Memory of summer

I had yet another photoshoot day with my photographer pal. This time we did 18th century and I wore my floral print jacket, white petticoat and straw bergere. Back to the nature :)

All photos @ Suvi Korpi. Please do not copy or repost without permission!

A couple of (actually so many, only two here) photos in the studio before going out.

This photo is so layered in content that I can't even. The venue is the ruins of an old church, built in the 16th century. It burned down in 1852 when my hometown burned in its entirety (and was subsequently moved 10km towards the coast and north. I'm standing there wearing 18th century clothes, and the photo was taken with a 21st century camera.

This might be my favourite.

There were sheep!

Revisiting the blue robe à la Francaise

I made my first and so far only robe à la Francaise in 2015 but never wore it to an event until the Christmas ball last November. As I had reworked the trimming entirely, I thought to write a new post about it.
Initially I was happy about the general shape of the robe but the trimmings I first put on it did not feel right. So last year I finally got around changing them and the result is in my opinion much better, frillier, and definitely much more 18th century. The trims consist of  ruched robe fabric frills wit pinked edges, double edged wide lace pleated partly on top of that and partly winding around it, taffeta bows, and hand-crocheted-by-me trim on the sleeve frill edges. The petticoat is also decorated with the same lace and bows and to tie it together with the robe (since they are of different fabrics) I put a net ruffle on the hem of the petticoat. I might make a new petticoat later if I ever manage to find suitable fabric, but the one I have now works fine, too. I still have to adjust the engageantes, because I attached them too low under the sleeve frills and they reach my wrists, which they really shouldn't.
The photos below were all taken by Sanna of Rococo Atelier, and Mia did wonders with my hair.

I had some misgivings about having TOO MUCH frills and bows on this, but then I got over it. Too much frou frou in the 18th century? There is no such thing.

Looking at pictures of the latest hair styles.

The feathers refused to settle and kept turning into this very bunny ears type of an arrangement so I just gave up trying to fix it :P

For sale - 18th century robe a l'anglaise

Everyone everyone! I'm selling this 18th century robe a l'anglaise I made some years ago.

The fabric is red and white striped cotton blend and the robe is entirely handsewn. The bodice is lined with cotton (pink in the bodice, white in the sleeves). The back is cut in en fourreau style.

The robe has been stored in a pet free, non-smoking home. I have worn it once at an indoors event, but it is like new, there is no stretching, stains or smell. I have since fixed the trimmings and added bones on the centre front edges.

The robe closes at centre front with hooks and eyes. It is trimmed at the cuffs and neckline with pleated strips of the robe fabric (both edges of the trimming strips are handrolled).

The hem can be worn straight or tied up in polonaise style. There are ties on the inside to lift the hem up.

Please note that I'm only selling the robe, NOT the petticoat or any other accessories visible in the photos below!

The info in a nutshell:

Price 200€ + mailing costs

Measurements (as taken on the garment)
-waist: 68 cm (26 3/4 inches)
-bust: 84,5cm (33 1/4 inches)
-bodice centre front length: 30cm (11 3/4 inches)
-bodice side length (under arm to waist): 20,5 cm (8 inches)
-bodice centre back length (neckline to waist): 30 cm (11 3/4 inches)
-sleeve length over shoulder to cuff: 36cm (14 1/4 inches)
-sleeve lenght under arm to cuff: 23,5cm (9 1/4 inches)
-sleeve circumference: 33cm (13 inches)
-hem length front: 83cm (32 3/4 inches)
-full length centre back (neckline to hem): 139cm (54 3/4 inches)

Please note that in order to fit right this robe needs to be worn with an 18th century style stays!

1790s round gown and beaded bodice at the Spring Masquerade

My poor neglected blog! I've been busy with my dissertation and dance so I haven't done a lot of sewing lately, but just last Saturday I went to the 18th century Spring Masquerade again, arranged by L'Amusette in Tampere. Here's a couple of photos of me wearing the 1790s round gown and beaded bodice ensemble I made last autumn.

Photos by Sanna-Mari Karppinen & Nora Juusela

Sanna did the impossible and made me look pretty in the photos!

This was the easiest historical hairdo ever: I put my hair in pin curls wet, slept on it, travelled to the ball, took the pins out and poked at the curls a bit, wrapped the 2 scarves into a turban and added feathers. Thats it :)

Dancing "Gustavs Skål". I like our innovative hem tucking solutions. I pulled the train up under the bodice and out of its armscye on the right, worked like a dream.