You'll recall from Part 1 of this tale that I made mention of me organising the Historical Fashion Show that was part of the Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations. For so long it was something that was so far away but, all of a sudden, I not only found myself at the Heritage Celebrations but awakening… Continue reading Heritage Celebrations with a Twist Part II
Heritage Celebrations with a Twist Part I
I know, I know, I was a bad blogger last week - I took almost no photos whatsoever. Hardly any event photos and got zero photos of my 1893 Aubergine Dress on my own camera. I also didn't take any photos of Mum wearing the Plum Ensemble that I made for her 😫 So... what's… Continue reading Heritage Celebrations with a Twist Part I
Progress on Mum’s 1890’s Plum Outfit Part II
You will recall from my first post about Mum's outfit that I wasn't entirely happy with the sleeves and their complete lack of puff. I said that I would replace them if I had the time. I didn't have the time, but they bugged me enough that I ended up making new sleeves anyway. Here… Continue reading Progress on Mum’s 1890’s Plum Outfit Part II
The Emerald Cape
AKA the Cape of Insanity! I have a habit of getting overly ambitious with my sewing plans. Right from Day One I was wanting to and planning to make projects beyond my skill level or just projects that take a whole lot longer to do than I think they will. I can say right from… Continue reading The Emerald Cape
My Victorian Beauty Secrets
Shhh, don't tell anyone, but Victorian ladies liked to care for their skin (even if they were unknowingly causing more harm than good by applying scary things like lead) and many did wear makeup - minimally of course - it was definitely a no-makeup makeup look for them (since they didn't want to be mistaken… Continue reading My Victorian Beauty Secrets
Something to Dance In
My original plan for a secondary look with my Aubergine Dress was a fancier bodice based on an extant House of Rouff bodice and to wear it to attend a dinner. Alas, time not being on my side, and with the dinner ticket being out of my price range (as I'm also attending the ball… Continue reading Something to Dance In
Progress on Mum’s 1890s Plum Outfit
You've already seen the petticoats that I've made for my Dear Mama and since then I have been busy working away on more of her outfit. Here's a quick update on the progress I have made so far. Starting off with another undergarment, I have made Mum a chemise to wear under everything. I used… Continue reading Progress on Mum’s 1890s Plum Outfit
Petticoat Party!
Petticoats are brilliant for creating a really good Victorian silhouette - no matter what decade/style era you're sewing. Two, or even three petticoats can take a skirt's shape from good to great. I recently made up two new petticoats for myself - another one for the 1890s, and a new 1880s petticoat with lovely organdy… Continue reading Petticoat Party!
The Aubergine Part 1
After (nearly) experiencing costume burnout while making my Bastille Dress the last thing that I felt like doing this year was taking on another 'big' project. I certainly did not want to make anymore trim for several months! Back in March I picked up some half price taffeta in plum and eggplant, with plans of… Continue reading The Aubergine Part 1
Finding Inspiration
There are so many different places and ways to find inspiration for your next historical costume. Sometimes you see a dress, whether it's a real dress that has survived or one that has been captured on film or canvas, or a depiction of one in a fashion plate, and you just know: it has to… Continue reading Finding Inspiration
