I’ve had a few people ask for photos. So, I want to get the few I have up asap. I’ll add some text later.
As a summary – Had a lovely time. I slid all over the place. Finally got to waltz with my husband for the first time since Fort Stanton. Barb’s shawl to the rescue.
Dan
Me
Okay, folks…. help.
I understand the quilting the layers together part. What I don’t get is how these 4 pieces are sewn together. I figure the top two are sewn together and the bottom two are sewn together at the centers. After that, I’m just puzzled
If I had 4 of the top pieces, that would make more sense to me. But, the directions said to cut 2 and 2. (I should mention there are only little scraps left.)
Help?
I finished my shift/chemise, stays and bodiced petticoat last night. The last button-hole was finished as bedtime settled in. As soon as I was home from work today, I was able to try everything on. 🙂 This evening is test night to make sure everything fits and is comfortable. I really wanted to share photos. But, as soon as I got my chemise and stays on, my phone’s battery died. So, a summary instead. Everything is quite comfortable. There isn’t much I can say about the chemise, other than it draws up quite nicely. The stays are a comfort level that may just threaten my mid-century clothes to banishment. Really. This one is that comfortable even with the “shelf.” I figure I’m giving them quite the wearing test as I’m curled up on the couch. It is so nice to have this support without having a large underwire digging into my side. I don’t have as much “separate” as I know is ideal. I’ll be more able to achieve that with a transitional pair for my next set. Yes, I’ve already decided there will be more of this clothing. (see below) Now, the bodiced petti…. can we say “C.O.M.F.Y.”? I did a gored skirt with a 84″ hem. LOVE it. This skirt is so very comfortable.
Adjustments:
– I still need to solve the lacing problem. I couldn’t get the 1/4″ round cord through. Right now I have crochet cotton laced in with a bodkin. Either, I need to find a strong, narrow lace I can use with the bodkin or I need to make the holes bigger. – The waist of the bodiced petti needs to come in about an inch, maybe two, to fit more snuggly. I don’t think it should be loose. I need to decide between a drawstring, darts in the bodice front or taking it out of the sides. So, the question would be – Did they use darts?Next steps:
– Decide between drafting and draping my bodice. With the duct tape dummy oops, this is a looming decision. – Drape or draft a toile of my bodice. – Get Dan’s measurements and do some rough sketches of his clothing.You know how I mentioned more clothes above? Well, I keep dreaming up dress ideas for the uber-awesome white and green sheer a truely lovely someone sent me. I also started thinking up clothes for Lily.
As last week was filled with posts and this one not so much, I figure I should provide an update.
This week has been much slower going, or so it feels. A combination of time-change-lag, migraine and unwanted four-legged house guest have greatly depleted my sewing and reading time. I haven’t even managed to get a friend’s dress hemmed yet. (This will be done by tomorrow night.) There are small steps forward.
Two books arrived to aide in the planning & sewing of Dan’s clothing. On the left, Jason Maclochlainn’s The Victorian Tailor arrived via the postal man. On the right, Norah Waugh’s The Cut of Men’s Clothes arrived via interlibrary loan.
The latter seems to be a nice summary of three centuries. It looks like it will give me an over view of the progression/evolution of men’s clothing. I see one diagram of a dress coat from the 1820s that may or may not b of use. The other diagrams are later.
The first book at first look, looks to be a pleasing purchase. Flipping through though, this is definitally an “Oh, wow!” Book. I am so glad I bought it. If it isn’t the strongest choice for this project, it will be very helpful alongside DeVeer’s for a mid-century civilian outfit for Dan. (I’m picturing a linen sacque or frock.) I don’t know if I’m more excited by his decade by decade breakdown of garments or the explaination of the stitches of a tailor and contruction. I am going to Love this book!
You know the saying “the more you know, the more you know you don’t know?” Well, that certainly applies to my Regency learning curve. This morning I awoke with a long list of questions. But first, I should back up to say I am calling this an information gathering stage rather than a reseach stage because with so much information and so little time, I don’t feel this is proper research.
On to the clothing questions I need to find the answers to. I’ll seperate these in “his clothes” and “her clothes”.
His Clothes
Her Clothes
I’m sure there will be more to add to my list….. Is it odd that I find this part fun?
The event I’ve been planning and sewing for is none other than GCVM’s Netherfield Ball! The museum is recognizing the 200th anniversary of Pride and Prejudice by throwing this ball to be held in their beautiful Grand Gallery. Part of newly renovated Wehle Gallery, the grand gallery is a stunning location with its glowing hardwood floors and gorgeous red walls. What an ideal location for a ball!
I’m just a bit excited. Okay, I’m more than a bit excited.
I’ve added a Pinterest board to collect my thoughts on.
Here is a sketch of where I am going with my dress. I’ll be draping that once I have the corset and unders finished.
As soon as books arrive, I can start drafting Dan’s clothes. I ordered a blue on white stripe for his waistcoat. Fingers crossed everything looks good together. If not…. um, different pants may be in order.
A Huge “Thank You!” to those of you who have been helping and pointing pieces out to me.
In light of a uber-awesome event, which I will not name until I have our tickets purchased due to the limited number, all sewing has been rearranged. There is now a new sewing list with fabric being rededicated. All of this must be sewn, change that, must be researched, draped and sewn in the next 3 months.
For Dan –
For Me –
Here are the fabrics I’m planning on. The sari has a large empty area as well as a wide panel of the gold design. The gold is very stiff. The plaid wool has a bit of texture to it. I think it will be comfy for him.
Here is a better look at the wool.
This all said, I am very, very new to the Regency era of clothing. I’ve worn poor examples of the dresses and have one sad mock-up from a decade ago. So, I’m starting from scratch here. I am open, very open, to a reading list whether it be articles, books, tutorials, what have you. Send them my way!!!
My biggest learning hurdles are the different shape in sleeve for my dress along with the whole construction and shaping of Dan’s coat plus his pants. Honestly, with his coat and waistcoat if someone were to specifically say ” make this”, it would help narrow my focus down while aiding my learning curve.
If I Had My Own Blue Box: 