All The Purple Wool…

It’s everywhere. In my thoughts before bed. In my mind when I wake up. On my computer screen. When I talk to my mom. On my cutting table. On my dress form.

AHHHH!!! I can’t escape!

The title of this post should really be “1908 Gown Progress: Post 1” but I thought that was too boring. This week I did a pattern draft, mockup, and fitting for the gown I’m making my mom. The dress has to be finished by Jan 26th so I’m wasting no time working on it.

Secession portrait, around 1905. The portrayed: Bezdek Teréz. Photographer: Bergtraun Dezső. Losonc, Vasuti utca 10. Hungary (Today Slovakia, Lučenec)

The fabric was cut last night and will be hanging out” on the form for a couple days since most of the pattern is on the bias (at least that was the only way I could figure out how to drape it!) For your information: 5yards x60″ is juuuuussst the right amount for a princess line Edwardian gown IF you’re less than 5’4″…..the more you know!

The next step of this will be to sew up the gown, let it hang again, alter if needed then add the fancy bits- I’m doing my own decorative pattern since I suspect a lot of those motifs are relevant to something that I’m unaware of. My mom chose this lovely lilac soutache to go with the purple wool and I can’t wait to do up the design.

This gown has a few techniques I’ve never used before:
Bias.
Soutache Braid.
Reinforced seams.
Super fitted.
A design I did not choose.
^^^ All of these could be my undoing. Wish me luck!

In other news, when y’all are looking at my instagram and see this:

This is also happening on the sidelines.

Don’t worry, she loves it in there.

Our house is slowly being taken over by large baby-related things! AHHH!

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(nearly) Finished 1780 Stays!

Rouge-y

Well people, I’ve done it. I finished these puppies in just over 2 weeks (nevermind the extra week to blog about it)and way early for the Historical Sew Fortnightly Challenge #12 (Due July 1st!) Handsewing everything is definitely way more time consuming, but they’re done! They fit perfectly and feel very secure. I’ve not lined them, as it’s not necessary and since I’m on short time.

Here are the specs in Historical Sew Fortnightly fashion:

The Challenge: (early entry) #12 Shape and Support

Fabric: Red Worsted Wool, Linen Canvas, Linen, Leather

Pattern: Altered from Jill Salen, Corsets, 1780 Brown Linen Stays (p.15)

Year: 1780

Notions: Linen Thread, Leather binding, Cane/reed boning, steel boning (for laces)

How historically accurate is it? Everything is accurate, except for the steels I put in the CB. Garment is entirely hand stitched. Because of tight lacing I didn’t want the cane to break, steel is safer.

Hours to complete: around 65 hours

First worn: Will be worn for the Italian Gown Workshop in late June.

Total cost: $55, all items purchased specifically for project   

Overall, I’m happy with the result, there are just tweaky things I’ll have to change for the next pair. There was some widging around which has turned the stays slightly askew when I put them on. Also, white stitching isn’t forgiving. BUT They do their job and pull my waist to a comfortable measurement (24.5ish)

 

When I’ve not eaten so much for dinner, these should close up all the way….

Working on a Tight Schedule

I’m so excited about this summer! I have so many things going on and work (Habitat for Humanity) is going great!

One of the most recent additions to my already busy summer is the Italian Gown Workshop put on by Burnley and Trowbridge! I’m lucky enough to have great friends who can pick me up on the way and we’ll have a splendid time. Well, since we’ll be in Colonial Williamsburg and I’ll be attending a clothing-making-workshop, I have to make some actually accurate garments…

The kicker is, it’s only 5 weeks away. And I need:

1 Pair of Stays (mine are falling apart)
1 Shift
1 Under petticoat
1 Petticoat
1 Bedgown
1 Hat
1 Cap
1 Neckerchief
1 bumroll
….and I’d like a new jacket…

Even RDJ agrees!

Geesh! That’s a lot!

The Good Stuff

As I have decided create my own blog perhaps I should post something with real substance…. so i shall start rambling away!

Today I made my mind up to have a plan for this week. My entire summer has been about nothing. I have done nothing. I have simply made a few bucks here and there to sustain the unquenchable thirst of gasoline. These are my goals for this week….

1) Make a petticoat with many ruffles so I can wear my newest hoop
2) Clean my room
3) Prepare for college

My goals are few, but one must start out small when they have slacked off for 3 monthes. I shall post again when I feel up to the challenge

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!