Hello Fabrics!!! In continuing my current obsession of dirndls, I wanted to cover fabrics one can use to make these wonderful ensembles for daily wear or special occasions. Before jumping into your fabric stash be sure to review my post on general elements of dirndl and Trachten wear, then also my post on dirndl patterns Read More...
Tag: Silk
1873 Blackberry Cream Victorian Ensemble
It’s finished!! After over four years I finally have completed my first objective of the day bodice to this incredibly fun ensemble! As in true Victorian spirit, the initial plan was to make the day bodice first then add an evening bodice later. It is the accurate way to get more mileage out of those Read More...
The Autumn Dress Fabrics, The Delineator, October 1902
THE AUTUMN DRESS FABRICS WITH ILLUSTRATIONS IN ACTUAL SIZE, OF NEW DESIGNS IN FANCY VELVETS, AND VELVET CORD This 2-page article was featured on pages 546 & 547 of the October 1902, The Delineator magazine. Just think! Our great grandmothers were pouring over these fabric & color hints to get the latest news of Read More...
Progress on the *Orange* 1838 Persimmon Puff Dress
Ok, so orange was probably the last color I would have expected to sew with. Well… at least make an entire dress out of. But then I came across THIS DRESS over at the Met Museum’s website. O.M.G. I was (and still am) in love!!! So of course I have to reproduce it…. Read More...
The 3-Hour Hat Non-Tutorial
Making hats is an elusive process – at least in the research portion. So anytime a tutorial pops up online showing how to make one, we rabid costumers gobble up each and every delicious photo trying to decipher which piece is what and where it goes in relation to other pieces. Well… unfortunately this is Read More...
The Purple Silk Edwardian Corset
Made from the same blackberry cream silk I used on my 1873 ruched gown, I can now add Edwardian corset to my list of completed projects. Yay! Last summer Heather over at Truly Victorian came out with the most delicious surprises – she had ventured over the Century mark into the Edwardian Era. Did you Read More...
Visit to Downtown LA for Costumes & Fabrics
Yesterday my husband and I made our annual trip to FIDM to see the Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibit in their museum. And, as always, we were not disappointed. (No photography is allowed in the museum so no pretty photos to gaze at the costumes.) It’s so much fun to see the movie Read More...
A Stroll Thru a French Jardin
Fashion Plate from La Mode Illustree, circa 1886 These lovely ladies are wearing such confections I just had to share! Since I don’t have the original magazine issue with the description of the plate I’ll list my own suggestions for how to make these costumes yourself. Read More...