1888 Dress

The photo shoot this weekend went very well, so I have the first of three costumes to share with you. This dress is an 1888 dress based on a pattern in "Patterns of Fashion" by Janet Arnold. The costume was made for an 1888 immersion event in Gettysburg several years ago.

I'm very proud of the hat because I stitched the rows of straw together myself to save a little $$$. I'll admit, I was very tempted to purchase a hat from a milliner, but having the straw braid on hand, I set myself the task of stitching together my own hat. It was much simpler than I thought it would be, and I was very happy with the way it turned out.

Like originals that I've examined, the skirt has a brown polished cotton lining sewn into it with rows of metal hooping that can be tied into a semi-circular shape to form the bustle.

At the event, spectators commented most on my train, tapping me on the shoulder to let me know that my skirt was dragging on the ground. Yes, I already knew that...it's called a train. ;)

1860s Hoopskirt

You probably don't know, but I first began my historical reproduction clothing business around 2003. I was seeking summer employment, and rather than work at some dead end job, I decided to put my skills to use making Cage Crinolines to sell. For me, making Cage Crinolines was right up my alley - using the drill, hammer, and anvil (although not all at once!).

I've been itching to try my hand at making a hoopskirt for some time. I've loved the colorful original hoopskirts of the 1860s. The above white and purple hoopskirt is from the book "Fashion," and the below illustration is from the book "Costume in Detail."

I'm very excited that I'll soon be able to offer 1860s hoopskirts for sale. I have two styles in mind. One will have many rows of boning while the other will have about half as many - more economical. I may want to make a third style, too! Can you tell I'm just crazy about hoopskirts?

Right now I'm working on a deep red cotton hoopskirt to replace my cage crinoline. The circumference will be 108". The fabric was purchased at JoAnn Fabrics in the Bottomweights section. I would have liked to find a striped material but there was nothing available at the time. There were, however, some very beautiful jewel toned fabrics in the Bottomweights section that seemed the perfect weight.

So far I've sewn the fabric of the hoopskirt together and sewn all the rows of prussian tape into the hoopskirt. Next I'll add the waistband, finish the hem, and add the boning. I'd like to hem the bottom in a waved style like the hoopskirt above. The hoopskirt below has a band of black velvet around the bottom which is also very pretty.

Original hoopskirt in brilliant Red Flannel.

1950-60s Evening Wrap

I'm excited to share with you one of my latest thrift store finds! I love thrifting. I try very hard to keep myself from visiting Goodwill every morning...often I fail at this. Last week, while visiting my favorite store, I came upon this adorable Vintage black satin wrap from the 50s or 60s. Sadly it was missing the evening gown that went with it. For $5 I snagged myself a cute evening wrap to wear to the Symphony Orchestra on Friday night. I paired it with a black satin White House, Black Market Dress (also a thrifted treasure) and a Vintage necklace and I was set.

The wrap has short sleeves in it with a wide ruffled edge. I especially like the way it is open at the front neckline, allowing the dress and jewelry to show.

This picture shows the adorable wide ruffled edge on the wrap. The design is by Emily Wetherby. I'd love to make some variations on this cute wrap to wear with other sleeveless dresses. It would be cute in a shorter length, and also in different weights of fabric - knits, silks, sheers.

1930s Evening Gown Mock-Up

Here is a picture of the 1930s evening gown mock-up. This is a horrible picture, but you get the idea.

I'm happy to announce that the dress is now completed. I had planned to take pictures tonight but I'm feeling a little under the weather. I promise to have Vince take pictures of it on me very soon! I love the way it turned out. The color is just perfect!

1930s Evening Gown

Currently I'm busy working on sewing a glamorous 1930s evening dress. The pattern was draped for one of my college classes from the above dress sketch. The sketch is from the book "Practical Dress Design" by Mabel Erwin. Probably a 1930s or 40s edition. I chose a burgandy satin for the fabric. I had originally planned on using a perriwinkle silk satin, but the perriwinkle color didn't look that fantastic on me, so I decided to go with the burgandy even though it's not silk. The color reminds me of the stunning 30s dress worn by Kiera Knightley in the Chanel ad.

So far the trickiest part has been those godets on the front of the dress. I think I finally got them to have perfect points! Almost finished!

Regency Silk Dress

c.1798-1805

Finally, pictures of the recently completed Regency Silk Dress. I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

I'm thrilled with the lines of the back. The train seems to be the perfect length - awesome, since I had to cut very carefully to get all of the pieces out of the silk lining.

I didn't have quite enough fabric to line the sleeves as planned, but I really like how they turned out. I ended up using some plain sheer silk organza from my stash to line the sleeves.

A pearl button secures the bib-front.

Regency Silk Robe

c.1795-1803

I finally own a Regency Robe! I've wanted one of these since 'Sense and Sensibility' came out ages ago. I always loved the peach robe worn by Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood.

The lovely pleated back. Pattern from 'Patterns of Fashion' Original.

Regency Dress Update

Just a quick update on my progress with the Sheer Ivory Organza Regency Dress. I've been working diligently on sewing it and it is now all but complete. It has yet to be hemmed and then it will be finished. I will photograph both the Sheer Regency Dress and the Ivory Silk Pelisse shortly. The Pelisse was finished long ago but had not been photographed because I didn't have a dress to photograph or wear it with - the reason I made the Sheer Regency Dress. The Pelisse looked rather risque on the mannequin without a proper undergarment. Heh.

Aside from sewing I've been hosting dinner parties like a mad woman and working on updating my Portfolio. I'm super excited about this Civil War reenacting season as I already have a number of ideas for new clothing and accessories to add to my wardrobe. It's been sooo long since I've been able to look forward to a summer with this many reenactments to attend!

Introducing Vince

I'd like to introduce you to my sweet husband, Vince. Our love of history brought us together six years ago and has continued to be a mutual passion. Vince is also a long time Civil War reenactor, portraying both Civilian and Military, and a graduate of Penn State University with a Major in History - among his other degrees. He is currently studying to earn a PhD in Business.

Vince will be a co-blogger here at blog.historicalfashions.com. I'm sure you'll find his witty posts vastly more interesting than my picture posts.

Welcome to the blog world, Vince!

(See Vince's 1st Post Below!)

What the Frick?

Living a stone's throw away from industrialist Henry Clay Frick's Pittsburgh estate Clayton, we noticed his New York mansion-turned-museum in today's New York Times. We have yet to see the Frick Collection, but I'm sure it will be a destination next visit. If you're ever in Pittsburgh, though, be sure to visit Clayton.

Above: Thomas Gainsborough's "Mall in St. James's Park" (around 1783)