So in my last post I promised you I would be back in August.  I promised myself I would be back making costumes in August…  Well that hasn’t happened and I feel I owe you all the explanation of what has been going on and what is to come.

I am writing up my PhD.  It has nothing to do with sewing and costumes.  In fact I am a Medical Engineer by training.  As anyone who has gone through this type of thing will understand, deadlines have slipped a little.  I have been doing my PhD for 4 years in October 2016.  This thesis must be in by then.  In my (few) downtimes I have continued to potter with what is on the desk.  I have one complete new tutu to show, another two almost complete.  But work has been slow and unpredictable at best.

In fact the PhD thesis will be in before then.  I am going on holiday to USA for three weeks at the end of September and I cannot hand in my thesis from half way around the world!  In terms of Coalface Costumes, however, this is very good news as my trip will coincide with getting measurements off a friend for a gaming costume from FFXIV, shopping at the LA garment/fabric district, Richard the thread for corset supplies and Heddy’s in LV for all things spangly.  It means I can help both keep costs low but also bring back some really unique pieces for people to chose from.

Post holiday my PhD is still not complete.  The next step is to defend my thesis at an oral exam known as the ‘Viva’.  This is where the PhD is actually decided.  My thesis is just the exam script.  This should be held in November but I must still continue to work towards this when I return.  However, the pressure will be significantly less so costumes, regular updates and the like should start to resume with more regularity.  Post ‘Viva’ my future is uncertain.  There are many outcomes of a ‘Viva’.  The best is a PhD.  There is then a range of changes to the thesis which could involve from minor grammar to continuing to investigate and write up new and further study.  These come with extended deadlines of weeks to years.  You can also fail and be dismissed from your PhD and your university with no qualification.  Given this, I have known ‘Viva’s’ take the whole day!

Post viva things will continue to become more active and regular on this front.  There are a number of plans in the works about improving ties with local and national dance schools, theatres and dramatics companies.  I have had more than one request for garments from games, most notably the FFXIV franchise which I believe will lead to three pieces in it’s current guise.  I truly cannot wait to get the current weight that is this PhD off my back.

So here is to my one day weekend (again) with the lemsip beside me at my computer rather than the other side of the room at my sewing desk.  At least I know in a round-about way it is getting me closer to you all again.