For a change, I’m not making anything for myself, and instead, I’m sewing a bunch of stuff for other people. In time for the SCA’s 12th Night, I took on a bunch of commissions to sock away a little money. It’s both stressful because I’m doing this after I work 40+ hours at my office
So I made a new shift (for the better neckline), a wheel farthingale, a giant bum pad to bolster it up, and a corded petticoat to go over the whole thing & smooth out the lines on top plus give a nice little kick to the hem. I guess I’m committed to making the gown
I haven’t really blogged this outfit because I made it up pretty fast and out-of-my-head. It’s a basic kimono shape that I free-handed, using old bamboo/cotton mix sheets for the lining and silk taffeta for the outer. This proved to be an incredibly comfortable and stylish combo. The trim is some metallic stuff from Jo-Ann’s,
While I have a few wee SCA projects to work on at the start of this year, my main sewing goals between January and May are going to be all 18th century, all the time. Why? Because we’re going to France, baby! My husband & I are renting a chateau in the south of France
I completely failed to get photos on my own camera at 12th Night, but luckily friends took a few nice pictures of my new outfit. Here is my sleeveless zimarra worn with the 1530s gown (no, not historically accurate, but the combo looked nice for one event :), and I even whipped up a new
After owning a fancy new sewing machine that does embroidery for nearly half a year, I finally got around to testing said capabilities just this week. I was spurred on by two things: 1) I was finished with Collegium so I had time & 2) a new group popped up on Facebook devoted to historical
New costumes start from the skin out, so that means new undies. Sure, I have shifts / smocks / chemises (depending on how historically accurate you want to be & which specific century you’re talking about). But for playing a Venetian courtesan at renaissance faires this year, I needed a specific type of undershirt, the
I just got a vintage chemise off eBay to wear with my gown. It’s perfect! Fits great and the neckline is the right shape for the low neck of the bodice (at least in a quick try-on last night). My old Victorian chemise is black and I was worried about it showing and about the
I’ve actually sewed something! But it causes more problems than it’s worth 😉 Since my hoop is an ugly generic black bridal hoop, I made a ruffled petticoat to go over it, lest the cheezy boning show through. I suspect this is of highly questionable historical accuracy since the extant hoops have lots of closely
Ok, I’ll admit, I haven’t done anything. I’m a bit unsure, because the bodice pattern I have is a Truly Victorian with darts, not princess seams that everyone else is doing. So I haven’t made a mockup at all. I’ll also need help with that, and I don’t think I can get help before Costume
I guess the next thing I can start on is the underskirt. I have the underpinnings, and it doesn’t require the bodice to be finished. Maybe, just maybe, if I’m very focused this week, I could cut that out. I find it terribly difficult to sew on weeknights, just don’t have the energy and inclination
Gah. Making underwear is one of the most boring things ever. It’s simple, but tedious. Guess I need to hit the thrift Saturday for some cheap white sheets. If I can’t find any/enough, I do have a coupon for Hancocks. Budget Costuming Tip #20: Joann and Hancock might not be good for many things, but
I like the reasoning for hoops! Also, this is a painting — walking in and sitting down in the positions required by the painting will be much easier in hoops. If we were wearing tons of petticoats, we’d need helpers to fouf out all those petticoats under the skirts. It’s not serging that makes me
Currently, all I have of my 18th-century costume is a plain white cotton shift which I whipped up yesterday in a rare non-headachy moment. Wow, I actually sewed something, ain’t that a hoot? That barely counts, although bias tape was involved which made it slightly less than moronically simple. Or does it? Hmm. I’m still