Back from hiatus with a new HSM challenge #1:Firsts and Lasts

Well, that was unexpected...

I didn't expect to be away for so long, but the last two years have been pretty uneven and this blog just kind of fell by the wayside. But now that I have some spare time, what better way to pick it up again than with a new challenge.

This was supposed to be the finishing touch on a previous dress, but life got in the way. As it stands, it'll be a great addition to most of the dresses I own.

The Challenge: Firsts and Lasts

Material: Lilac Picot Ribbon and artificial flowers

Pattern: Um, no.

Year: 1830's to 1860's

Notions: Thread

How historically accurate is it? Handsewn

Hours to complete: 1-2 hours

First worn: Not yet

Total cost: Free

HSF '14 Challenge 21: Re-do

I missed challenge #4 the first time around (I was visiting my sister in Washington) and so I took the opportunity to make a second chemise. 

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The Challenge: Re-do of underneath it all

Fabric: The same cotton batiste as the chemise I made for the UFO Challenge.

Pattern: Self drafted

Year: The Victorian era

Notions: Thread and ribbon

How historically accurate is it? Machine and hand sewn

Hours to complete: A day and a half

First worn: November 16th

Total cost: Free

HSF Challenge #19: Inspiration

Another fortnight, another challenge! After seeing this lovely pair of under-sleeves by The dreamstress, I was inspired to make a pair for the Bright Copper Penny Dress.

The material for these sleeves started out it's life as part of a set of curtains found at the goodwill. They were originally going to be a dress, but one of the panels decided to shred in the middle while it was in the wash. The fabric's a wee bit sheer on it's own, so I lined it with some cotton voile I had lying around.

             I like this fabric so much that I just might make a chemisette out of the leftovers.

                                          And here's what they look like with the sleeves:

The Challenge: Inspiration

The challenge you were inspired by: The dreamstress' engageantes

Fabric: Embroidered cotton and voile

Pattern:  Nope

Year: 1850's-60's

Notions: Thread, hooks and eyes

How historically accurate is it? Machine and hand sewn

Hours to complete: 3

First worn: Not yet, probably to Dickens Fair

Total cost: $2

A bright copper penny, or: HSF challenge #14: Paisley or Plaid

Since I'm not attending Costume College this year (except for a quick turn about the marketplace,) I find myself at leisure to write about my newest challenge entry. I've been working on some non-HSF related projects and given my utter ambivalence towards paisley, there was really only one thing I could do. But first a little back story:

The "Bright Copper Penny Dress" (so nicknamed because my friend saw the fabric and said I'd look like a bright copper penny in it) was originally made to wear to my reenactment group's Hogmanay celebration earlier this year. I trimmed it with lace and piping and added a pair of sheer silk under-sleeves, which work well for evenings, but I wanted to wear the dress to day events as well.

I had bought the last four yards on the roll and I didn't have enough for a separate day bodice, but fortunately I came across some extant 1850's convertible dresses in my ramblings on pinterest. I adore the idea that with a pair of detachable sleeves and a pelerine you can go from day to evening with the greatest of ease, To my astonishment and very good luck, there was just enough left of this beautiful silk to make a pair of over-sleeves:

                            They'll eventually be basted in under the cap sleeve of the bodice, although I've also seen versions that tie.

                                                                          The lining

                      The sleeve is piped around the edge with brown cotton bias piping.

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The Challenge: Paisley or Plaid

Fabric: Plaid silk dupioni, cranberry cotton

Pattern: Drafted by me

Year: Late 1850's

Notions: Thread, bias piping, green buttons, cranberry bias tape

How historically accurate is it? Machine and hand sewn

Hours to complete: about a day

First worn: Not yet, probably in December

Total cost: ??

HSF '14 #8: UFO

As I've previously stated, I don't really have an unfinished projects pile. I tend not to make anything without an event/challenge to wear it for. But I do have an abundant fabric pile, and so I decided I needed a new chemise.

I've had this pink batiste for a very long time, but there was never enough to really do anything with until now. It's so light and soft and breathable, I've even started wearing it as a nightgown! 

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The Challenge: UFO

Fabric: Cotton batiste

Pattern:  Self drafted

Year:  Works for most of the Victorian era, but if pressed, I'd say 1850's

Notions: Thread, bias tape and ribbon

How historically accurate is it? Half machine-sewn and half hand-sewn

Hours to complete: About a day and a half

First worn: Continuously

Total cost: Free

HSF '14 #6: One dancing princess, worn out shoes sold separately.

 This fortnight's challenge is fairytale. One of my favorite stories growing up was the Twelve Dancing Princesses, and since most of the costumes I make get worn to balls, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to make a bodice for the Pink Eugenie skirt. 

I had a little better lighting than the last time I tried to photograph this dress, so the color is much closer to real life. I have more of this pink silk, and I might make a day bodice to go with it.

And Esca, adding the finishing touches

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With each post or photo be sure to give your item a name/title and tell us:

The Challenge: Fairytale

Fabric: Pink silk dupioni

Pattern: Original

Year: 1850's

Notions: Thread, embroidered lace

How historically accurate is it? Machine sewn

Hours to complete: Half a week

First worn: Not yet

Total cost: Free

HSF '14 challenge #3: Pink or, chasing the blues away

I adore the color pink, it's right up there with stripes on my list of favorite things to wear. So when this challenge was announced, I was thrilled! 

The skirt is made of a lovely coral pink silk with a sky blue weft. I'm afraid the photos don't do it justice, as I was shooting at night, and with rather poor lighting makes it look almost orange.

Here's the original. Nearly a year ago, I'd made an 1850's ballgown out of vivid blue silk inspired by one of the dresses in the Eugenie Project. But when I'd finished it, I found the color combo didn't suit me much at all, and so the Blue Eugenie became the Pink Eugenie. 

The trim around the top flounce is from Gilding the Lily in Fullerton and the lace is from Cheep Trims.

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The Challenge:  Pink

Fabric:  Silk Dupioni

Pattern:  Nope

Year:  1855

Notions:  Thread, Lace

How historically accurate is it?  The lace is synthetic

Hours to complete:  20

First worn:  Not yet

Total cost: Raided my fabric stash, so free.

I probably won't make anything for challenge #4 as I will be venturing into the great northern wilds of Washington State to visit my sister.