. Not at all thought out ahead of time.

Some people work best in that loose sort of way. It's too bad that that doesn't result in huge playa projects...

(Those people include me...)

Post by **AntiM** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 4:40 am

Magnificent, Ratty.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Wed Nov 26, 2014 8:41 am

So what do you make for the man who wears shorts and a shirt at the burn all week? Why, shorts of course. These don't photograph well so I'll explain. I wanted ruffled shorts but not ruffles between the legs. These washable dockers were long pants. I added the ruffle only from the front to back around the outside of the pantleg. I used strips of fleece as the trim. That way they are still wash and wear.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Fri Nov 28, 2014 8:55 am

So I had some time on my hands yesterday. This pilots jacket is complete with aviator glasses, pilots wings, Airport patches and airplane hanger epaulets.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Fri Nov 28, 2014 8:56 am

I made it into a kind of 'waist coat' by just cutting and trimming.

Hope-a-Lope · Post by **Hope-a-Lope** » Fri Nov 28, 2014 5:41 pm

Ratty, I applaud you! Your every post inspires me to up my wardrobe game.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sun Nov 30, 2014 10:32 am

I couldn't resist turning this old brown suit into a Jiminy Cricket tailed vest. The tail came from one pant leg. The machine embroidery looks great and the sparkley blue lining was a breeze. I'm happy with it. (And believe me, I can't say that about every project.)

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Thu Dec 04, 2014 9:41 am

I am almost finished with this project. It's been fun making a few costume pieces for a fellow burner.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Thu Dec 04, 2014 9:47 am

Now there is only one thing left to make. A gold airplane cape and off the whole thing goes. Meathunter I can't wait to run into you on playa.

When you get to the ripe old age of 70+ you can't wait around for an invite. Sometimes you just have to ask. "Can I join you?" or "Can you whip me up some duds?" I never do requests because this IS art. Meathunter I was happy to do it for you.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Fri Dec 12, 2014 10:37 am

What better way to wear old draperies than to make a gold cape? It's just a flat piece of fabric. Cut up the front, small neck hole, turn the edges under and sew. It will look great on an aviator. All of this airplane wear is a gift that's finally finished. Off it goes.

Meat Hunter · Post by **Meat Hunter** » Fri Dec 12, 2014 11:13 am

Ratty,

I am going to be the best dressed if not the most dashing old dude in the airport or even on the whole playa next year.

The eggnog ice cream, with a dusting of fresh grated nutmeg, is already in the planning stage and will be made just for you at your camp. Or, if you would prefer, it could be tangerine sorbet..... ?

Love Ya,
Meat Hunter

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Fri Dec 12, 2014 5:36 pm

Thanks MH. You know that plans on the playa sometimes go awry. I'm looking forward to meeting you almost as much as having ice cream.

I found a taker for the painted coat. Kim in Auburn is an art teacher of elementary age kids. (She's a burner too.) I forced it on her. She may keep it or she may pass it along.

Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.