Using Insert Lace For this blouse I am going to try insert lace for the first time. There are so many lovely and affordable pieces of antique lace for sale on eBay and Etsy that is is worth a shot, right? Insert lace, or inserting lace, is actually very easy. First you stitch the piece…Continue reading 1903 shirtwaist part 1: Insert lace
All about the padding
Padding the figure has been an essential part of achieving a fashionable silhouette since silhouettes were fashionable. Add a some decoration to make the shoulders look wider, wear a hat to look a bit taller and elongate the figure. Padding is vital to getting a great look while remaining comfortable.
Curled Ostrich Feathers
How to curl ostrich feathers.
Suffragette
Here is the finished first blouse, and linen skirt for my suffragette outfit. Patterns are the 1903 shirtwaist and trumpet skirt from Truly Victorian. Blouse: This is my first try at the Truly Victorian 1903 Shirtwaist pattern. Adjustments made- I added a few pintucks into the neckline and top of the sleeves before cutting out…Continue reading Suffragette
Edwardian Corset
Three cheers to Truly Victorian patterns! Truly Victorian 1903 Edwardian Corset. As someone who has made corsets for years, making a corset with only one layer seemed like it wouldn’t be strong enough. So, I used two layers of cotton canvas together as one. Turns out- unless you are planning to tight lace- one was…Continue reading Edwardian Corset
Black Edwardian Gown part 1
Jeanne Paquin, 1903 The first step to creating this gown is getting the undergarments right. Many months. Then it was time to order 6 yards of silk chiffon and 5 yards of black velvet. Starting with the skirt, the first step was to hand stitch the chiffon to the velvet for the skirt. Hurrah for…Continue reading Black Edwardian Gown part 1
18th Century hair- first try
Side project for today- finally trying 18th century style hair- with pomade and powder. Step one: pomade. This is essentially working a lighter version of Dapper Dan hair grease into my hair. I used a very small amount, just over a tablespoon probably, and brushed it thoroughly through with a boar bristle brush. The result…Continue reading 18th Century hair- first try
Patterns of Fashion 5
The new Patterns of Fashion book has absolutely amazing detail covering historic corsets and underpinnings. It also showcases how they were made. This is both incredibly enlightening and surprising. The surprising part is in the construction. I have been using speed shortcuts for making garments since my years working in the costume shop at college.…Continue reading Patterns of Fashion 5
Making off-the-rack corsets fit
FYI on most off-the-rack corsets- they are made for people with very little waist curve. This means that if you are pretty curvy (or want to be)- you will need to alter it. This can be done! Easily!!! Here is how: The corsets are sold by waist size- 24, 26, 28, etc. You are better…Continue reading Making off-the-rack corsets fit
Black Sails Max Part 4 – Complete!
Black Sails Max – YAY!!!!! (also- in the interest of completion, I think I will add the stripes on the underskirt at some point.)