NDK 2013 Costumes Part Four

It's been a long time since I have posted progress, hasn't it? That's because I haven't made any progress! How about that?

I had finished Jareth's vest and went, "Awesome progress! I'm good for a while." And "a while" turned into about two months... Oops.

So I returned to my Jareth costume! It was time to make the dickey. The pattern I am using calls for a dicky instead of a full shirt and I'm gonna go with it because I am going to roast in this costume!

So here is how the main piece turned out. The most difficult thin was the collar, but it really wasn't bad. I also didn't hem the chest part because it won't show anyway and I think my attention needs to be spent elsewhere.

So proud! And there is a snap at the back of the collar.

The difficult part came with the ruffles.

I had already picked a long strand of ruffled fabric (not lace because Jareth's isn't). Here is a picture of Jareth:

Pretty intense, right? I haven't even gotten to the jacket yet...

The ruffles I picked are smaller because its not 1986 anymore and I am trying to stay true to he costume without being too tacky. Plus my frame is smaller than Mr. Bowie's.

Nice, not too big or too 80's.

I tried to start from the top for the ruffles as the pattern suggested and quickly figured out that it didn't work well hat way. So I measured to the center and tried from the bottom with almost as much difficulty.

I finally decided that I needed to pleat the two sides starting at the bottom and then sew the two together before attaching them to the dickey.

All my pain-stacking pinning.

Once I had it all pleated and pinned, it was just about the right length.

I haven't sewn it on yet, but that is basically what it will look like. Yay! And it will be sewn most of the way on, but the bottom will need to be detached to hang out over the vest.

During all this time, I was trying to devise a way to make his broach. I think I am going to bead it and I found some things that might work OK. I am going to have to do some serious experimenting with it, however. I will post that when I finally get it figured out. It is quite intimidating, right?

Baked Rigatoni With Zucchini

You will need:

1. A package of rigatoni noodles (or penne or whatever suits you)

2. 1-2 zucchini

3. 15-16 oz of ricotta cheese

4. A package of shredded mozzarella cheese

5. A jar of tomato sauce--I used a basic marinara 

Heat the oven to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Start by cooking rigatoni noodles according to the directions.

Slice the zucchini and cook in a frying pan with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Put the noodles in a casserole dish and mix in the ricotta and as much mozzarella as you like. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Layer the zucchini slices on top and cover with tomato sauce. Sprinkle more mozzarella on top.

Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes.

Enjoy!

This was adapted from the following recipe: Easy Baked Ziti.

Nerdy Ravings: Benedict Cumberbatch

Because you can never have too much Cumberbatch.

I felt this post was necessary because Benedict Cumberbatch is amazing. And gorgeous. And talented. Cool, funny, etc, etc.

He's gained a lot of popularity lately due to his roles in Star Trek Into Darkness and BBC's Sherlock.

Apparently I am a huge nerd. And that shows when it comes to this man. I have been telling people about the new Star Trek movie for ages, it seems. And the main reason for my excitement was, of course, Mr. Cumberbatch. I was shocked and appalled to discover how few people knew who he was.

As part of the Nerd World, of course I have known about him. And if you haven't seen BBC's Sherlock, you really need to. Cumberbatch is brilliant in that show starring alongside the wonderful Martin Freeman.

So apparently he hasn't made as much of a name for himself in the US outside of certain groups. Shocking, I know.

Here are some awesome Cumberbatchy tidbits for you all to enjoy!

A little poster that Isaac brought home for our enjoyment! My enjoyment? Anyway.

And little this treasure:

STIDJunket_TrekOrFalse_h264. This will cause some other related links to pop up--namely other interviews that are fun to watch as well.

And if you aren't familiar with Tumblr, you'd better get on that! There are so many great Cumberbatch-related pictures, gifs, and memes! It's glorious! There is a link to my Tumblr here and some of the people I follow find the best stuff. Yumm!

Please feel free to share your favorite Cumberbatch pictures, videos, quotes, etc! Like I said, there is always room for more! And apparently we need to get his name and handsome face out there so people don't look at me like I'm nuts when I mention his name.