Ever come across the term “for an elderly lady” when researching antique sewing patterns and designs? Yeah…. So what does THAT mean?? My mom is in her sixties. If you read about a 65 year-old woman in the news you might think that’s an elderly woman. But then I consider my 102 year-old living great-grandmother Read More...
Tag: Ball gown
Blackberry Cream for Dinner
The 1873 dress turned out exceptionally yummy. The poufy-ness. The gorgeous heliotrope/wisteria color. The kazillion yards of ruching…. It debuted at the Gala at Costume College 2011 and couldn’t have found a happier setting. Here are a few more photos and notes on the making of this delicious piece. Read More...
The Victorians Did Love Pink! – Original 1860s Bodice
Several years ago I acquired this original bodice that I date to the 1860s. It’s very well made by both hand and machine. Here are some highlights of this darling, but unusual garment. And yes, it is PINK. Read More...
1861 & Dressed for a Party
Ahh.. you can just imagine Melanie’s birthday party ball right before the men go off to fight where the young ladies are dressed in their ruffled gowns trying to capture the attention of some young officer. Read More...
Fabrics for Danceable Regency Ball Gowns
Ok, I admit I love day wear more than evening dress. This is true for both my historical wardrobe and in my 21st C. life. But when it comes to the invitation to a ball, I have to have *something* to wear to the event, right? With a new year of historical costume events planned, Read More...
Something Fun for a Regency Ball
From the January 1812 La Belle Assemblee – a Fancy Ball Dress of a white embroidered gown with green overdress and a matching mustard yellow plaid sash/scarf and turban wrap. Read More...
A Gown for a New Year’s Party
Here’s a pretty gown that would amaze the whole room at a historical fancy dress New Year’s ball. The lace at the neckline is perfect while the skirt hem is tucked like a puffy quilt. Remember to add the rouleaux at the hem to support that heavy puffed trim. Complete the look with tiny arrows in Read More...
Regency Red
I can just see Caroline Bingley in this lovely dress, floating around Netherfield at the ball while gazing down at the country bumpkins invited to the formal affair. Click below to see what Lydia Bennet would like to have. (And can I say that the sleeveless white dress the character wears in the 2006 Pride & Prejudice Read More...