sunnuntai 13. lokakuuta 2013

So, what's next?

I've been madly busy and away from home for the past few weeks; it always seems that September and the first half of October are the busiest months for me (if you don't count the summer, that is). Now I'm actually looking at several full weeks at home, so some sewing would be nice (What dissertation? What dance competition rehearsals?).
I still have the blue Regency dress that I need to finish. I'm done with maybe 1/4 of the embroidery on it, so that's one project. I also need new Regency stays; for some reason both the pairs I have gave me horrible shoulder cramps all week long in Bath, so I've decided to try and make a new pair. I'd like to try the patterns that Sabine of Kleidung um 1800 researched so expertly.
I also searched Etsy for sarees and managed to find two very nice embroidered silk sarees, so once they arrive, I have a couple of new gowns to make. I still want to block print a gown fabric, too, if I ever find suitable thin, white cotton (I'm beginning to lose hope :P ).
I also want to make a highnecked Regency gown, after this fabulous number from the Eremitage collection in St. Petersburgh:



Curiously, I'm suddenly drawn to the later 19th century styles. I came across this painting via The Ornamented Being tumblr and fell in love. I have absolutely no experience in the 1880s styles, not to mention the underwear etc. But a girl can dream, no?

Portrait of Anne-Marie Dagnan, 1880, Gustave Claude Étienne Courtois, via The Ornamented Being

7 kommenttia:

  1. All I'm gonna say is if your gonna hand sew and cord your stays for Bath your gonna need to start now....it takes forever. lol!
    I've just made a start on drafting my bib front dress...from scratch - I say drafting is more like draping in pape - and my spencer for Bath.
    Those 1880's syles can be very elegant looking. I've recently started taking an interest in victorian (post regency but pre-hoop) clothing.

    VastaaPoista
    Vastaukset
    1. I did some cording on my green Regency stays and I kind of liked sewing it :) Good luck with your sewing projects, I can't wait to make another gown, I wish the sarees would get here fast!
      I also secretly like the 1830s styles! I've been wanting to make a dress after the red 1838 dress in the KCI collection for ages.

      Poista
  2. Oh, that portrait of Anne-Marie is gorgeous! 1880's is a fabulous decade fashion wise. To see you make a gown from that era would make me very happy.

    VastaaPoista
    Vastaukset
    1. The portrait is lovely but I'd basically have to invent the hem and whatever is going on at the back of the gown (bustle? natural form? something else?). You wouldn't have any advice to share on 1880s sewing? :)

      Poista
  3. I love Courtois painting! All of the lovely details on the bodice alone make for a very fabulous dress! I have seen your dresses and Pelisses (I hope that is correct) and am so very confident that if you choose to make an 1880s dress, it will look exquisite!!! Go for it!

    Gina

    ps...the underwear from this era is seriously beautiful! ;-)

    VastaaPoista
    Vastaukset
    1. Thank you! I've been looking at museum pieces and period fashion plates all morning and the idea of making anything from 1880s feels rather daunting...

      Poista
  4. Well, if you ever feel anxious about the 1880s, there are many ladies who I know will help with whatever question you have! After you make your first piece, the rest will be so very easy! I know I will be using you as inspiration when I start in on the Regency era! Swoon...your outfits are superb!

    VastaaPoista