It’s hard to think of sewing and write blog posts when a most beloved family member is taken to her deathbed. My paternal grandmother left us for her eternal heavenly home on April 10th.
For the past couple weeks I’ve taken a step back from the usual stresses of life. (Of course, the bills still need to be paid, arrangements made, and the dishes washed (do I really have to do that now??).
But then I did what comes naturally – I found myself back in the sewing room. And the projects have been started. Motivation comes from action. Life goes on. So here is what’s in the works as I pick up the pieces to move forward.
The 1873 Licorice Princess dress is halfway done! Ok… well, it’s already at this point because I’m re-using the underskirt from my 1875 Scotch & Soda dress. Re-purpose costume pieces? You bet!
The evening bodice will be taken from the 1873 Blackberry Cream pattern with some minor adjustments. I found some lovely net lace & edging in downtown Los Angeles last weekend that will butter it up nicely. Mmm… lace…
You see, I’m wearing the dress with my new tiara. So the dress demands some trim to simply balance all that sparkly-ness on the top of my head. Still working on the trim design but it’s coming along… and therapeutic too.
The other large project to come out to play on the cutting table is the 1838 Persimmon Puff Dress. I have managed to copy the pattern and cut the mockup fabric (after a quick trip to the store for muslin – because wouldn’t you know I run out and the last yard & a half on the bolt will only mockup ONE sleeve. Yeah… HUGE is an understatement for this sleeve.
The last project that has pushed itself into my schedule is my gown for the Costume College Gala. Now, unfortunately I can’t give you much details but, think *yellow.* Happy yellow. And white lace trim.
It’s going to be a reproduction of a movie costume that initially inspired me to go into making historical costumes. It’s one of those “I’m only going to make this dress once” projects. I’ve had the lace for about 15 years… Time to use it huh?
My grandmother would be proud. 🙂
My condolences on the passing of your grandmom. Mine passed away 5 years ago. She was my hero, my best friend, my personal cheerleader, and the strongest person I have ever known. She came from a long line of Italian tailors and seamstresses and my favorite memory is just being able to sit by her side while she worked on garments. I learned so much from her and she even admitted to learning a little from me too. Lol. It took a year to finish the Civil War ball gown that I had started as she was getting sick. A part of me knew that to finish it would mean that she wouldn’t be there to see it. The other part of me knew that she will always be there cheering me on and when I get frustrated at the material or the machine or the pattern or myself, I just put things in her hands. I am so glad that you have continued to sew and you are an inspiration to me and so many others. Keep up the great work!
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother.
Thanks June.
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my grandmother about 3 years ago, and I think I just went numb for a while. She helped raise me and my sister, and we were very close. I got my crafting interests from her, love of reading, and oh, the two of us could laugh ourselves right out of our chairs with tears streaming down our faces. Getting back into the daily routine really helped. I know she is happily reunited with loved ones, and I feel her with me as I enjoy things we once did together. Whenever I get a fit of the giggles, I always think of her. I hope you are able to find comfort in happy memories when you are ready for them.
My condolences on your loss, and congratulations as well, on being able to find solace and purpose through creating. This blog never ceases to provide inspiration!
jennifer, sorry for the loss of your grandma. take care of yourself
Thanks Jayne.
So sorry to hear about your grandma. I am sure that picking up your sewing again will help you with your loss.
Sorry to hear about your grandma 🙁 My husband’s grandma died a year ago, she was close to 90! But it was hard to handle her in her last years, not her body but her mind was slowing down, and it still frustrates me that we were so unpatience with her! 🙁 She was a seamstress too 🙂 Carry on sewing…
I am sorry to hear about your grandmother. Mine passed on to Glory last March. Hard to believe she is gone. 🙁 I don’t actually know if she was much of a seamstress or not…but I do have a distinct memory of her in her early 80’s setting up her machine and making a simple little quilt for her first great-granddaughter. I hope my cousin kept it! Once she was gone, I was blessed to inherit her 1945 wedding gown…all cream and lace. It fits me fairly well and I need to get some pictures of it. Love the photo of you and your grandma, by the way. How special. 🙂 And you both are so pretty.
Thanks Sarah. And how wonderful you have her wedding gown!
Thanks. I have a yellow two tone taffeta on hand, and I was curious. I’ll definitely take a look at Renaissance Fabrics. Silk Baron had a beautiful dupioni in a saffron that is gorgeous, so I wasn’t really sure to use this for this Pingat design. Thanks so much Jennifer! Happy Easter!
Is that silk taffeta pictured? I’m thinking about using taffeta instead of duchess satin for a Pingat tea gown instead. I don’t like the stiffness of the silk satin I’ve handled and I wanted to have more movement in the train of the tea gown. Silk satin is just so way out of my budget.
The black ruffles are silk dupioni (few slubs & cheaper than taffeta); the orange and navy fabrics for the 1838 dress are both silk taffeta. The yellow solid is poly satin and the sheer is poly organza. Silk taffeta has a stiff but light hand. Silk satin is very expensive. Have you seen the new ones at Renaissance Fabrics? They have a silk face in satin but a rayon backing that keeps the cost down. I’ve handled them and they are exquisite!
sorry you lost your nana mine was a seamstress we have 4 generations that I know of on either side made me what I am today and loving it .Happy Easter time God bless you
Thank you. Happy Easter!
I’m so sorry to hear of the death of your grandma. My grandpa passed away recently; he and I were very close. Nothing can ever replace a lost grandparent.
Also, that 1838 dress has been on my list for a long time! (Since I was 15!) Although, something similar to this beauty may come first, since I have a 5-yard length of some lovely blue and yellow silk taffeta on my shelf.
I LOVE that plaid dress!
Oh, so do I… So do I. I really think it’s the next things after the calico day dress.
Thank you, I needed this. My auntie, whom I was Trustee and POA for, passed away recently too and I’m still mired in all the paperwork and can’t get back into my sewing mode. But Auntie loved reading about my sewing adventures so maybe she would like me to knuckle down and get to it. I wished she’d been able to see my dress for Gala too. Both our gowns are made in love.
Val
So sorry to hear about your grandmother! Your smile looks very much like hers…
I’m sure she was proud of where you’ve taken your costuming!
I’d love to know what store you found that yummy lace in- for reference in August!
I got the trims at Target Trim on 9th in Downtown L.A. It’s further down 9th past Wall St by a couple blocks on the northeast side of the street. It’s huge & PACKED!
Sorry to hear about your grandma. 🙁 -hug-
Thanks Stephanie.