HSF '14 challenge #9: Black or White

Through trial and error, I've found that my mom is less likely to object me making her a new piece of costuming if I give it to her as a present. So for Mother's day, I made her a day cap.

My mom already has a day cap that she wears under her bonnet, but it's gathered to an elastic band that tends to slide around and fall off. This one has no elastic and sits a little better on her head.

I snapped this pattern up a few years ago and have been itching to use it ever since. 

I had a few big pieces of striped silk and cotton voile left over from a previous project and some ivory picot ribbon that was originally going to be a sash.

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The Challenge: Black and White

Fabric: Sheer striped silk and cotton voile

Pattern: Butterick 5663

Year: 1860's

Notions: Ivory picot ribbon

How historically accurate is it? Mostly hand sewn

Hours to complete: Four days

First worn: Not yet

Total cost: Free

Picnicking while Victorian

Two weeks ago, Mother and I attended a Victorian picnic at Rancho Camulos and miracle of miracles, I actually managed to snap a few pictures!

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

Here comes the lady with the alligator purse.

A few weeks ago, my mother and I went to a vintage textile show and I came away with two amazing scores. The first is a vintage handbag with *gasp* a real alligator! The only flaw is an easily fixed strap, and it'll be ready to wear.

The second is a pair of vintage frames. My mother plonked these on my face and I've loved them ever since!

Next time: a new challenge!

HSF '13 #7: A Not-Quite-Easter Bonnet.

Well, spring has sprung, Mr. G has survived the opening weekend of Faire, and this fortnight's theme is Tops and Toes, a challenge after my own heart! Not only did I get to make a tall hat to go with my later 1880's gear, but I actually have construction pictures!

I found this old straw hat in the garage and separated the crown from the brim, leaving a little lip so that the modified crown could be sewn back on. 

I made a base for the new crown out of sinamay and started unraveling the crown. After ripping a few rows off it, I left the brim in a sink full of hot water for an hour or two.

While the brim was soaking, I sewed the braid of the crown to the sinamay base. I then reattached the brim, and pinned it into shape overnight. Add some ribbon and flowers, and voila! Instant hat!

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The Challenge: Tops and Toes

Fabric: Um, sinamay?

Pattern: Nope

Year: 1880's

Notions: Thread, ribbon, and flowers

How historically accurate is it? Completely hand sewn

Hours to complete: About a day and a half

First worn: Not yet

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 #5: Bodice

Greetings one and all from the great state of Washington! In typical fashion, I have no pictures yet, but for now I'm hanging out with my sister and getting licked to death by her extremely affectionate dog.

 A while ago I made myself a bustle dress to wear to a Victorian picnic, and it's become my default ensemble for all such events. I never really liked the original bodice, so this challenge was the perfect excuse to make a new one.

 The pattern is a combination of Truly Victorian patterns 422 and 463, and made of spotted cotton voile. I found the trim pre-pleated at Jo-ann fabrics and accented it with a little blue ribbon. The corsage is for another project.

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The Challenge: Bodice

Fabric: Cotton voile

Pattern: Truly Victorian 422 and 463

Year: 1880's

Notions: Thread, ruffled trim, blue satin ribbon

How historically accurate is it? Both machine and hand sewn

Hours to complete: I wasn't keeping track

First worn: not yet

Total cost: $15