Tag Archives: Australia

Weddings, Parties, Anything!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

With the recent wedding of Ace McKenzie to Scarlet Assasin, I can now reveal her gorgeous gown, Ace's vest and Dallas Roarke's corset gown that I created for the wedding party.

Measurements were obtained 12months ago, sourcing of fabric and lace from various parts of the globe took place and then it was time for getting it together.

I tried a new corset construction, or boned corset bodice I prefer to term it, much more suitable for a wedding gown. Mock up corsets were sent over for fittings, with progress moving on from there.

Scarlet was to have a recreation of a gown she had seen with a couple slight alterations from the original picture. Suffice to say I was happy with how everything turned out but was still waiting for it to arrive safely in Australia to her and know that everything fitted perfectly.

A couple conversations with Aspen Filly confirmed what I was to do with the skirt and a tip on the horsehair use with the satin frill to get just the right amount of bounce and wave was greatly appreciated. New technique learnt! 😉

Satin taffeta underskirt and overskirt with satin and crystal organza frills on one yoke to create less bulk beneath the bodice.

 

Corset bodice of satin taffeta and full pearl bead, sequinned lace, piped edge finish, rigilene and steel boning.

 

The finished product in full – spectacular!

 

Ace's requirements were for a vest. Simple enough, just needed the Ace cards embroidered on the front and in a red shot black taffeta. Some playing around with embroidery designs and figuring out placement, I nailed it first go with the hoop change in the middle. Happy day's!

 

Dallas wanted the Ace cards down the front of the corset on the same red taffeta coordinated with gorgeous lace skirt overlay. I did however, have to do her front section twice over to get the cards lined up. Slightly frustrating but I got there.

The red and black is always a sensational pairing.

 

Then came the 'how are we going to get this back there?' To which came a number of expensive options finally arriving at a more reasonable one. I found and used Luggage Free, sending my luggage ahead with the said wedding items inside. What a fantastic service and was there in plenty of time to steam and let set as needed.

I've been waiting until the 10th February for this reveal and so glad their wedding turned out to be a sensational day with family and friends and that I was there in spirit and thread! 🙂

Ace sent through some photos taken by The Boneyard Wrangler so now can share the beauty of the final production.

 

Congratulations once again Ace and Scarlet!

Kat xo

 

Where Are We?

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Not in Kansas anymore Toto, or further south in Oklahoma! We are back in the land of Oz though – Australia that is!

After a few flights and some fun in Los Angeles we arrived back in Australia to Brisbane last Sunday.

We headed to Burpengary to stay with wonderful friends Pearl Starr and Chuckwagon for a couple of nights! Sensational, plenty of talking, more than a few drinks for the boys, plenty of laughs and catching up.

I enjoyed my mornings with Pearl immensely, getting up early and going for a half hour walk, followed by a lazy swim in the pool, breaky on the patio all before 9am. Feel good moments with my besty – priceless! Didn't want to leave after a couple really nice days with her.

 

We left them on Tuesday mid morning and went a little further North to the Warbirds Museum in Caboolture. John our guide was funny and very knowledgeable with his pet love, and of course had been his mechanic life, the F111's.

 

We saw some of the guys working on restoring a Mustang and a Gypsy Moth with a Dak standing outside waiting it's turn. When the Dakota is done it will be taken over to Normandy and a flight recreation of the battle of Normandy will take place. Check out the nose cone art!

 

They do joy flights here in the old planes and I think Jack should just bite the bullet and go for one. He's been talking about it for long enough so maybe July for his birthday is going to be a good time to do it.

 

A small Museum with big hearts/big kids running it.

Heading down to the Gold Coast, we spent a couple nights with Dug Deeper and Trixie. Catching up with them is always fun while discussing shoots, holiday destinations, laughing, chatting and more! You guys still work too hard and need to come play more. We very much appreciate you looking after things and having us over.

With doctor visits, trips to the unit, and some shopping done we are off to Lawrence along the mighty Clarence River for a quick catch up with Paddlewheel and Emerald and of course the pup-ettes – the dogs, Bundy and Coke!

 

It's always a joy to sit and talk with them and make sure they are doing okay. Our discussions often include outfits, sewing, shooting and where we will all meet up next or places we've been, there's never a shortage of conversation.

We will see them again next week as we come back to look after the pups while they are away.

Back in the car we get and its down to Newcastle to see the grand girlies, Jack's son and daughter-in-law and on Sunday we will also see Jack's daughter. It's been a while and will be great to catch up with them all.

That's it on the travel and family front at the moment. It's a busy week ahead and we'll be shooting the following Saturday! Woohoo!

Have a wonderful wedding tomorrow Ace McKenzie and Scarlett Assassin!

Kat xo

 

Australia Day

Posted on by kathousekelli70

26th January indicates Australia Day, a day off, a long weekend full of beaches, barbies, drinks, games, fireworks and concerts.

During community events and reenactments, citizenship and awards ceremonies take place along with Australian of the Year.

It officially marks the landing of the First Fleet in 1788. I don't recall thisduring history lessons at school but apparently they saw it necessary to go and form a penal colony in the then, New Holland, after the loss of the Thirteen Colonies in North America. So Australia got all the convicts (yes, I descend from one)! Haa haa haa.

Anyway I'm not giving a full history lesson today. Whatever you decide to do for Australia Day, I hope it's a good one and let me know who gets Australian of the Year.

 

Cheers big ears! Onya mate! Break out the esky, thongs and the terry towelling hat! Throw another shrimp on the barbie and have a lamb cutlet!

Kat xo

For our American friends –

Glossary:

  • Cheers big ears – an Aussie salutation when having a beer
  • Onya mate – slang for 'good on you mate', mate – friend
  • Esky – NZ, chilly bin, US, cooler
  • Thongs – you wear on your feet, flip flops
  • Barbie – not a doll, short for barbecue

 

 

 

 

Vaquero

Posted on by kathousekelli70

I've been procrastinating a little on this one but finally worked out what I was going to do and got it done.

The order was for a vaquero jacket but 'I don't want it shiny! I want it to look worn in' was the request. Okay……so I had to start thinking dyeing and distressing, shouldn't be a problem.

Eventually I found the right colour fabric we were after in a sturdy medium.

I sourced a braid that goes really well with it and different to other soutache braids I had been working with previously. This worked extremely well with the curves I needed. It's a little coarser than the usual soutache but worked well for this project.

I wanted to include some sort of studs or riveting this time but thinking of the 'non shiny' scenario, it was back to the Internet to look at techniques for distressing nickel.

One hundred, shiny nickel rivets spent a good 2 hours soaking in some vinegar, then tipped that off, didn't seem to do anything.

 

Next step, hydrogen peroxide and salt! Holy cow, don't want to leave it in that too long unless you want stuff completely rusted! I think I did that for a bout 15mins maximum getting the desired result.

 

In the meantime, it was time to put the pieces together. Chalk pouncing (well baby powder in this case) and drawing up the designs with chalk. I could now get on with pinning and stitching the braid in place.

 

Next came the lining and something didn't look right. Well actually it wasn't looking right before that and I had kept going back to the pattern trying to work out where I'd gone wrong. Finally the light bulb goes off! Thankfully nothing major and nothing that a quick unpick/seam ripper, a pair of scissors, a different pattern piece couldn't fix! AND it didn't involve redoing the braid. Phew!

 

Everything is now together and it's onto the riveting. Yee haw looking fantastic! Hand sewing to the hem done. Frogs made, stitched on and my special silver buttons that I gave up to this project.

 

I love it but it's still too 'shiny' so taking a scrap piece I start playing with bleach to trying get some areas to take on a sun damaged effect. Different strengths appear to not have made a scrap of difference to the overall colour. So this morning I mixed a sprayable mix of white and cream acrylic paint to simulate some sweat marks.

 

I'm going to have to play more with this procedure. Stay tuned!

Kat xo

 

All In The Quite

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It might be appropriate to open with this little gem I found on the internet today.

 

Whilst it has been quite since the beginning of the year, it certainly hasn't been a 'still' 12 days into the New Year that's for sure.

With the ongoing secret squirrel projects and knocking out a couple of great looking corsets, I'm working out the next list of projects, doing my workouts and contemplating this year's goals. I shouldn't say contemplating, I know what they are and the actions that are needed to fulfill them.

It's only a few weeks now until Jack and I head back to Australia for a stint recouping in the warmth before returning for another year of adventures, learnings, meeting more people and experiencing more great places.

We've still been shooting in the cold, going to practice and set to hit our first club match for the year tomorrow, followed by Wild Bunch on Sunday.

Besides that I've just thrown down a small batch of moonshine which should cure nicely over the next couple of months.

 

Cheers, big ears! It's Friday fun day!

Kat xo

 

 

Happy New Year!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It's already New Years Day in New Zealand and Australia along with a few other countries.

As we wait for the big ball to drop here in Oklahoma, Jack and I kick back having a few drinks, would like to wish all our family, friends, cowboy's and cowgirl's, near and far, the most wonderful start to 2018.

May all you plans and dreams come true with hard work, persistence and a whole lot of fun in between.

Had to use a Sydney pic 😉

Happy New Year 2018!

Kat xo

….for auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne!…..

 

Days End

Posted on by kathousekelli70

After spending two thirds of today stressing about a shipping issue I finally settled in to something fun and interesting just before beer o'clock came round.

Then sitting down with Jack and a few beers, working out how much money I could have won solving 80% of wheel of fortune puzzles tonight, we had pizza and a couple more drinks.

What rubbish on tv comes across the screen as we decide on the iconic Easy Rider for our viewing pleasure, only to get past some of the scenery and realise that we've seen enough and move on to Netflix. Now I can handle watching Scott Eastwood (Clint Eastwood's son) any day but Mercury Plains was a little different. I can say however, that there was some very good cinematic scenery I enjoyed.

While I lasted out til the end of the film and flicked over to watch the latter part of Angel and The Badman (John Wayne western) the other half spent a good hour watching through the back of his eyelids! Lol! 🙂

In the meantime as day's end draws nigh I feel like I have achieved something today during the ad breaks having mostly completed a gorgeous yellow poppy corset for Double A.

 

Tomorrow I'll get to finishing it, get some shamrocks with swing arm busk done and get back on to all things Texas.

 

Have a great weekend!

Kat xo

 

Merry Christmas

Posted on by kathousekelli70

All ovvvver, the world!

It's already Christmas Day in New Zealand, the east coast of Australia and dawn is breaking on the west coast of Aus.

It's Christmas Eve here and the stockings were hung with not much care…..I should have ironed them but Jack probably still hasn't noticed so I'm not changing it now. Lol!

 

There are a few pressies under the tree, good enough for me. (OMG it's rhyme time, look out)

There's a pavlova in the oven, floors yet to clean, but I thought I'd take a moment and set the scene.

 

It's been an adventurous week, with some sewing to tweak. Had a range practice day, for a moments delay. Made a sticky date cheesecake, Jack pleaded to bake. My chauffeur he drove me, around to lights I could see.

 

We had snow on the ground, such beauty all round.

 

A club shoot today, just a few came to play.

 

By this arvo there'll be a stiff drink in my hand, while I sit here with Jack and talk of days planned.

But before I wish a Merry Christmas and all, I thought I'd leave off, with a song for you all. (Must be sung now to Have A Holly Jolly Christmas)

Have a holly, jolly Christmas

It's the best time of the year,

Family, friends and those you know

Let's all gather, have a beer

 

Have a holly, jolly Christmas

When they are near or far,

You are always in our thoughts

Whether it be by plane or car

 

Oh, ho, crackers and cheese

With wine if you need to

Nuts, choc's and candy canes

Did you bring the trifle Sue?

 

Have a holly, jolly Christmas

hope Santa was good to you

Don't forget the reason though

Christmas came to you

 

Oh, ho the mistletoe

Hung where you can see

Hugs, laughter, kisses too

Make it special for thee

 

Have a holly, jolly Christmas

And in case you didn't hear

Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas

This year!!

 

Brought to you by Kat's warped mind.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Wih love and hugs from Jack and I

Kat xo

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It's thanksgiving here in the US and believe it or not, including the likes of Canada, Liberia, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Leiden (in the Netherlands)m Norfolk Island just off Australia also observes this tradition.

As I sat this morning (I know, highly unusual for me to be doing jack $*#!) drinking my coffee and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I can say I am thankful for all our family, the friends we've made around the world and the chance to explore what this world has to offer.

I wondered, as I'd done the past couple of days, where the tradition had originated. This lead me to Dr Google of course finding many an explanation on Wikipaedia and other sources.

Of course most everyone knows it is observed with the likes of turkey, side dishes, pecan (lol, make sure you pronounce it as 'Pi-carn') or pumpkin pie, wine, family, football and more! It's a day for family gatherings for the holiday weekend (where as Christmas is our big to-do in Australia).

 

A long tradition of prayers and thanks in particular for previous year's crops and the harvesting thereof, tabled for all to enjoy. As early as the 16th century English traditions around thanksgiving and blessings came from acts of God, disasters and the end to wars etc, the most notable event relating to the US however was the landing of the new settlers into Plymouth (Massachusetts) 1621 and Virginia in 1619. And there's a whole lot more to that you can find on Wikipaedia

One must think back to whom the Pilgrims encountered when the arrived on the shores of Plymouth or Virginia and to that – the encounters with the Native American Indians. The Wampanoag had a great influence, giving thanks was a way of life to them on any given day. They were a part of ensuring survival of the newcomers whilst they learnt the ways of the land and how to produce crops in different regions.

There is a great school resource I found regarding that on an education site.

 

In any case, Jack and I rounded out the day with a couple of drinks, a dead chook, potatoes and peas. Topped off with caramel apple tartlets – when I get to making him a cuppa in a sec!

 

Wherever you are, I hope that besides the food etc it doesn't hurt to every now and then stop and give thanks for what we have.

 

Love and hugs to all

Kat xo

 

Gunfight In Dixie XV Part 2

Posted on by kathousekelli70

A total of 222 cowboy's and cowgirl's turned up for the Gunfight and by yesterday it was all over bar the shouting.

Jack and I both finished with clean matches and no major dramas, so we're very happy. I've got to say that we really enjoyed the stages. The weather held out, still a little on the cool side but was sun shiny magic!

 

After lunch, the shootout was held for the Top 16 men's and Top 8 ladies. A great stage of all rifle knockdowns, the Texas star for pistol and then shotgun to makeup and take out the final decider plate.

 

We visited with many great shooters this weekend and enjoyed catching up with some we hadn't seen for a very long time and making new acquaintances with others! Good times!

The banquet last night was set in the Shriner Club, with stage, dance floor, band and photo corner. Prizes were drawn and awards given. A white steer head pin was given to 36 shooters who shot the match clean!

Congratulations to all shooters who placed in their categories this weekend, won side matches and enjoyed the team match and shootout.

The Regional winners were given a category plaque with the Memphis Gunslingers signature steer head and region map on it. 1st Place winners of each category (within region or not) got a really nice silver and gold accented buckle, with 2nd receiving a white/silver and 3rd on, a bronze coloured/silver buckle.

Jack finished in 2nd Place for Silver Senior Category! (Mistakenly 3rd last night) Congratulations to Fast Eddy 1st Place and SE Regional Champion, 3rd Place Two X Tom, 4th Place Max Payne, 5th Place Three Sheets, 6th Place Badlands Charlie.

 

I finished 1st Place in Lady Wrangler category! Congratulations to Dew R Dye, 2nd Place and SE Regional Champion, 3rd Place Belle Vaquera.

 

The shootout was won by Prestidigitator (Tator) and myself. We thoroughly enjoyed shooting with him over the weekend.

 

Congratulations to Tator for taking top honours! 1st cowboy overall and SE Regional Champ with Dodge City Dixie being the SE Regional Champion cowgirl. I was ecstatic to place 1st lady overall. Lots of awesome shooters and many world champs at this match!

 

Thanks again to the Memphis Gunslingers and everyone who helped put on the shoot.

 

As Elvis would say 'thank you very much!'

Kat xo