1830's Romantic Dress

Take note that in my last post, I didn't say that I wasn't going to sew at all. =D No indeed, for the last couple of days I have worked on and finished this Romantic Era Dress:

Pleasant Peasantry

I must have 5 shirts of out of my Peasant Shirt pattern (that I made off of a thrift store find) and this one I have made for the autumn weather. That is, whenever we get the autumn weather that decides to stay.
I think I could wear it with brown corduroy for a casual look, or with a tan linen skirt for a dressier occasion. To celebrate the first day of fall tomorrow, I considered wearing it until I found out that it is supposed be close to 80 degrees, so it might have to wait until Monday when the forecast shows a high of 59. =) We'll see ... you never quite know when you live near the mountains!

Lord willing, I probably won't be posting much in the next week or so as I have been in the sewing room this week more than I should have. Just thought I'd give you all a little heads up.

We have a winner!

Wow, for this giveaway, we had 88 entries! But alas, we can only have one winner since we only have one apron to give away.

After doing a random (Thanks to http://random.org) drawing, our winner is: Chrissy Hall!

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As to several questions I received, here are my replies:

Where can I find apron patterns in girls sizes?
Well the first website that came to mind was Crystal's site, Biblical Womanhood as I know she carries some apron patterns for girls. Modest Sewing Patterns, would also have a pattern or two of aprons for girls. Does anyone else want to add to the list?

What pattern did you use?
I actually have a copy of a 1930/1940 apron pattern that my friend Amber sent to me. After seeing her apron, I begged her for the pattern. =) I can't say for sure, but if perhaps she had enough requests, she'd consider reproducing the pattern for sale.

Apron Giveaway!

What is black and white, with red all over? =)

Yes, I am offering another apron for a giveaway! This one is made out of a black and white tea cup cotton fabric that I purchased at a flea market/antique store; whether it's vintage or not, I have no idea. It's trimmed with scarlet bias and rickrack to bring out the red calico in the fabric:

Front view

A view of the back

Close up of one of the two pockets. How have I never used rickrack before in my life, up until this apron?! Needless to say: I love it!

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To enter: Please e-mail us your name and mailing address and you'll be automatically added into the drawing.
To be entered in twice: Mention this giveaway on your blog/LiveJournal/xanga, then e-mail us with a link to your blog, and you will be added twice!
To find out who won: Make sure you are in by Friday at 3:00pm MST and we'll anounce the winner of the apron sometime shortly after we do a random drawing!

In the shop this week

Well ladies, I added a couple things to my ebay listings this week:

A white Regency gown

A vintage slip pattern

THE Bungalow Apron

After seeing Anna's 1950's apron quite sometime ago, I have always looked for the same pattern, and wouldn't you know it, I just found one! I was tickled pink, and in just the size I wanted too since with vintage patterns, I usually have to go a couple sizes larger.

So now, I'll have to decide if I want to use my retro fabric found at an antique store on this pattern or another fun one that I purchased off of ebay. Which of the two patterns do you like?

Now I'm wondering: How did I get addictive to aprons?

The Return of the Daughters

I've wanted to post this for awhile, and so while it may not have anything to do with sewing/modesty, I think that it will be very encouraging for daughters who are at home and who have chosen to go against the culture of this world:

http://visionarydaughters.com/return-of-the-daughters/

I know I have been greatly challenged (and I pray: changed!) by their book, So Much More, that was written for daughters as well. If you are not familar with it, the above website will tell you more, and a cheaper place to buy it would be over at Crystal's website (click on the link: Biblical Womanhood) or do a search for it on ebay. Of course, it depends on how your heart is when you first open the cover, but I would venture to say that it will bring a dramatic change in your heart and life!

1909 "Beatrix" Shirtwaist

So why has it been silent on this blog recently? It is two-fold: I've been practicing violin for hours a day, and in my "spare time" I've been working on what is now, a finished 1909 "Beatrix" Shirtwaist!
I think has joined the ranks of one of the most complicated things I done with sewing. Not hard, just complicated. The pattern was very easy to understand, and to put together.

This one features a netting-insert in the bodice with lace following the seam line, leg-o-mutton sleeves (they ended up not having any gathers where the sleeves and cuffs meet, since I had alter the cuffs, and forgot to do so to the sleeves).

The pattern suggests pearl buttons, but I decided to go the cheaper way with some clouded white ones that have a little trim around the edges.

Arabella seemed to agree that my brooch helps set off the blouse. =)

On my sewing agenda, I have the following items that I'd like to sew within the next couple weeks:

• 1909 Beatrix Walking Skirt (to sell along with this shirtwaist, on ebay)
• 2 aprons using some vintage fabric
• a plaid jumper for the autumn season
• a peasant shirt to go along with my brown corduroy skirt.
• a couple Regency gowns to sell on ebay

Stay tuned for reports and pictures of these! =)

In the Shop

I have decided to sell my 1910 shirtwaist, and it is listed in my shop. You can view it here.