Historical Items now in the Shop!

Well, after teaching violin this afternoon I set to work in my sewing room ironing some historical clothing I've had packed away. In between ironing I would list another item. If you like Edwardian styles or those of the 1940s, you'll love the four listings I have up in the historical section. Including this shirtwaist & skirt ensemble that I made 7 years ago.

Wasn't that only a couple summers ago??

Pattern Collection: Historically Inspired

Happy Monday! Sorry if  your hopes were in having the final installment of my pattern collection up on the blog, but my weekend was quite busy and eventful.

 

I put this collection together by sorting the patterns by era. It's rather obvious which is my favorite, but I've been trying to reach out of my "comfort zone" and not dislike other eras.

 

Regency:

 



Don't ask why, but for some reason when I brightened up this picture, it cropped it too. And without my permission! But if anyone is familiar with Sense & Sensibility patterns, you'll recognize these. While I haven't picked up the Regency era much lately, several years ago that's all I did. Most of what was sewn was for selling on ebay and for awhile, they sold extremely well.

 

Turn of the Century/Edwardian:

These are my patterns that aren't from S&S. ;) The first one is from another favorite company (hi, Amanda!) who makes many fun patterns: Hint of History. At one point I had her 1912 dress pattern and I regrettably sold it, but years before doing so I made a dress out of it. It's an excellent pattern if you're wanting something Downton Abbey looking!

 

The second pattern in the top row is a reproduction of an actual pattern. I bought it online from a vintage fashion library website of some sort. It reminded me very much of Anne's "cow chasing dress" in the movie, "Anne of Avonlea." Someday I hope to recreate it. :)

 

Moving on to the Folkwear pattern, doesn't it look like something Diana Barry would wear? And who can put down a matching apron pattern for ladies and girls? The pattern comes with a few other tea-related things like maybe a teapot cover, napkins, and such.

 

And then the lovely wedding dress pattern put out by Sullivan Entertainment that is identical to Anne Shirley's dress when she married Gil. Many of you are waiting for a full photo shoot to replace the quick one taken on the veranda of me wearing my take on this pattern.

 

Here is another set of pattern from S&S. I've made something from all of these except for the Beatrix Potter jacket pattern.

 

One of the many things that I love about S&S patterns is that many of them come from or are adapted from original patterns. When making something, and stepping into a finished garment, you feel as if you are from that era. :) Once again, I've made something from all of these patterns. Most recognizable of course would be the 1910s tea gown made into a Titanic "Swim dress" shown here and here. Then of course I've made two dresses from the 1914 afternoon dress: my first one back in 2007 and then my second one made this year.

1930s - 1940s:

After the Edwardian era, the 1930s is probably my favorite though I'm growing a fondness to some of the 1920s fashions (thanks Downton Abbey!). The first pattern is a Vogue reproduction of a 1933 dress pattern. I saw this on etsy and immediately fell in love with the design and details. It somehow seemed familiar to me, and then it dawned on me that my friend Laura has this pattern. :) There is a dress cut out in this pattern that is sitting on my table waiting to be sewn, so hopefully before the year is out, you'll see pictures of it completed.

Earlier this year I made a dress out of the Decade's of Style pattern and really liked the way it turned out. Bias cuts aren't the most flattering on me at the present, so not long ago the dress was sold in my etsy shop.

Lastly, there is the 1940s Swing Dress pattern that I used this summer for my sister. You'll remember that the dress was made specifically for a special retro diner themed dinner, and now that it has taken place, she tells me that all she has to show her wearing the dress are a few head shots. I told her the other day that I have many blog readers who want to see the full length of it and on her! :) Hopefully soon I can take her out on a photo shoot for some pictures.

New Buttons for a Gibson Blouse

This week I was going through my large tub which holds my pitiful looking stash of fabric (I guess that's a good thing if you're wanting to get through to the bottom!) my historical dresses, some childhood play dresses, and original vintage aprons.

Coming across a plastic bag that was stuffed with my 1909 "Beatrix" Shirtwaist (you can see me wearing it here; the 2nd set of three pictures), a poly/cotton prairie skirt, and my Gibson Girl blouse.

Long before I had a blog or got into historical sewing, I remember making two blouses that seemed to take me out of my limited skills and slowly ease me into more complicated things. One was this Gibson Girl blouse from Folkwear Patterns. Having grown up watching Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea, and the TV series of Road to Avonlea, I wanted to make something lightweight and "romantic." It was more of a heavy burden trying to make it! I recall getting flustered and confused, and leaving it on my sewing tables for days before I wanted to see it again. :)

I made it out of an ecru Broadcloth fabric and used fabric-covered buttons for the back closure. I think those horrid covered buttons must have been in vogue when I made this blouse. I never did like them.

Stumbling across this blouse today, I noticed 2 or 3 buttons missing (a frequent problem with covered buttons!) so I happily took the remaining buttons off and replaced them with some buttons from my stash. Granted, they are plastic and don't lend to the loveliness of this Edwardian style blouse, they'll fit the bill until I can find something else suitable.

Now I think I should completely replace the skirt with something more refined and not so prairie muffin-ish. Should probably turn on some of those old and dear films for some inspiration!

In Costume: a 1914 Afternoon Dress

Early this summer I took it upon myself to sew up an Edwardian dress after the similitude of dresses worn on Downton Abbey. I adore their picnic dresses worn at the end of the first season! For all the details and pictures of making it see a couple pictures here and the completion of it here.

 

On a lovely summer morning, I begged my siblings to take a couple pictures for you all, and here they are:

 

Have you any idea how hard it is to get a good picture of one's hairstyle? I myself tried in vain at least three dozen times. This one is probably the best one, thanks to my sister. I used the fantastic tutorial by Lass of Yesteryear's rendition of Lady Sybil's hair.

 

My shoes come from the amazingly talented woman of American Duchess. They are the Gibson style shoes that I was able to pick up when she was selling some "imperfects." I don't know about you, but I think they are as perfect as one could wish for! I'm trying not to covet her new 1930s line of shoes... Take a look at several other shoes she offers on my side bar just to the right. So many delicious choices!

Dressing up is entirely to much fun!

My brother told me to look at the tree when he took this shot, but what he didn't get was my other hand at the bottom of my hairstyle. You know, those "glam" shots that people often do? ;)

 

Ignore the pins sticking out of my hair. You don't want to know how many bobby pins and straight pins I used to keep my hair up!

And that my dear ladies, is all for this weekend. Perhaps sometime this fall I can do a real photoshoot of me in my Downton Abbey dinner gown and Titanic inspired accessories...

S&S 1914 Afternoon Dress

Ahh, the completion one feels when cutting the threads from sewing a hem, or knotting the ends from sewing on a button! Just a little over seven years ago I made one almost identical to the one I just finished yesterday, and for some reason this dress seemed to take a lot longer to sew than the other one.

As before, I used Jennie Chancey's excellent pattern, but made a few changes. For one, the shoulders were brought in a little to prevent the dress from feeling like it was going to come off. I also squared the neckline in the front. The sleeves I shortened some and pinch the top a little while cutting the fabric, as I was looking for something a little bit more fitted than before.

I put in some buttons from my stash, and found a larger button that matched the smaller ones for the waistband closure (which isn't shown) in the back. Unfortunately I didn't have enough lace for inserting it into the back bodices, but it can stand on it's own. Most people don't (or shouldn't!) stare at one's backside!

The sash was simply made from a 1/2 yard of some left over poly crepe satin of my sister's, and I sewed up the raw edges, turned in right side out, bunch it up, and wa-la! For the back, I just tied it and tucked in the ends. World's simplest sash right there.

I may make up another one when I can afford 1/2 yard of silk duiponi. I loved that purple I had before, but the blue will do especially since I haven't the occasion to wear it yet!

The fabric I used came from an estate sale that I was working at quite awhile ago. I don't remember if the house owners gave me the few pieces of yardage for free or if I paid a dollar or two for it, but either way, making this dress cost me pretty much only in time. Because of the white seersucker yardage lengths, the hem of the dress is just a wee-bit shorter than I prefer. A historical dress must have pintucks of some kind in my book, so I did two 1/8" pintucks and turned up a 1/4" hem.

Thankfully, because hemlines were no longer down to the floor and were creeping up to ankle length, I think this dress can wear the title of a 1914 dress.

I'm loving my Gibson shoes from the American Duchess!  More on these later... :)

Next project: a 1940s Swing Dress.

In Progress: the finery of a 1914 Afternoon Dress

The top of the dress is done.

Antique lace insertion and embroidery on the front bodice.

More embroidery, including the french knots at every inch on the hem of the sleeves since there was no more lace to used.

Time to go to bed.

In Progress: a 1914 Afternoon Dress

Setting aside the poly crepe satin (or whatever it is my sister chose for her 1940s dress!) I began working on the little details of a 1914 Afternoon Dress. White on white hand embroidery and Anne of Avonlea is how I'm spending my Thursday afternoon.

1914 Edwardian Peony Garden Dress

I named this dress after my mother's peonies. Already owning four of these gorgeous bushes, and the one being older than the others, it has produced gorgeous blooms this June. Within the heavenly scented folds of pastel pinks, there are on the outer edges milky whites and ivories.

This dress is one of my dresses that I can add to the list of "burning the midnight oil" though it wasn't quite midnight when I finished it. What is it about sewing historical clothing that causes me to want to sew for as long as I possibly can without stopping? Probably because it's so much fun. ;)

I used three different patterns actually for this dress. Using the 1914 Afternoon Dress pattern from Sense & Sensibility, I greatly modified the bodice. Several years ago I made a white cotton lawn dress without ever making a trial mock bodice. The neckline and shoulders were far to big on me (even for a Norwegian/English build) and I sold it eventually, with even now regrets. It was a really pretty dress! Back to this dress: I grabbed some cotton fabric from my stash and began eyeballing how I thought the bodice should look like with the neckline/shoulders not to wide, and also squared off the neckline.

This beautiful picture has always been a favorite, and it was my main inspiration for this dress:

For the sleeves, I wasn't sure if I wanted straight or lightly gathered. Did I want them shorter or elbow length? Lace or no lace? Looking through my patterns, I found an original 19-teens blouse pattern and decided to use it. Nothing like using something period correct! And for the skirts, I knew I wanted straight skirts; no gathers or pleats. Anything that will slimline a person is greatly favored. ;) I used a modern skirt pattern that was based off of an original 1914 wedding gown.

This is the result!

Right off from the beginning, I knew that I wouldn't keep this dress. As much as this is a beautiful delicate pink, and the vintage lace detailing and vintage buttons kept tempting me, this freckled strawberry blonde looks dreadfully sick in pale pink. It pains me to have to sell it, but I'm sure whoever decides that they must own it will love it as much as I do.

This link will take you to more pictures and the listing. I'm off to teach a violin lesson, but if you have your eye out for some 1930s aprons, I'll be adding at least one to the shop this afternoon. To warn you, it is a very tempting piece of material that looks perfect made into a 1930s depression era apron! ;)

Cutouts, ribbons, T-straps, heels, and a GIVEAWAY!

If you know me or have been a blog reader or pinterest-follower for some time now, you probably know that I have quite the weakness for shoes. Particularly vintage-inspired ones.

 

I used to make fun of one of my sisters for having more shoes than two people in our house put together. And, I hate to confess to you, already have a collection going:

 

Soft stripe in a grey color with fun cutouts and satin black ribbons

The faux buttoned straps sold me...

Brown oxford-styled heels

Satin white Titanic-reproductions which I'm saving for either a reenactment or my wedding someday (which ever comes first!)

Imagine my delight when I was notified this morning that American Duchess just began a week-long giveaway for a free pair of their Gibson Edwardian Shoes. The overall style, vintage appeal and colors available make these just beautiful! You may be a pessimist like I am in the chances of winning a giveaway, but it certainly doesn't hurt or cost you anything but a little time to enter! 



Click here to ENTER!

"The Queen of England" Apron

A few days ago some lovely periwinkle floral cotton made by Laura Ashley came in the mail. Some pink did too, but I wanted to make myself an apron out of this fabric.

Yesterday as I was cutting it out, my youngest brother walks by and asks, "Is that for the Queen of England?"I wasn't sure if he was joking or trying to pay a compliment to it's lovely color which, I'm sure, would suit the Queen quite well. :)

At any rate, I used Sense & Sensibility's Edwardian Apron Pattern. Years ago I made one for myself (it may have been before I had a blog...) and it has worn to its death so it was high time to make another one.

I shortened the length by 8" or so since having a sweeping hem isn't always practical. On my last one, I think I took some length off and then added some 1/2" tucks to the hem so I wouldn't be constantly tripping on it.

The fabric called for some antique elegance, so I found some white laces in my stash and formed them into a square design; something often found in the Edwardian era. This time around I made self-fabric bias tape. The result is quite pleasing.

A view of the back. I added maybe 1/2" to the back belt piece (if you've made this, you know what I'm referring to) but other than that, and the length, I made no changes to the pattern.

Thanks for letting me share!

It is finished (and a sneak peak)!!

As soon as I finished sewing the last button onto the belt, I ran upstairs to try it on. My youngest brother called out to me "You look like you could be on Downton Abbey!" when my sister was taking these quick shots.

Yes, I love it! And it fits with no trial fittings beforehand! The belt is a wee bit snug, so I'll probably need to make another one if I'll be wearing it for a length of time.

More pictures and details to follow when I can do a real photoshoot of wearing a hat (still trying to decide how to decorate it ... any milliners out there?) gloves, heels, and all that fun stuff. :)

Sneak Peek of the 1914 dress!

Yes, ladies! Progress is being made. It has been one of those projects where it has been hard to stop working on it and do something else . . .for instance, go to bed. ;)

The lace overlay is kind of along the lines of a princess-seamed jumper, but with the curved hemline and seams going into the shoulder rather than at the bust. It is supposed to be lined, but why line it when I want to see the gold silk underneath the bodice and skirt? Since the skirt is a separate piece than the rest which you saw in my previous post, I had to lining the bodice of the lace dress with the silk and only to the length of a waistline. Since it would be worn with a belt over all, who would know?

Only you and I. ;)

I serged the seams of the silk bodice lining to look "professional" though not a period correct-approved method, but when I came to sewing the lace, I did not want a serger finished seam to be seen. I chose to do french-seams so there would be no chance of unraveling or an untidied appearance.

I'll be doing this to the shoulder seams and side seams which I haven't sewed yet. I'll probably either turn up the hem a couple of times or do a roll hem with my serger, instead of the pattern's facing pieces for the skirt so as to not see 2" to 3" of fabric at the hem on the underside. Make sense? If not, that's okay. ;)

For the sleeves I've been going back and forth. I went ahead and cut out the long sleeves that came with the pattern using the lace fabric (and not doing the embellishments on the sleeves). Now that the majority of the dress IS sewn, I'm wondering if perhaps I should do 3/4 length sleeves? Or I even thought of doing silk cap sleeves with the lace long sleeves (seems like I saw this or something similar on Downton Abbey...) over it. What would you do? or what would you prefer to wear? or would that last idea be not period accurate?

I still have yet to sew the belt (confession: I folded the fabric, and pinned it in the back to Arabella), finish off the neckline with the facings, put in the back zipper, and then I think this dress will be finished! Can hardly wait to wear it. :)

Provision and Progress

What a sad thing it is to be separated.

On Monday Dad and I took my serger and sewing machine into the repair shop. My sewing machine is "fine" although the lever to lift up the presser foot has been tight with the occasional sprinkling of silver powder (metal?) coming down from that area. It still worked so I never said anything about it, but Dad said to say something next time.

He likened that to driving around with an engine light on in my car and me saying, "Oh but it still runs so I'll just keep driving" but ignoring the problem. That analogy could be said of our spiritual lives, too, I think. God sometimes pricks our hearts of areas that need attention and we just try to ignore those promptings when not only have have a problem that will only worsen with time, but we're also building up a wall, brick by brick, around our heart...

Well. So here is Cheri without a sewing machine and serger. While I don't always sew (surprise, surprise to some of you!), I do get into "sewing swings" of not sewing for weeks/months, but then oppositely, sometimes I DO sew for several days/weeks in a row. What does a seamstress do without her machines for 7-10 days? "What if I get really inspired to sew something NOW and can't?" I wondered. ;)

I could start sewing by hand... I could start mending my yellow purse (used for the spring and summer months). I could fix another duck of Sadie's. I could pick up a crocheting project that I started years ago. I could work on some more tatting. But one of my sisters came to my rescue and said that I could use her sewing machine and serger for as long as I needed to. Her machines are several "notches" above mine in what they do, so I'm quite delighted to use them. :D

Yesterday I finished the silk underskirt for my 1914 dress. I love how the shape and fit turned out.

The invisible zipper even went in without any ripples or curves. Zippers and I don't always like each other.

Last night I finally cut out the rest of the dress. Have I ever mentioned that THE thing I dislike about sewing would be having to cut out? It's ridiculous, I know. One can't sew unless something is cut out to sew! The other thing that I dislike in sewing is whenever I put in "hidden" side pockets. Pockets on the outside I love doing, and especially when doing all sorts of designs or using fun trim, but the other ones: no thankyou! :)

Anyone out there have anything that you don't like doing in a sewing project?

An Earl Grey kind of Day

Today I'm taking a break from the Dress It Up series to focus on other priorities around me. Trying to get errands done before the storm hits (we've heard conflicting reports from thunderstorms and tornadoes with lots of rain to three feet of snow ... we decided to ignore all weather reports and just wait until whatever it is, comes) and then get back to work on my current sewing project.

[Bringing in a bit of springtime beauty just in case we do get that snow!]

I started sewing the silk underskirt the other day, and I forgot how regal it feels to sew with silk(::winks::) not to mention a historical inspired dress. Ahh, it's been to long! I tried it on over a skirt, tank, and sweater and it fit like a charm. I've decided to take the plunge and make an edwardian corset, which I probably should have made before sewing, but I can easily take in the back skirt seam if the skirt ends up being to big after being worn over period undergarments.

[Photo copyrighted to my talented sister]

Dark storm clouds hovering the western horizion and shutting oneself in one's sewing room calls for some Earl Grey tea. This morning I drove ... well, you don't want to know how far (!) to pick up this loose tea. I even paid a full price of $6.99 for it, but it seemed reasonable since I can't get it for less on ebay or amazon. The Twinings is my favorite kind of Earl Grey, and tastes best with some french vanilla creamer poured in the biggest mug you can find and fill.

I'm Dreaming of a 1914 Dress

Several years ago my parents bought me Anne Shirley's Wedding Dress pattern, and just this spring I've pulled it out with some fabric and started dreaming. I've had the gold silk duponi in my stash for a year or so now (shh...I only paid $2 for the yardage, thanks to one of my wonderful thrift stores!), the vintage buttons, and very recently picked up the lace fabric (also from the thrift store).

I'm thinking of making the underskirt with the silk, and then the whole dress out of the lace, but line the bodice with the silk also so it would be underneath the lace. Make sense? I'm not going to make the sleeves like the pattern, but I haven't come up with any other ideas yet.

After I publish this post, I'm going to look up what those buttons are saying. Here's hoping it's not anything to crazy! ;) Am I the only one who finds vintage metal buttons fascinating?

Do I have an occasion for this dress? no...

Why am I making it? um...for fun?

Maybe it's because of Downton Abbey? maybe...

Perhaps you like the Edwardian era? oh yes...

Or you grew up with Anne of Green Gables and always longed for a kindred spirit? most definitely...

Edwardian Inspired Heels

Over the weekend, I brought home some Edwardian looking heels made in early 1990s (?) from the thrift store and as soon as my youngest sister saw them, she looked at me seriously and said, "I think we're watching to much of Downton Abbey."



But shes loves Downton Abbey AND the shoes as much as I do. I'll have to keep her from stealing them. ::winks::

Having grown up on Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea, Road to Avonlea series, I found myself quite at home watching Downton Abbey (other than those dreadful scenes to fast-forward). Being predominately English,I have been glued to it and find the culture very appealing. My father has been to England on many occasions because of his job, and he tells us that it is like a home away from home for him. Of course we girls beg him to take us one of these days. ("Daddy, it would be a perfect summer vacation!")

Finishing the 2nd season just last night, I'm full of inspiring ideas to go through my patterns and fabric stash to make up something from the 1912-1918 time period. Having patterns from Sense & Sensibility as well as Hint of History I'm trying to decide what to make. No worries, you'll hear about it all when I get to it. :)

Post-script: A blog reader kindly notified that she couldn't post any comments, and after looking into it, it was a dreadful error on my part and the issue has been resolved. I am now gladly welcoming comments. :)

1905 Anne Shirley-Inspired Blouse

Just this afternoon I had the strong desire to pull out some fabric from my dwindling stash bin and combine it with a winsome and old fashioned pattern.

I found a match.
I have already cut most of it out, and have already begun sewing some. I'm guessing that I may have enough room in front for some vintage mother of pearl buttons, and I'm wanting to add that vintage lace somewhere. Perhaps hem the cuffs with it on the 3/4 length sleeves?

We'll see how it decides to turn out. Perhaps if it turns out well, I'll pair it with a ankle length blue skirt and wear a red scarf with it for my church's Old Fashioned Sunday picnic on the 4th of July. Do I dare bring my straw boater hat and vintage boots shown in these pictures?

Goodbye, Miss Rose

The time has come for me to say farewell ...
... and also to this gorgeous (never worn) Edwardian Butterfly Comb

Take a look on ebay

10 Dollar Totes

While this week's work schedule isn't that much different than last week (you would have not wanted to see me last weekend!) I have been able to get in the sewing room a little bit more. Thanks to some brilliant readers out there, I'll be able to get those sashes attached to the 1912 dress and hopefully listed on ebay soon. Or perhaps a reader would like to save me the trouble of doing so, and purchase it directly?

This afternoon I pulled out a prairie blouse that I've had cut out for awhile, and start pieceing the brown calico together. The inspiration to make it came from recently watching the Dr. Quinn series that they did back in the 90's. Our local libraries have most, if not all of the seasons so we've been having fun watching several episodes. Anyhoo...

What was I making this post for? Oh yes! I marked down all the totes in the shop down to $10 each. Considering the amount of yardage, time put into them, AND that they are reversible, that't not to bad. Here's what I've got.

Stuck

So. After examining my inspiration a bit closer, it appears the the "swim dress" had two sashes and a both of silky look texture.
Two instead of picking up chiffon, I picked up two kinds of polyester silky-like fabrics.

My question now is, how do I attach it to the dress?

Should I sew the sash to the side seams and then pretty close to the zipper? How do I obtain it without seeing a bunch of sewn-down seams everywhere?

Any suggestions?