It’s that time of year again to marvel at the projects you completed during the year and kick yourself for ones that didn’t get done. (Or maybe it’s just frustration at having the lack of sewing time to complete the to-do pile…)
As noted in my 2012 list, reviewing my completed projects is not something I do/did. I’m always looking forward to upcoming projects. (Man, am I excited for 2014!!)
Although, it’s not all bad to look back and see what you’ve accomplished. It sure is a confidence booster because you get a glance at techniques you didn’t think you could do but did them anyway. This makes going forward so much more fun for upcoming challenges!
My sewing time in 2013 was limited as I was serving 230 students in our online classes. Whoot! Here’s run down of what DID get accomplished.
1880 Paisley Imperial Lobster Tail Bustle
Because why not have a red bustle?! Who’s to see that intricate paisley pattern anyways? Besides, wool paisley fabrics were quite popular for bustles in the 1870s & 1880s. You can see one here.
The bustle was needed for future 1880s shelf bustle projects. But the project was also to create our Lobster Tail Bustle Class. I LOVE the shape, easy pattern and perfect silhouette.
Bustle Era Blue Stripe Petticoat Bustle
Many, many years ago I made the Truly Victorian Petticoat Bustle – back when my hips were a couple inches smaller. I’ve needed a new one for years and since at the beginning of 2013 I was deep into petticoats and bustles I decided the time had come for a new one. Yay for better fitting silhouette supports!
1870s Trained Bustle
Later in the year I had a trained dinner gown planned. Remember, for a well-done historical ensemble we must start from the skin out. Laughing Moon had released a wired, trained bustle pattern, and I decided it would support my skirt in a way petticoats only couldn’t.
The construction wasn’t too bad, only the lack of wire cutting lengths left out of the instructions. Ugh… But the result worked well.
For more details on all three of the above bustle projects you can read the delightful story of struggles and heroic achievements in The Tail of 3 Bustles.
1887 Summer Berry Trifle Dress
June brought a needed vacation for me and my husband. We ended up in Boise, Idaho (a new state for us) to meet fellow costuming friends for a costuming workshop and enjoy the area.
Of course, going to dinner in costume demanded a new dress.
The late 1880s full bustle silhouette started with the formation of the underskirt to support the multi-directional striped fabric. I pushed through the voice of procrastination and finished the buttons in time for dinner.
I’m loving the all-stripe Berry dress! It’s great fun to wear.
1887 Summer Berry Hat
No period correct outfit is complete without a hat (or bonnet). The Summer Berry Hat project not only completed the 1887 Berry Dress but helped produce another new online class where we make Bustle Era hats.
I have had to fend off hungry folks wanting to steal a bite of the (plastic) strawberry. Ha!
1875 Scotch & Soda Dinner Dress
The last big project of the year came in the form of expensive silk tartan fabric transformed into a dinner dress for the Costume College gala in early August.
Much drool has been wiped up over viewing of this fashion plate. When the chance came to purchase fabric in my family’s MacGregor tartan sett I pulled out this plate and started the challenge.
The dinner dress came together with blood, sweat and tears (don’t they all?). And I’m over the moon proud to represent my clan and distant cousins through a time-traveling historical costume.
1912 Sugared Violets Hat
To finish out the year, aside from making necessary repairs and setting on heretofore pushed aside hooks & eyes, I managed to build a Titanic Era/Edwardian hat.
The accompanying 1913 striped dress has been cut out. However, the required silk for lining was not to be found in the stash so the project has been delayed. So… I made the hat first.
The 18″ frame was cut from crown buckram using Lynn McMasters’ basic pattern and covered with a striped cotton sateen. The tulle was simply draped around the crown and hand tacked down. The bow is a poly lining fabric that will also be used on the dress. The belt buckle was an antique store find. 🙂
Now bring on 2014!! In making a new year’s sewing list I will always glance at the projects from years past to see whether or not to add anything back in. As you know, it’s the new outfits that excite and a shoulder is shrugged at those “old” undone projects. Oh well…
Here’s what’s on my docket so far
- 1913 Sugared Violets Dress
- Petticoat in coffee print fabric (because FUN!)
- 1838 Persimmon Puff dress
- 1890s All-black dress (skirt & bodice)
- C.1900 Walking skirts and basic blouses (2 sets) for everyday wear
Other 2014 projects I can’t mention just yet will be for new online classes. Regency and Civil War are fighting it out…)
What was your favorite completed costume project of 2013? What project are you looking forward to making in 2014?
for the 1887 Summer Berry Trifle Dress, am I allowed to ask what pattern(s) did you use? I found a pretty plaid and a matching solid violet cotton and think it would look lovely in this style. I will be making a basic bustle from the TV 108 pattern so would like to be able to wear it over that, if possible. I think using the plaid for the apron and the parts you used the striped fabric on the bodice and then the violet for the underskirt, the front and collar of the bodice is the look I’m wanting. I do also have the Ageless Patterns #1466 for a Basque Belt that might work instead of an “apron” front.
I haven’t quite gotten to the stage (courage-wise) to combine patterns (a sleeve from this and a collar fron that) but am working towards it. So if you did that sort of thing, let me know and I might go ahead and try that.
And thanks again for all your help.
Yes, you can read about the 1887 Berry dress here. Sounds like you have a wonderful costume in the works! Good luck!
Very pretty pastel ostrich feather on the 1912 Sugared Violets Hat, Jennifer. Hope you got it from us. I enjoy your Facebook posts
What a year you had! I love the 1870’s trained bustle…have had my eye on it for some time now and I’m thinking this is might be the year. I loved scotch and Soda from the start – I have a copy of the same fashion plate and adore it.
Thanks for a wonderful 2013, looking forward again to learning throughout 2014.
My favorite project of 2013 was my 1908 hat…one of the few times the vision in my head came perfectly to life. I bit off waaay more than I was capable of finishing in 2013, as in it took me 2 1/2 months to hand sew a Regency chemise (sheesh), so I’ve re-assessed 2014.
I have my eye set on the HSF 2014 challenge. I’m looking to getting all of my vintage undies repaired (hand sewing) and in tiptop shape (HSF challenge #1). I’ll be continuing to do battle with my Regency Long Stays (do I hear a class coming?). I’ll learn how to make a Regency bonnet from scratch. And “whip up” an 1870’s Victorian ensemble. And perhaps a late Edwardian (i.e., long torso) corset – I have a custom-drafted pattern that’s is patiently waiting its turn.
Good heavens, looks like I’m overdoing it again….:-)
I don’t think we ever stop dreaming of all the stuff we want to make! 😀
Yes, a Regency corset class is in the preliminary planning stages and will be offered in the coming months (or so).
That Sugared Violets hat!! OMG, it’s gorgeous! I adore the hats in the first season of “Downton Abbey”–those giant, beautifully decorated creations. I can’t wait to see the matching dress.
Although I do not like the lobster tail bustle (because it looks like a lobster, lol!), I love what you did with yours (because it looks like a totally boiled lobster)! And it looks better on you than the pattern illustration.
The Scotch & Soda and Berry Trifle dresses are just delightful.
Can’t wait for dessert–the Sugared Violets dress!
So many gorgeous costumes!!!
I’m wishing you even greater success in 2014!
Thanks Deb! You too!!