Author | Lightnews

Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 31

This fabric can be a scrunch sleeved tunic ($95, shown in ruby), a dickey($30) or a regular sleeved tunic($75). Colors: olive, black, taupe, white, purple, brown, burgundy, ruby, cloud gray, and charcoal. Some colors limited quantity. Shipping $ based on your location relative to VA, PM for details.

Image shows all the various fabric colors and the slightly textured outer face of fabric.

Mannequin with arms models the scrunch sleeves of a tunic.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 21

Hello all! Closed today to deal with a foundation issue - unfortunately house related and not costume related, I'd much prefer it to be underpinnings that I could fix myself. All the rain + gravity (not enough drainage + path of least resistance) = sadness.
www.shorpy.com/node/27792

Black and white vintage image shows a steam shovel moving tons of rocks. A mountain of rocks is in the background, plus a tower and cable system. Original Shorpy.com website caption was Mike Mulligan 1910 "Livingstone Channel -- steam shovel removing rock loosened by dynamite." Circa 1910, construction of the navigation channel along the Detroit River. 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company.

Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 18

Making reaper robes in the studio today, getting ready for Halloween rush. Hope you all have a great weekend!

Deep in a damp dark forest, a masked and hooded figure sits in a tree. Vibrant green moss clings in abundance to the tree trunks with bark darkened by moisture. The figure wears a shredded and distressed black cotton reaper robe, paired with a gold full face mask with one large eye etched into the surface. They have a five pointed star shaped lantern that is lit, and appear to have a sword in its scabbard at the waist. With no path visible, it is unknown how they got there, or how long they have been waiting. Perhaps the courageous will ask.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 17

@novamotionpictures.bsky.social has a recent post with upcoming showings of the film.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 17

I can't believe this was 2 years ago already! "Spring" from the short film The Wychwood Cycle. Working with @novamotionpictures, @k.kenworthy, and HMU Kim Reyes and Doris Elias was a fantastic experience.

Hip deep in a murky pool of water, the forest spirit gazes around with fresh, youthful eyes. Their white linen gown fades into the water's depth, but the visible parts have hand painted lace flowers and leaves appliqued in fronds of yellow and pale green. A tree's shadow reaches across the pond, touching the spirit, and specks of leaf filtered light reflect on the water's ripples. It is unclear what she is looking up and to our left at, above her outside the frame.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 16

Completed wizard costume with hat & hooded cloak. Halloween season arrived early! Wait list now available for detailed/complex costumes due after Oct 31. Custom robes, cloaks, regular tunic sets, or doublets may still be possible - PM me. Website/pre-made item orders will ship until fabric is gone.

Finished Gandalf inspired wizard costume made from interwoven navy and peacock blue linen. Pointed long curved hat with sloped brim, cloak/wrap with shredded hem and large hood that ties at the neck, robe with many pleats and decorative navy blue stitching, hand woven belt with round metallic buckle, grey leather foraging pouch, and matching linen satchel with braided linen shoulder strap.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 15

How to Tuesday: Making a witch or wizard hat. youtube.com/shorts/Ox-aN... ⬅️my YouTube channel 🧙‍♂️
#howto #howtotuesday #wizardcostume #witchhat #wizardhat #gandalf #takingthehobbitstoisengard #twinrosesdesigns #costumeshop

At the feet of a dressed up mannequin with a gray studio backdrop behind and underneath sits an aloof styrofoam head and shoulders with a hat. This 23" long hat is in the style of Gandalf and other esteemed wizards, with a slightly conical 4-5" brim and a jaunty curve permanently tucked into place along the length. Lightly stuffed for shape, there's plenty of room for a cranium in the crown. The weathered looking interwoven navy and peacock linen gives the look of many days traveling in the sun and all weathers.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 15

Last minute Bastille Day greetings to all celebrating! Here's some costumes I made years ago for La Garde Des Lys in Paris.

Artistic fencing team members, ready for action. Man at left is attired in burgundy and silver with embroidered and metal elements decorating his historically inspired costume. Man at right is dressed all in black, including a wool doublet with silver buttons (the rest of his costume was not made by me). Cobblestones are underfoot and pave the entire area enclosed by impressive historic buildings with slate roof and taupe walls and columns.

Two of the artistic fencing team at an event, dressed in green and gold or red, burgundy, cream and gold. They wear paned breeches with velvet ribbons over satin inner layers.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 9

Wizard # 2 progress, based on Gandalf the Grey. Braiding more than 3 strands takes a bit of getting used to for the belt. On to the cloak!

Blue linen robe has a weathered look partly due to the interwoven navy and peacock blues and slightly rumpled surface texture. There are many large box pleats set into a shoulder and neck yoke that laces up the front. The generous hems of sleeves and body are embroidered in place with navy blue thread. A handwoven/braided charcoal gray belt with rustic round metal buckle cinches in at the waist and supports the foraging pouch. There is a book satchel from the same fabric, with a braided shoulder strap - also in the same fabric. This image shows front and back views.

Close up view in studio making space warm lighting showing charcoal gray woven/braided belt detail, and the foraging bag with gray cover and ivory inner pouch.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 8

Thank you!

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 8

Leather foraging pouch. Sheep skin bag has two linen drawstrings. When not in use, it folds in on itself twice along length and width, covered by the gray leather 'case'. Drawstring bag attaches to the case individually at the top sides, and by three rivets that also hold the belt loop in place.

Top left: all folded up front view, with the neat and tidy gray suede leather wrap with the flap held in place by a gunmetal colored sam brown clasp. Top right, back view of folded up tidy back view of the suede pouch holder, showing the belt loop with 3 silver rivets on the lower end holding it in place on the gray suede holder and two top side silver rivets holding the inner pouch top back in place. Three hidden rivets under the fold down of the belt loop hold the belt loop and the drawstring in place on the gray suede case. Bottom left: open gray leather case lays flat, showing the inner drawstring pouch folded up neatly in the middle. Bottom right: gray suede case still laid flat on the table, with the drawstring pouch unfolded lengthwise (2 folds undone).

Top left: drawstring bag unfolding continues 2 x width wise, revealing the whole drawstring bag shape. Top right: mouth of the drawstring bag held open shows the five silver rivets holding it in place on the gray suede case at the top near the drawstring. Bottom left: drawstrings activated! Bottom right: gray case flap folded over the drawstring tightened area, and strings drape down the sides, like it would appear when on the belt.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 7

Lighting makes all the difference! Two views of completed Wizard costume #1 - in the studio space where it was made, and in the photo area with brighter lighting and backdrop. Second image shows the hand dyed cloak trim and the navy/peacock blue interwoven linen fabric. Working on Wizard #2 today.

Side by side views of completed blue wizard robe with large bell sleeves, hooded cloak with hand dyed trim, hat with appliqued pewter colored stars and crescent moon applique, and gray leather belt with round buckle. All fabric is the interwoven peacock blue and navy, which creates a weathered, lived-in look, and will breathe well. The left view is from the photo space with backdrop that is nearly the same color as the fabric of the costume, and quite bright lighting. Studio space has a candlelit style of lighting, which creates a warm glow and deeper shadows. The walls are a cheery yellow, and the background of the mannequin features zippered wardrobes that unfortunately do not lead to Narnia.

Detail view of the interwoven fabric, highlighting the weathered, lived-in look. The hand dyed trim shown used to be super bright silver, suitable for Vegas or Liberace. I toned it down to be a muted silver with blue undertones, better matching the costume's aesthetic and mood. Also visible are the measuring tape and yellow headed pin holding it in place at the neck of the mannequin - a sign that hemming will happen soon.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 3

Making headway on Wizards.

Gandalf-style wizard hat in weathered looking blue linen on a head form. Features a slightly cup shaped brim, long head piece that has been slightly stuffed, hand sewn into a curved shape with pleats, and with star and crescent moon applique. A hand dyed silvery/blue braid band marks the transition between brim and crown.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jul 1

When I was young, the "Lucy Locket" rhyme made no sense. How could a pocket be lost? What did a ribbon have to do with it? In the mid-1800's, pockets were a separate inner piece. They were accessed via openings in the petticoats and skirts at the sides, and tied with ribbon around the waist.

Image shows two views of the vintage pocket replica made from white cotton with blue printed historic style flowers and leaves from the late 1700's-early 1800's. A white waistband loops over the cord tie at the mannequin waist. Closer view at right of image shows that the pocket is large and how the middle opening easily fits a hand.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jun 30

Let the wizards begin! Making star and a crescent moon pattern for the appliques on one of the two Wizards-in-Progress. Hope you all have a good day today!

Bright blue grid lined cutting mat background forms the 'sky', with cardboard circles, torn brown paper 'clouds', a cut brown paper five pointed star and corresponding weathered pewter colored fabric star arranged on its surface. Weathered peacock and navy blue interwoven linen forms a visual diagonal 'hill' with pencil, red handled paper scissors and more fabric resting on its surface.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jun 27

Costumes are clothes that express an idea, a time period, help tell a story, or create a character. Making art to wear is fun! Local client wanted a lighter weight cotton flannel summer robe with a hood, predominantly black, and with the keywords 'electric' and 'dragon'. Here's the result!

Medium close up of the robe on the mannequin, showing the mainly black exterior, electric blue flannel facing and hood lining, and cuffs and pocket tops made from printed cotton with white lightning against a stormy sky in various shades of blue.

Three views stitched together of the full length robe: on the client with a smile and enthusiastic two thumbs up, front view in studio space on the mannequin, back view in studio space on mannequin. The robe is mainly black exterior, electric blue flannel facing and hood lining, and cuffs and pocket tops made from printed cotton with white lightning against a stormy sky in various shades of blue.

Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jun 26

Dragon Ball Super inspired tunic and wrap look obi. Gold trimmed white cotton twill and blue linen. The ends of the 'sleeves' are stiffened to remain round.
#twinrosesdesigns #customorder #costumemaker #costumedesign #cville #costumeshop #charlottesvillecostumes #dragonballsuper #cosplay

George the mannequin models the front and back views of the costume with its high/low hemline, geometric neckline, and wide and angular short sleeves. Shown against a blue/gray mottled backdrop.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jun 25

July 4th is suddenly next week. I set aside these cotton & linen fabrics months ago for a Rev War style gown or top/skirt set idea, inspired by this image from 1917. Rather than guess style and customer size, I'm posting first to see who might like costume/clothing made with these.

WWI propaganda poster for Victory Gardens depicts a stunning counterpart to the Statue of Liberty - this woman wears a red phrygian cap that is often used to symbolize liberty and freedom, particularly in the Revolutionary Wars of the USA and France. She strides through prepared brown soil with her Thracian sandals and form fitting gown with white stars on blue ground through the torso and hips, and red and white stripes flowing from there to the mid calf length hem. She carries a basket of seeds in her left hand, and sows with her right as she strides confidently and gazes off into the distance with a serious and aloof demeanor. Text overlay on the parchment colored background reads "Sow the seeds of Victory! plant & raise your own vegetables" at the top and top left. Smaller white print at bottom right reads "Write to the National War Garden Commission ~ Washington DC for free books on gardening, canning, and drying".

Fabrics! Midnight and navy blue cotton with cream stars at left, red and white striped linen at right.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jun 23

The final piece for the custom ordered Viking ensemble: merchant hat in brown wool flannel lined with gray cotton flannel, faux fur band and a large silver bead to weigh down the point and look dashing.

The hat, laid flat on a bone colored surface. The point is folded under with the large bead off to the right side.

Peering into the opening of the hat through the fluffy faux fur at the gray lining. Faux fur is "wolf" in shades of cream, brown,gray, and dark tips. Each fiber seems to have various shades on each, making a more realistic look of fur. Dark brown hat body and large silver toned bead are barely visible above the fur brim.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jun 21

Happy Summer!

Morning sunshine filters through the lush green woodland foliage like luminous stained glass against a pale blue sky.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jun 20

Custom ordered viking garb! Handkerchief weight linen in interwoven blue/purple and gray, outer tunic is mixed material blues + charcoal gray wool boucle. Birka bag pouch accessory made years ago from a pattern by Kim of Goblin Gear & Goods, cut/prepared by me, and hand sewn by Amanda Replogle.

Side front view of the viking ensemble on George the mannequin, displaying the outer tunic, ring belt, and Birka bag against a pale blue and gray backdrop.

Detail view of the charcoal gray wool boucle and dark and light blue interwoven material. Long yellow plastic headed pins hold the neck facing in place.

Detail view of the handkerchief weight linens in dove gray and variegated blue/gray/purple interwoven. Also in the photo is a small silver clasp with three lobes and swirls.

Full view of the dove gray and variegated handkerchief weight inner tunic, almost camouflaged against the blue and gray backdrop.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jun 19

Custom ordered linen tunic set! I love these blues, and how they work with the two shades of brown interwoven flecks on the outer tunic fabric.

Cobalt inner tunic, royal blue tabard set of 2 and obi coordinate with the raw and burnt umber interwoven shades of brown of the outer tunic. The outer tunic features shoulder tucks in the prequel Jedi style.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jun 18

Final custom ordered ensemble piece: a uniquely styled trench coat. Tone on tone embroidery, yards and yards of trim, faux suede and leather, and crescent moon wooden buttons. Had a folklore moment and put a 'salmon of knowledge' charm inside with the four pockets. Thank you Scott for a fun project!

Part Strider, part Assassin's Creed, part Elf, part western duster. Shoulder yoke is brown faux suede, main areas are olive green organic cotton twill. Pieced wrap look lace up bracers coordinate with the rest of the coat and feature multiple textures in olive and browns. Wide woven brown belt element feeds into brown faux suede shapes at the front. Draping overlays create longer side hems and visual interest at the hip. Crescent moon shaped buttons hold decorative tabs in place near the waist. A wide collar feeds into the lapels of this open front design coat. This image shows the full back and the right side front views on George the mannequin against a neutral mottled blue/gray backdrop.

Detail view showing tone on tone embroidery and medium brown trim, wide brown woven suede belt, and wrapped look lace up bracer in mixed materials.

Detail view showing tone on tone embroidery and medium brown trim, curved brown faux suede belt header, decorative tab near belt line with crescent moon shaped brown wooden button, and wrapped look lace up bracer in mixed materials.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jun 16

Completed custom ordered jacket fully lined with matching satin and embellished with embroidery, applique, and 3D leaf elements. Goes with pants and shirt posted previously. Leaf shaped pocket flaps cover deep front pockets. My photos aren't the best, can't wait to see customer action photos. ☘️

Full back view of the jacket on a mannequin shows the center back cut out from waist to hemline, and back and a bit of sleeve embroidery and leaf elements.

Sleeve highlights for embroidery and leaves.

Completed center back applique closer view of the tree of life, multiple shades of brown and copper, and multiple shades of green on the leaves, harmonizing with the olive of the jacket.

Front of double breasted jacket with holly inspired shaped hem and lapels. Pocket flaps are holly leaf shaped with embroidered veining - they cover large front pocket openings.

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Andrea Wakely @twinrosesdesigns.bsky.social · Jun 13

Tree progress picture, adding the 3D elements. Hope you all have a great weekend, and Happy Father's Day to all the dads and father figures out there.

Progress photo of the Celtic Tree of Life inspired embellishment on the olive cotton twill custom jacket. Trunk, roots, and branches are dark brown batiked cotton with coppery brown borders and swirling narrow branches. Different sizes of 3D leaves in shades of green are pinned in place on the work with long bright yellow headed pins, ready for stitching down.

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