The Pink Silk Corset Dream

The Pink Silk Corset Dream

Almost 10 years ago, I started reenacting the American Civil War after falling in love with the clothing of the era. I was just starting High School, and my mother was kind enough to take me to events. One summer we attended the Antietam battle reenactment. It was a huge event that year. I remember trudging around in the heat lugging our chairs until we found the other ladies from our unit who had camped out at the event. It was so hot and ridiculous just to sit all day in camp in our pretty dresses. So after awhile we headed over to the sutler area to spy out all of the best recreations. When we started reenacting we tried not to spend too much on our clothing, but I have always had a love of pretty things, so we did portray middle to upper class women with nice silk bonnets and parasols. Mmmm...silk.

This excursion to the sutlers has long been a cherished memory of mine. There I saw my first drawn bonnet and fell in love! Now I own a beautiful royal blue silk original of my own! And I'd love to reproduce it someday soon. I remember studying that beautiful bonnet, trying to memorize every detail of it. While I was in the shop a young lady in her 20s entered the tent. She was beautiful. And, she was wearing a camel colored wool reproduction of the 'Soutache' trim dress from 'Who Wore What?'! Do you know the one I mean? That stunning, absolutely fabulous dress with soutache trim all over it and a matching sash (yeah, she had the sash, too!). Wow, can you say inspiration? I remember overhearing her talk about a pink silk corset that she had recently made. Sometimes the things we imagine are far better than the originals, but I'm sure that her reproduction was stunning. The beautiful reproductions worn by that 20-something young lady have always inspired me. I wanted to be her! I wanted to be able to sew a beautiful silk corset, fashionable dresses...and she had the guy, too! That night at the dance she appeared in a stunning pale green silk dress. It was delicately trimmed with flowers and had a waistline that was straight across (just like Jo's red ballgown in 'Little Women'). She was gorgeous, and accompanied by a handsome young gentleman dressed in a black wool jacket, pants, and top hat. How lovely!

When I'm surrounded by people who care little for authentic clothing I reminisce on that girl and her stunning wardrobe. I've always secretly hoped to know who she was. Where was she from? Is she one of my peers on the Authentic-Campaigner forum. Did her dress really look as lovely as I remember? Wouldn't it be fun to know!

Working on my own silk corset has reminded me of the pink silk corset. :)

What experiences, sights, or people have inspired you in reproducing historical clothing?

1860 Corset Research Links

It's Official: I've started a new project!

I've wanted to make two new corsets for awhile and now I'm finally starting! I'd like a new coutil corset based off of my Beth Miller corset (she's my hero!), and also a silk 1860s corset. So, I thought I'd do a little more research on Silk Corsets of the 1860s.

The Blue Ribbed Silk Corset above is from approximately 1851-1860. Isn't the color stunning? I still have to determine the color I want to make mine, but this blue sure is pretty!

Here are a few more Inspiring Research Links for 1860 Corsets:

Antique Corset Gallery


c.1864 Blue Silk Corset
V&A Museum

19th Century Fashions: A Compendium

Have you seen any other links with 1860s Silk Corset pictures or research?


Update: Well, after a hard day's work at revamping my corset pattern I was able to cut out the coutil for my two corsets tonight! And, I ordered some royal blue silk on Etsy for the silk corset! I'm so glad to have another Civil War era project underway.

The Fashions of 'Mad Men'

The Fashions of 'Mad Men'

Love the Fashions of the Women of AMC's hit TV show 'Mad Men'? As the show kicks off it's 3rd Season (1963!) I find myself even more enchanted by the lovely frocks worn by Betty Draper, Joan Holloway, Peggy Olson and of course, all of Don's women. ;)

The Fashions of the 1950s & 60s were glamorous, feminine, and charming works of art. Wearing them evokes a feminine beauty rarely captured in our modern day attire. Retailers often turn to fashions of a past era when designing their clothing lines, but sometimes the original is far more beautiful than any knock off. The detailed pleats, folds, and gathers are even more stunning in the originals and the fabrics far more delightful. Thankfully these gowns are still available for our enjoyment and available at our local thrift shops, vintage stores, and on Ebay and Etsy.

Over at my home decorating blog, 'In Pursuit of Glamour', I've posted some favorite 1950s dresses spotted over at Etsy.
Check out my post!

Betty Draper (January Jones)

Always beautiful, Betty looks fashionable and pulled together even in her darkest moments (that's Hollywood!).

Don Draper chit chats with his 'other women' past and present.

The 'other woman', Bobbi Barrett.

This gal's got obvious glamour. She's one bad cookie but oh, those earrings, that sophisticated hairstyle, and that dress! It's a good thing for the audience that Don is so bad, I guess, otherwise we'd miss a lot of great moments in 1960s fashion.