As always when starting a new silhouette one needs to start from the skin out. So, for my first foray into the Eighteenth Century, that's where I started. Rather boldly too, in lolly pink. After all, who says that underwear has to be boring? I used the American Duchess Simplicity pattern 8162 for the stays… Continue reading Pretty Pink Panniers and Stays
War Years Day Part II
It didn't take us long to find just what on earth was going on as we soon happened upon the skirmish between the Armed Constabulary and bushrangers. We watched as each side took shots at each other across the water and as the Constabulary gained ground. Of the three bushrangers, one wasn't so fortunate, one got… Continue reading War Years Day Part II
War Years Day Part I
The morning of the War Years Day dawned in quite a misty and atmospheric manner. It did seem quite appropriate when you thought about the reason for the day organised at Taranaki Pioneer Village. Still, there was hope that the fog would lift and that the rain would hold off during the day. Back in… Continue reading War Years Day Part I
An Easter To Remember Part IV
Once most of our party had set off to have a rest before the dance I followed Monique and Edan back to Curragh Cottage where we found David and Sonya, as well as Falma and Claudia, who had spent the day baking in the cottage kitchen. It was nice to have a chance to sit… Continue reading An Easter To Remember Part IV
An Easter to Remember Part III
Sunday arrived far too quickly, as the last day of multi-day events often does. Still, I was quite looking forward to the day, and to 'officially debuting' my recently completed Tartan and White ensemble. Up and dressed, I wrestled my hair into a style that would work both with my new French Bonnet but would… Continue reading An Easter to Remember Part III
An Easter to Remember Part II
When I first found out that punting on the Avon was one of the activities for Easter (I think it was in May last year?) I was totally ready right then and there to book my flights to Christchurch. I'd always wanted to go punting and to be able to do it while historically costumed… Continue reading An Easter to Remember Part II
An Easter To Remember Part I
A couple of Easters ago, I was cat sitting for my sister and borrowing her sewing machine while attempting to sew petticoats and an underskirt. It was the very start of my journey into this wonderful hobby of historical costuming. I had absolutely no idea that two years later I would spend the same long… Continue reading An Easter To Remember Part I
The Penguin Bodice
I don't know how creative I am when it comes to naming different outfits that I make but, this is what happens when a spur-of-the-moment nickname sticks. It should really be called something like, 'The Riding Habit Inspired Bodice' because, as long and rather dull as it sounds is the truth of it. This bodice… Continue reading The Penguin Bodice
Trimmed With Tartan Part III
I finished the bodice on Saturday and took some time out on Sunday to take some photos of the completed bodice and overskirt. I'm definitely happy with my decision to go with the white sleeves and, while I toyed with the idea of adding some tartan around the edge of the bodice, I think I'm… Continue reading Trimmed With Tartan Part III
Trimmed with Tartan Part II
While reaching somewhat of an impasse with my bodice (See Part I here) I turned my attention to constructing my overskirt in the hopes that once I could see both together, it would help me decide how to proceed with the sleeves and such. I chose to work with the Truly Victorian August Overskirt (TV365),… Continue reading Trimmed with Tartan Part II
Miss Temby 