Full-slips, size 34

I'm still working on the new website, but it'll take a while yet, and I know from past experience that there's no guarantee all the links will work when it goes live. Last time, I uploaded the whole thing, then found the links didn't work and had to redo each one individually (there are about 30 on each page). Luckily I didn't have many pages then - now there are over 200, so fingers crossed it all goes well the first time around.

I really must find out more about cascading style sheets though. I remember discussing them with someone who knows a bit about web design when I got the first [hand-built] version of my bear site up and running. "You need style sheets," he said, "it'll make things a lot easier in the long run." Naturally, I ignored that bit of advice, and now I'm struggling. I have made things a little easier than it was the first time round by creating a template for every folder, with the menus and links all in place, but even then, I have to add pictures, add text, and then do all the twiddly bits - change the font; make this bit of text grey; make this bit of text pink. Later, I will have to go back and add Paypal buttons to each of the product pages.

Tis all a pain in the backside. I have spent all today and yesterday doing the full-slip product pages (sans Paypal buttons) - and I've got another five categories to go (whinge, whinge, whinge).

In the meantime, I have added some more slips to the old site - size 34s this time.

The styles are not as varied as the tiny sizes which I blogged about here, but there is lots and lots of lace, like the slip in the third picture. The second picture is actually a camisole and half-slip set - which seems to be quite unusual - partly because its a set, but also because of the flared skirt of the half-slip.

The first picture is the most wonderful A-line slip/nightdress. It is hand-made in satin, with a gathered chiffon trim to the hem. The design seams to be really simple, so I'm thinking of having a go at tracing the pattern. I hasten to add, it would be the first time I've ever traced a pattern, but learning dress-making (or lingerie-making) is a big ambition of mine.

The problem with trying to recreate this slip is that I'm not sure it would look particularly good in cotton or nylon or whatever. Part of its charm is that heavy, vintage-y satin - hardly the cheapest fabric, and hardly the best thing to use when you're first starting out. I have a similar problem with putting together new bear designs out of mohair.

Anyway, please excuse my silence for a little while whilst I concentrate on getting the new website finished.

DGBVintage update

As always, when I'm bear-making, I neglect the lingerie site (and vice versa), although lingerie sales have been pretty good recently. I sold two of the mega-expensive pieces that I was moaning about in a previous post!

I seem to have hit a brick wall so far as bear-making goes, so I thought I'd spend some time on the lingerie.

I have listed 10 full-slips in a bust size 32 (on the basis that, with my clunky, hand-built website, its easiest if I only list one type of lingerie, in one size, at any one time). There are some really lovely items: there are always loads of tiny sizes when you're collecting vintage lingerie - so although I'd rather my site wasn't known for size zero lingerie, listing tiny sizes is an effective way of showing a particularly wide range of styles.

A strapless slip, by Wonder Maid. I've had a few of these - they are lovely. I wish I could wear them - although not being particularly supportive, I doubt anyone above a B cup can get away with it - even with a bra underneath.

This is a really, really tiny thing. It has a metal side zipper - and even on my puny, size 8 mannequin, the side zipper wouldn't do up. It is a lovely shape though, with a high neck and fitted bodice. I have termed it a 'pencil slip', because the skirt tapers from the hips down. I have never seen another one on sale.

A blue mini slip - actually made from double-layer chiffon. This came from a lot which was all British-made lingerie. Most of the lingerie I sell is American - the Vanity Fairs, Olgas, and Van Raaltes - and the British stuff is actually really different. The fabric, although still 100% nylon, is different from the American version. It is thinner and less sturdy, and the straps don't have sliders on them. None of the British pieces from this particular lot have brand names on the labels, so I'm wondering whether they were actually intended to be cheap and cheerful (so to speak).

Anyway, in spite of the thin fabric, and the non-adjustable straps, some of them are really pretty - certainly, there's a much wider range of colours and patterns than you would get if you bought a typical lot of American vintage lingerie.

And a Fischer slip! If you're into vintage lingerie, and you have never seen a Fischer satin slip, I would recommend them. The rayon satin is wonderful - really heavy and silky - and they are always really well fitted.

Anyway, I just thought I would share some of the new items with you. I have just realised that I don't have a link to either of my websites on this blog (duh!). I will off to do it now!