HSF challenge #9 second entry: From toile to dress in less than a week.

I found out three things last week: 1) That my mother and I would be attending the Romance of the Ranchos Festival at the Workman Temple Homestead Museum, 2) That the time period was 1840's to 1860's, and 3) that I didn't have a readily available day dress. My Pioneer Bodice and it's skirt were packed away somewhere unreachable, and the rest of my dresses were either evening wear or didn't fit with the new corset. And so, I did one of the top ten stupidest things in my life: I made a dress in six days from scratch... It's very possible that I might be insane.

The bodice pattern is once again from Truly Victorian, the sleeves are from a Period Impressions pattern. I fitted the toile on myself and am amazed that it came out so well. The belt is a piece of bright green velvet ribbon with an antique shell buckle. I am wearing my quilted petticoat and my split drawers under.

                                                                  View of the back

A closeup of the fabric. The vines are probably supposed to be roses, but I think they look more like little strawberries.

 Another view of the back, and of my bonnet. I've had this one for a while and re-trimmed it to compliment the dress.

And a slightly closer pic of the bodice.

The Challenge: Flora and Fauna

Fabric: Strawberry/striped printed cotton

Pattern: Truly Victorian and Period Impressions

Year: I'm going to err on the side of caution and say 1840

Notions: Thread

How historically accurate is it? Machine sewn, so not very.

Hours to complete: 50, plus an all-nighter

First worn: May 5th 2013

Total cost: Free. I once again raided my fabric stash.

Despite it being sunny all week, the day of the event itself was overcast and cool. I brought a wool shawl and was very comfy indeed. All in all, I had a pretty good time and I look forward to wearing this dress to many future events. 

Next time: A dress for mother aka Challenge #10.

HSF Challenge #3, and a corset at last!

Well another fortnight has come to a close and I have a new garment to show for it!

Number 3 in the Historical Sew Fortnightly Challenge was underwear and so I whipped myself up a pair of drawstring split-seam drawers. I admit they're a little long and rather plain, but nothing that can't be prettied up with a few tucks and some embroidery. I made them out of a high thread count cotton sheet so they're SUPER comfy and they breathe like a dream. 

The Challenge: #3 Underneath It All

Fabric: Cotton

Pattern: Drafted off an old pair of bloomers

Year: 1850

Notions: Thread and cotton cord

How historically accurate is it?  Pretty accurate. It is sewn almost entirely by hand.

Hours to complete: 10

First worn: Not yet except for photo. Probably in March

Total cost:  Free!

And to compliment my new drawers, my new corset arrived yesterday evening! I was expecting plain white coutil but as a surprise, the kind lady who made it for me covered it in a lovely peach colored damask! I was so excited that I fell asleep with it like Ralphie and his Red Rider BB Gun (fortunately there are no pictures...that I know of). It fits beautifully and I can finally start drafting the bodice for the Blue Eugenie and a few other projects!

Tune in tomorrow for Dapper Day!