Sunday 27 December 2015

1880s Sheer Print Summer Dress

Patterns: TV #201 Underskirt for the skirt lining. TV #400 Day Bodice for the bodice, minus sleeves.
Fabric: A sheer printed chiffon or georgette (I can't decide which description is more appropriate). The fabric is very light and flowing, dull finish, with a noticeable directional grain. It does NOT have that moire wiggle so common in polyester sheers. I purchased it with the dreaded "content unknown" label of clearance items. I believe it to be a cotton/poly blend.
**The sheer print is over solid ivory lining for the bodice and skirt.
Available on Etsy
Available on Ebay
Measurements:
Chest: 36"
Waist: 27"
Hip: Free
Hem: 40" at front
Back width: 14.5"
Center back length: 15.5"


Tuesday 22 December 2015

1870s Evening Gown - Gold on White

Patterns: Truly Victorian #202 "Grand Parlor Skirt".
                Truly Victorian #400 "Day Bodice"
Fabrics: 100% Cotton, printed gold pattern. Metallic thread lace.
Available on Ebay HERE
Available on Etsy HERE SOLD
Alterations: Yes, on both skirt and bodice. See below for alteration details.
Measurements:
Chest: 41"
Waist: 32"
Hip: free
Hem: 39" at front


Saturday 19 December 2015

Extended Lobster Bustle - Truly Victorian #163

Pattern: Truly Victorian #163, "Imperial Bustle"
Fabrics: Polyester. A serge type material, thick and very silky. Otherwise difficult to describe.
Alterations: I have extended the bustle by about 12".
Available on Etsy HERE
Available on ebay HERE
Measurements:
I made the size "G" of the pattern.
The fronts meet with a waist of 32.5".


Wednesday 16 December 2015

1795 Stays - Blue Silk Brocade

Pattern: 1795 Stays from the Margot Hill book, The Evolution of Fashion.
Fabrics: 100% silk, brocade for the main body. 100% silk dupioni for the binding. Lining and interfacing layers both 100% linen, heavy weight.
Available on Etsy HERE
SOLD
Available on ebay HERE
Alterations?: The book pattern calls for pom-poms positioned at the back of the stays to hold up empire waist skirts. I chose not to add them so the stays could suit a wide fashion range. Also, such pom-poms and high rolls are better suited attacked to petticoats, in my opinion.
Construction: Done entirely with hand stitching, including the boning channels. 1/4" flat steel and spiral steel used for boning.
Measurements:
With back and front lacing fully closed and touching;
Chest: 40"
Waist: 33"
*The Hill book is particularly wonderful because the patterns have all been scaled for the same measurements, roughly, so you know what you're getting into before you even draft them out =)



Friday 11 December 2015

1950s Burgundy Ensemble, with Simplicity 1460

Patterns: Simplicity 1460, view C for blouse. The skirt has no pattern, just a simple box pleated panel.
Fabrics: Burgundy broadcloth for blouse and skirt lining. Embroidered organza for skirt overlay.
Available on Etsy HERE
Available on Ebay HERE SOLD
Measurements:
Chest: 36-38"
Waist: 28/29"
Hip: Free
Hem: 27"




Wednesday 9 December 2015

1870s Dinner Dress - Black Velvet & Burgundy Organza

Pattern: Bodice is a combination of TV #405 "Vest Basque" and TV #463 "French Vest Bodice"
Fabric: Black velvet (rayon/poly blend), embroidered organza (polyester), and burgundy broadcloth (cotton).
Available on Etsy HERE
Available on Ebay HERE SOLD
Measurements:
Chest: 44"
Waist: 34/35"
Hip: <55"
Hem: 41" at front
Sleeves are 3/4 length.

Why, why, WHY DOES IT LOOK MAGENTA?! I don't know what was up with my camera today, but it's seriously not magenta. It's like a burgundy red.  



Sunday 6 December 2015

1880s Plaid Three-Piece Suit - Fashion Plate inspired

                Self drafting for the rest.
Fabrics: Plaid is 100% cotton, homespun weave. 
               Solid blue is 100% cotton, standard weave.
               Blouse is a fine cotton semi-sheer with a floral pattern woven in (not printed).
               Blue lining is 100% rayon "super silky" (Not historically accurate, but it's my favorite).
Inspiration?: An 1863 fashion plate featured in the collage book Victorian Fashions: A Pictorial Archive. While the design is from 1863, I reshaped it below the waist to accommodate the bustle eras. 
Available on Etsy HERE
Available on Ebay HERE
Measurements:
Chest: 38"
Waist: 29"
Hip: Free (The skirt is pleated at the waist and the jacket peplums allow for full movement)
Hem: 41" at front. 

Tuesday 1 December 2015

1880s Plaid Suit - TV428 Pattern (altered)

Patterns: Truly Victorian #432, "1880 Jacket Bodice" (altered)
                 Truly Victorian #263, "1887 Imperial Skirt", view A
                 Truly Victorian #368, "1887 Waterfall Overskirt" (partial, and altered)

Fabric: 100% cotton, homespun. Plaid in shades of blue, gray, and black. Light weight.
             Medium weight cotton for interfacing. Blue rayon "super silky" for jacket lining.
Available on Etsy HERE
Available on Ebay HERE
Alterations: Many. See below for specifics.
Measurements:
Chest: 44"
Waist: 35"
Hip: <55"
Hem: 40" at front
Back width: 16"
Sleeve: 23" from top of shoulder.

Foundation/undergarments: Shown over Cane Hoop Bustle and one cotton petticoat.