My personal blog as a 'grown-up' Goth and Romantic living in the Highlands of Scotland. I write about the places I go, the things I see and my thoughts on life as a Goth and the subculture, and things in the broader realm of the Gothic and darkly Romantic. Sometimes I write about music I like and sometimes I review things. This blog often includes architectural photography, graveyards and other images from the darker side of life.

Goth is not just about imitating each other, it is a creative movement and subculture that grew out of post-punk and is based on seeing beauty in the dark places of the world, the expression of that in Goth rock. It looks back to the various ways throughout history in which people have confronted and explored the macabre, the dark and the taboo, and as such I'm going to post about more than the just the standards of the subculture (Siouxsie, Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, et al) and look at things by people who might not consider themselves anything to do with the subculture, but have eyes for the dark places. The Gothic should not be limited by what is already within it; inspiration comes from all places, the key is to look with open eyes, listen carefully and think with an open mind..

Wednesday, 9 July 2014

Old-School Gothic Lolita Headdress

I swear it isn't green in real life. 
Back in April, I tried my hand at sewing a Gothic Lolita/kuro Lolita headband in the old-school style. These are the fabric head-dresses with lace that were an iconic part of the Lolita style about 10 years ago, but which have since gone out of popularity in favour of bows and bonnets, then more recently, floral crowns and headdresses. I quite like the old-school Kuro and Gothic Lolita styles, so when I finally got my sewing machine running again, I made this.


I hadn't sewn in ages, so it isn't perfect and I know there's several things that could have been tidier (the ribbon criss-crossing it is too loose, for a start, and the whole thing's been worn a few times before this photo was taken so it could have done with ironing flat again, the corners of the crochet lace weren't sewn the flattest, the bows at either end need to be more secure because they keep pivoting, etc.) I had to boost the photograph to make the headdress visible as it's all black-on-black; the blacks match better in real life! Other than that, I am quite happy with it. I hope to make a second one at some point, and improve on this.
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10 comments:

  1. Ladyfair9 July 2014 at 14:09

    I think it looks great. : ) I also have a soft spot for the old school Lolita designs. I'm not a fan of the bonnets, but I'm interested in the more modern headdresses (in any fashion subculture).

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    1. The HouseCat10 July 2014 at 14:04

      I like the idea of wearing a warm velvety bonnet in winter to keep my hair from flying everywhere and to keep my head warm!

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  2. Violette B.9 July 2014 at 14:38

    It is a lovely piece, I think you have a talent for sewing, definitely. I make some small accessory once in a while, but still afraid of using a sewing machine as I am pretty clumsy and I am afraid I would probably sew all my fingers together :P

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    1. The HouseCat10 July 2014 at 14:03

      I am probably dyspraxic ( I am on the waiting list for an assessment) so I am REALLY clumsy, and I can use a sewing machine perfectly fine as long as I'm careful to go really slowly with it and keep my fingers as far away from the needle as I can without loosing control of the fabric. I broke several needles learning to use one at school, and generally did terribly at it to start with, but with practice and patience I got the hang of it.

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  3. Lexington the 1st10 July 2014 at 02:24

    Very pretty! Would love to see a picture of you wearing it :) I have a thing for hair/head accessories.... especially in lolita style!

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    1. The HouseCat10 July 2014 at 14:00

      I am wearing it with the silver and black outfit in the "contemplating going back to black' post I put up at the beginning of this month. I will try and get some clearer photographs of it at some point.

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  4. Naelle Devannah10 July 2014 at 11:21

    I looks so lovely, I love the old-school feel of it!
    Pretty sure you'll make so many more awesome accessories!

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    1. The HouseCat10 July 2014 at 13:59

      I have a leather rain-hood that I initially made for a plague-doctor Hallowe'en costume, but which I am re-making as just a rain hood, and then I'd like to have a go at sewing some wrist-cuffs, because that means practising my ruffles.

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  5. Haunted Moon Jewellery11 July 2014 at 05:38

    That's a rather lovely head band :) The bows are rather well done

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    1. The HouseCat12 July 2014 at 07:11

      Thanks! My other half had to help me with them, but they're a sewn version of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfaGKs60fBI this video :)

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