Black Orchid Atelier

31/07/2024

The final day of was the Sunday Tea with a Tropical Theme. There were some fabulous Gertie/ Charm Pattern makes, some Charlie’s Angels Poses w/some Black Girl Magic (yeah I'm bringing that back), and if you remember the show, Magnum PI, ‘he’ showed up, lol. Hey, Kiara B, DaLindah ,and Sharon !!

29/07/2024

The Friday night social was ‘What Movie Am I?’ My variation of the ‘Ever After’ dress & a new friend who used the same pattern! Isn't she lovely?! We chatted, took pics, met up for drinks with some other friends, I think a good time was had by all! My buddy Hello Dolly! Sherlock Holmes Cosplay by just a couple of the amazing costumes seen that evening!

28/07/2024

Of course, while wandering the halls there had to be a crossover of Star Trek and Charlie’s Angels 😆

27/07/2024

This was a UFO gown I had cut out probably a year ago.

Technically does it count as a UFO if I didn’t start to sew it? I don’t know but I decided it would be nice to have a comfy gown for day wear.

Made from a gorgeous cotton black windowpane fabric, I decided not to make black undergarments.

I might make the hem a touch shorter but I think this gown is one of my favorites. I think it also deserves a bonnet and turban of its own.
Photoroom app for the win, sometimes the rug and background just doesn’t fit, lol…

26/07/2024

My hobbit costume and the custom feet 👣 sneakers I made...that indeed was an epic journey. More to come about that later, possibly. Don't look behind you…. When he says don't touch it… obsessed!
Costume College Pool Party- A Courtly Soiree #

25/07/2024

Quick pic of my costume refresh makeover for the Bridgetown-themed Gala at Costume College 2024. Lady Watered-Downs Gala.

19/07/2024

My first time at the Queen Mary and it was a lovely day! Thank you for coming on this little excursion with me.

03/07/2024

27/04/2024

3 appliques down 3 to go
One skirt hem to tack
1.5 hours until the event

01/03/2024

Every year that I teach, I teach about Phillis Wheatley. It doesn't matter what my content is supposed to be.

Why? Because she was able to accomplish so much. Because her life was so short. And as much as I wish we knew her real name, it is not known but her impact should be known and understood by all students.

As usual, I forgot to have my co-teacher take pics during my lesson. So rushed pics, but it counts!

26/02/2024

When you come back from an event, what happens to your outfit?

Mine usually ends up here, lol.

24/02/2024

So many projects on deck… including another robe a l’Anglaise and finishing up a ballgown for an amazing repeat client.

Oh, and I received my new pattern weights! Loving them! They also have a cute little sitting tray.

Don't judge my mess!

20/02/2024

First time ever at the Huntington Gardens and Estate. It was beautiful, and so much opulence!

Have you ever been to Mansion Row in Newport, Rhode Island? The Vanderbilts, the Biltmore, the Carnegie’s.

Gilded!

The Gardens were absolutely breathtaking.

17/02/2024

My nicest day dress so far for 18th century. Typically I wear relatively common folk clothing. Jackets and petticoats. Did I finish this as I walked out the door? Most definitely!

11/02/2024

There is a first-time for everything!

27/10/2023

Y’all know I don’t use social media to post personal stuff or to cause drama because the world has enough drama. But some words were sent to me about a friend who attended an event with me. And apparently some wanted to tag me and demand an immediate answer to their message, so here’s my response. And to make sure to get my full response I’ll post the whole thing.

01/10/2023

I haven't posted in forever!

Costume College 2023 happened and it was lots of fun! I took my mini-me with me.

I haven't been able to costume much due to immediately returning, and starting a brand new job!

It's 🌟 awesome! So different and not toxic.

Been trying to find a balance between work (teaching) and costuming.

I do have events planned to which I hope to complete some works in progress. A fancy 18th century!! Yikes…

I did release some pre-orders of my reproduction Victorian hair combs and limited orders of my crimson peak Victorian hand buckles.

I'll post more just trying to rekindle my sewing and costuming mojo.

07/05/2023

Obsessed! With this bodice!
Loving all the elements!

Sad that there is no skirt in the collection. But I’ll work something up… mock ups and plans of actions are being drafted.

Psst, don’t judge my sewing space...

http://collections.mnhs.org/cms/display?irn=10341990&return=q%3DOkeefe%2520molloy

28/04/2023

I forgot the picture of the back!

28/04/2023

My new ‘yellow dress of a thousand buttons’ made its debut at Costume-Con 39.

Finished it with the final touches (large bum bow) added by my good friend Tamara.

This was an outfit that made it to the naughty bin and almost the trash can... But I gave it another go and I'm glad I did!

Hopefully, I'll be able to take it for another outing soon.

24/04/2023

Snow White had another outing at Costume-Con 39!

I met another Snow White from the ‘multiverse’.

The weather was lovely!

It was nice to catch up with costuming friends and chat about upcoming projects and the CGW Costume College in LA, which is coming up sooner than we realized.

18/04/2023

I may not be able to get a real tintype done right now but my friend just shared this app with the aforementioned name and it is pretty amazing!

I'll take it!

A pre-pandemic 1890s gown. My gown was scarlet red!

15/04/2023

I'm torn!

Pale yellow or turquoise (I also have a lovely seafoam length of fabric).

The 1890s gown. I need a new one in a color I haven't used before.

Help

13/04/2023

Another day, another time-traveling experience! (I am posting this a couple of weeks late, shhh.)

Eagle-eyed kiddos called me out on my watch.

But they love it!

We made butter this time. Wrote a letter with a quill and ink. Discussed chores and many other topics.

I bring a change of clothing and my fellow teachers prep the students for ‘the visit.’

It's a group effort!

12/04/2023

Thinking this might be my next Cosplay.

Maybe?

#

11/04/2023

Hoping to debut a new gown next weekend at Costume Con 39...

We shall see...

There were a literal gazillion buttons!

Send good vibes ;)

27/03/2023

The identity of the woman in this tintype remains unsubstantiated, but many have noted the striking resemblance between her and Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser, a groundbreaking figure in American medicine. After graduating from Syracuse University College of Medicine in 1876, Fraser became one of the first African American female physicians, specializing in obstetrics and pediatrics, and mentoring black midwives throughout her career. Here she was photographed in a studio in front of a painted landscape backdrop. She carries a medical bag in her left hand. She wears a dark-colored top hat, a two-tiered ruffled waist-length cape, a bow tied around her neck, dark-colored gloves, and a long skirt.

27/03/2023

Part of the reason I've been off the radar the last couple of months is that teaching is so time-consuming. Rewarding but time-consuming.

However, since I teach both ELA and Social Studies; I can dress up!

My students have had several ‘time travelers’ this year.

For women's history month, I came to school as a suffragette. Even the teachers get excited!

Hopefully, there will be more to come.

26/03/2023

Went to Atlanta and although I wasn't able to go to the botanical gardens to take pictures of my new spring ensemble; I did go to a fabric store.

Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough fabric?