What I love most

Had a great time (although hot) at the Victorian Picnic last weekend. My mini me wanted to come and I was going to make her a new bustle dress but the inspiration and motivation just wasn't there. I happened to take out her older sisters corset I made about 5 years ago, we tried it on and bingo it fit.   This got me thinking...... mmmmm if she fits the corset just maybe she might fit the bustle dress I made for her sister as well .... mmmmm. So we tried it on and it was a little big but not too bad that a bit of tweaking and taking up wouldn't suffice. The issue I have with that dress is that I trimmed it in a very light weight (and white) cotton muslin that just fell apart.  So I decided to re-trim the dress. Another stroke of luck was that shopping for fabric we came across some striped cotton that matched perfectly (and I really mean perfectly).   So mini me has a new dress that she can grow into.  The only thing I didn't get to do was cuffs which I can certainly make at

Bad bad Donna, all intention but no action. So to catch up Since the last event I have: Been to the Brisbane Art Museum (Bustle), Attended History Alive (Regency), Attended Abbey Medieval Festival, (NEW 15th Century), Attended a couple of Vintage market events (1920's and 1930's) Went on an overseas holiday to the UK and Ireland (sadly no costuming involved THIS time - but had a blast none the same) Attended the Picnic at Pemberley event (Regency) Attended the Gangsters Ball (NEW 1920's dress) Attended an 'M' party (NEW as Morticia Addams) So I have been busy costuming but am a very bad bad Donna for not posting :( So some pics???     Bustle and new 15th century (not good shot sorry)     History Alive (me with back to camera and under parasol) and at a vintage event       At the Chawton Jane Austen museum and having dinner in the Eiffel Tower     Inside the house that was used for inside Pemberley scenes ("and of all this....") At picnic at Pemberley event

Great ebay purchase of 40 pearl buttons (with metal shanks) but still waiting for them to arrive so I can sew them onto the blouse. THAT is all the must haves I have left to do. Otherwise I am done.  I am now attempting to cover shoes to look like this from another fantastic ebay purchase of leather shoes ... Last year I bought a fantastic purse that I was going to use but because I changed my mind on the fabric for my day dress it doesn't really match perfectly.  I am tempted to make a purse from the left over black silk velvet and I just love this one ...  minus the elaborate beading. I will post some sneak peek pics of my gowns soon.

All that is left for me to do is a few more hooks and eyes (and won't I be glad when the last of sooooo many are done) on the dinner gown and my day hat to finish. YIPPIE. Of course I could make a purse *tempted* *tempted*.

1. The undergarments are all done bar hemming the petticoat. 2. Under bodice (through lots and lots and lots of research - wasn't going to do one but changed my mind) is done with boning etc etc. 3. First layer bodice is almost done, just hooks and eyes and/or snaps to go (and some embroidery if I can get time). 4. First layer skirt is almost done, hem and placket and baste to under bodice to go (huge issues with this part). THEN I have the outer layer bodice and skirt to cut out and sew and then trimmings. THEN I have to start my evening dress. THEN I have to make a friends blouse and skirt.

The drawers are done, and although not completely the same as the extant ones they will do. I should have put side openings but left them and put a button at the back. Here are the pics .....       Now onto stage 4 - the petticoat.  I bought a pattern for a princess slip petticoat from ageless patterns, so hopefully all will be drafted up and made rather quickly so I can get onto designing my dress...

My chemise is done and I am pretty happy with it. I have trimmed the top and bottom with cotton lace and have added lace straps.  I added small gussets at the sides for ease.  When I add the corset over it, it looks like the drawings so I am content. Next the drawers... I have taken the pattern from here: http://www.tudorlinks.com/treasury/freepatterns/w1907drawers.html but made them smaller and shorter so they will look like this: 1910s (Met Museum) Just adding frilly bits now. The one issue I have is to close or keep open the crotch?? The 1907 pattern is open but the above pair (and another one from the met) is closed.  I would be happy to close them only if they are worn under the corset, certain times can get very difficult. I HAD, through some research, thought that ladies changed to wearing them over their corsets which makes sense, but I get a lot of conflicting information in favour of wearing under *sigh*, think it would be wise to make them open and if furthe

As we all know the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking is this year and our little group here are going to commemorate the occasion (like just about everyone in the costuming world) ... I have already started and have made my under bust corset (photos will follow).  I used the online pattern from bridges on the body blog  http://bridgesonthebody.blogspot.com.au/2010/12/titanic-era-corset-and-pattern.html .  Went together really well, no dramas - whew.  I just have to add some frilly bits to it. Next on the list is a new chemise.  I really want I have seen in books with a little strap like these: I haven't found any "patterns" or such so I am really guessing it is just a square piece gathered above the bust. I am debating wether to add a gores or just a slightly gathered skirt for the hips. Can't seem to find any extant examples (only those from a later period) so i guess I will make it up as I go on. I bought some beautiful fabric for my under shirt which will be

Big changes have happened in my personal life - like a separation and a new house. Looking forward to 2012 and especially the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.  It seems like everyone who is anyone in the costuming world is doing something for this momentous occasion and so will I. Thankfully 2 of my favourite groups - the ACG (yes I have returned as the person dynamic has changed considerably) and RIFF are joining forces and holding 2 events, so it is a day gown (or visiting gown) and an evening/dinner gown. First up of course is the undergarments and a new chemise and corset. More to follow once I get started (and finish unpacking)