This pattern is the one that finally encouraged me to obtain a Dress Form. I began my search and after a little research I just couldn't find a non-adjustable, professional one available locally or for less than $250, so I then embarked on an adventure to make my own Dress Form out of duct tape.

The reason I really needed a dress form is because this pattern is poorly designed. I cut a mock-up out of muslin, pinned it together and found it needs tweaks, adjustments, additions and possibly a ritual sacrifice to actually make the dress on the cover of the pattern package. It's Butterick "Retro" B4790. Here's a website that will help with adjusting that pattern. It's my next stop after making the Dress Form.

But, back to the matter at hand. My mom was in town and she graciously offered to help me with this project. We turned to the INTERNETS!!!...ok, Pinterest, and summoned up a whole lot of people offering how-to's on making a custom dress form. We looked through them and decided to go with THIS ONE. I want to be clear, I did not come up with this process all on my own. We worked to follow the instructions in this video and I have some pointers to help make it easier. Also, to see the second video you have to sign up for at least their 14-day trial and if you forget to cancel they bill you. I'm going to be honest here, the second video is only marginally worth it. The site is expansive, though, so I'll see what else they have to offer.

Anyway, here's the video I worked off of and where I got my supplies list.

First things first - here's her first self portrait.

Then she got to leave the house for the first time. She had a 4th of July adventure (that oddly doesn't actually contain any fireworks pics.)  I met up with my costuming group and we worked on DragonCon costumes, other dresses and I might have mostly just took pictures - but that last part is all about getting to know Beatrice on a deeper, more personal level.

I will, sadly, admit to a lost opportunity. We ran to JoAnns for some supplies (because it's what you do) and while we were there this nasty storm came through and knocked out the power. The lighting was really neat in the store and I wished I'd brought Beatrice along. I now know for next time.

But, all in all, it was a lovely afternoon. DragonCon costuming has begun!

Stay Tuned for Beatrice's next Adventure!

These are the voyages of the Camera Beatrice. Her mission - to explore strange new focus points. To seek out new life and new custom settings. To boldly go where I have never been before.

Beatrice's Log - a study of a 7D and her actuation count...

Here it is - my first picture with my new Canon 7D. It came in the mail today, I charged the battery and on a rainy July afternoon I started to get to know my new camera...who shall henceforth be known as Beatrice.

 I started with my back yard. Here are the first 100-ish photos.

0001 - My boy Duncan practically glowing in the cloudy, color saturated afternoon light.

All in all a good first little outing. I don't have my UV filters for my lenses so I didn't venture too far from the house today. Soon I'll have all of the accoutrements and we can see what this new girl can really do. I'm excited. It's a new adventure...leading to my making a video for AAZK by the end of this year. But so many other adventures to go on first. I have a new camera and am itching to use it...want to be a subject and let me work on my portrait, candid, action or low light photography? Just let me know!