Last year, the local French Society's Bastille Day Masquerade and Dinner presented a rare opportunity to travel further back in time than the Victorian era. Not having a dress of my own to wear I was fortunate that Liane had a spare that I could borrow. Afterwards, I started thinking about attempting my own and… Continue reading The Bastille Dress
Tag: Sewing
Pretty Pink Panniers and Stays
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
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 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
Trimmed with Tartan, Part I
If you've read The Tale of Two Tartans then you'll know that I once bought 19 metres of tartan silk. Two dresses were made from it and still, I had what could be called a reasonable amount left in my stash. Not enough to make another outfit on its own of course, unless teamed with… Continue reading Trimmed with Tartan, Part I
Goals for 2018
Since 2017 went so well for me I'm not really sure that I can top it...but, since I had no idea how well that year would play out for me then 2018 is full of possibilities and I find that quite exciting. So... what is 2018 going to look like, event-wise? While I hope to… Continue reading Goals for 2018
Comparison, the Thief of Joy?
Unfortunately, with any creative hobby (or any hobby/sport/pursuit really), there is always an element of comparison. It could be that you’re comparing yourself to others, that you are being compared by someone else, or someone is comparing themselves to you. This can lead to either feelings of inferiority or superiority and sometimes these can lead… Continue reading Comparison, the Thief of Joy?
The Antique Rose Eton Jacket
After making the Antique Rose outfit I had plans to make an Eton Jacket to go with it so that I could mix and match and create a second look. It has taken me a little while to get around to doing so but over the last two weekends, I set myself the task of starting… Continue reading The Antique Rose Eton Jacket
The Tale of Two Tartans
After Liane made me the Rose Wine dress I started thinking about commissioning a second so that I could alternate my outfits while down in Oamaru (if you only have one dress for four days that's fine, by the way). I didn't really know what I wanted and so spent an afternoon after work, scoping… Continue reading The Tale of Two Tartans
Saving Yourself From A Sewing Slump
You've been diligently working away on your new project and everything is going well. Like a smooth train ride until...it derails and you've lost all motivation to sew or it feels like a dreaded chore. There are a number of reasons why this could happen - you've got distracted by something else, you're tired and… Continue reading Saving Yourself From A Sewing Slump
