I took the apron that I have been working on to the cleaners so I needed a project to work on. So, I pulled out a project that I started a couple of years ago. This is the scarf to go with the Kyjov costume I made for Sarah. I took the antique scarf to a copier and made a copy of it. Then I taped it together to create a pattern to transfer the design to the fabric. I used sewing tracing paper to apply the design to the fabric. The costume is lovely without the scarf so I haven't been in too big of a rush to finish but it is a small project I can carry easily to work on in the car, doctor's office or anywhere I am stuck waiting. What do you think?

Hat for a Reproduction for a Hanacky Costume

Since I am almost finished with the apron for this costume, I am now turning my attention to the hat. And I need help from my readers. Is this hat for a special occasion, possibly for a bride? Any information would be helpful, so email me at czechcostumes@gmail.com. Thanks and keep the emails coming.

Update on the New Apron for Sarah’s Hanacky Kroj

Here is a photo showing the back side. After all, everybody wants to see the back. Click on the photo to enlarge.


As many of you know I am working on a Hanacky kroj (costume) for my daughter, Sarah. Sarah was chosen in 2006 to be Miss Czech-Slovak USA Queen and she made many appearances in many states so I began making authentic-looking Czech Costumes for her to wear so she would not always have to wear the same costume. So far I have made a Kyjov, Wallachian and Hanacky costume (see earlier posts for photos and details). However, when I finished the Hanacky kroj, Sarah and I agreed that the apron needed more embroidery. So last March I began making the new apron and I am not rushing it with hundreds of hours of embroidery so far. I am pleased with the progress so far and am now trying to decide what else I would like to add to it. I would love to add handmade lace to the bottom, but I have no idea how to make lace. My second choice is to get some lace from the Czech Republic so I am looking in to that now. The fabric I have chosen for the apron is a heavier broadcloth and it holds the embroidery well and is substantial enough that it can be stiffly starched.
I love to hear from readers, so please continue to send me your comments and questions. This is just a hobby for me and I am always glad to help.
On a related note, I am looking in to making the designs I used on Sarah’s costumes in to iron-on transfers so if you would be interested in something like that, email me at czechcostumes@gmail.com.

Transfer Design for Kyjov Costume Blouse

While my latest piece(apron for Hanacky kroj) is at the cleaners, I am working on a new project. I have a copy of the embroidery design that I used for a blouse for my daughter several years ago. The copy is not in very good shape because I used it to transfer the design to the material so I am tracing the design on to vellum (semi-transparent paper) that I can scan in to the computer. My hope is to save this priceless design so that others can use it and, who knows, maybe I will use it again sometime.

By the way, the Hanacky apron I am working on is nearing completion. So far I have been working on it about 11 months and I think I still want to do a little more work on it. I am always anxious to get a piece pressed at the cleaners and when I get it back I will post pictures.

Czech Comic Opera to be Performed in Texas in February and March

The Czech Educational Foundation of Texas announced that the college of Music at the University of North Texas, in collaboration with the CEFT Kostohryz Residency in Czech Music and Culture, will present Bedrich Smetana's internationally acclaimed comic opera, Prodana nevesta (The Bartered Bride).
It is scheduled for 8 pm Feb. 26 and March 5 and at 3 pm Feb. 28 and March 7 in the Lyric Theater in the Murchison Performing Arts Center on the UNT campus in Denton.
This will be a full production with period costumes, special sets, dramatic lighting and the UNT Symphony Orchestra. The lyrics are to be sung in Czech by students in the College of Music and will have English subtitles so everyone can follow the story.
Tickets are $35, $25 and $15. For more information on these performances, contact the box office at 940-369-7802 or opera office at 940-565-4654.
There will also be modified productions of this opera at the following locations: March 24-Temple (contact Sandi Wicker-254-899-2935): March 25, College Station (Clint Machann-979-845-4898); March 27-Houston (Effie Rosene-713-528-2060); and March 28 (matinee), Austin-(Roger Kolar-512-474-6526).
Bedrich Smetana, who has long been regarded as the fatherof Czech Music, sought inspiration for his work from the old folk songs and dances of his native Bohemia. This is especially true of his The Bartered Bride, which premiered in 1866.
Hailed as one of the greatest of all comic operas, The Bartered Bride is a story of young love and the triumph of true love set to Smetana's hauntingly beautiful old-world melodies that continued to characterize the Czech musical heritage to this day.
The action takes place in a typical 19th century village in the Czech countryside. Act I begins with the villagers gathering in the square, which have been colorfully decorated in celebration of the spring festival and ends as the joyous townspeople, aught up in the festival mood, dance in a lively polka.

Good Luck Miss Texas, Kristen Blair

Kristen Blair, Miss Texas will be competing in the Miss America pageant live on Saturday, January 30 8 pm CST on TLC. She is Texas Czech. Her family are members of our Czech Heritage Society of Texas. Good luck to her!

Enter to Win a Trip to Prague

Now that the holidays are over I am back to work on my latest project, an apron for a Hanacky kroj (Czech Costume). I have a lot to do but as soon as I make some significant progress, I will post pictures.

I found a great contest that you may want to enter. The Travel Channel is giving away a trip to Prague this month. Enter at the following link:

http://win.travelchannel.com/index.tbapp?refcd=win_tc_com.

Good luck and have a blessed new year.

Merry Christmas

I have not posted anything in a while. I have been busy working on Christmas projects but I will be back to work on the apron for Sarah's Hanacky kroj after Christmas. Have a blessed Christmas and rejoice in our Savior's birth. Merry Christmas!

2009 Westfest Parade

Parade of Costumes at 2009 Westfest

Westfest is a Czech festival held annually on Labor Day in my hometown of West, Texas. One attraction of Westfest is the Parade of Authentic Costumes. Here are just a few of the beautiful costumes that were on display.