Borrowed and Blue: HSF'14 challenge #18

As I was scouring historical poetry for suitable material for this challenge, this age-old ditty popped into my head:
                                                      Something old, something new,
                                                      Something borrowed, something blue,
                                                      And a silver sixpence in her shoe

It's not likely that I'll ever be a bride, but I was wearing my white dress from challenge #10 to an event and it was in need of a sash.

The ribbon is graciously loaned from my mother's bustle dress and hat, on the understanding that I will eventually give it back. It compliments the fabric of my dress perfectly.

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The Challenge: Poetry in motion

Fabric: Um, no.

Pattern: Nope

Year: 1830's

Notions: Blue satin ribbon

How historically accurate is it? Completely hand sewn

Hours to complete: 2

First worn: September 27th

Total cost: Free

The little black dress of the romantic era, or HSF challenge #10: Art

For this fortnight's challenge (Art) I wanted something that a) was simple, b) would work for several different occasions, and c) was made from material from my fabric stash. And happily, I managed to do all three. 

I decided to sew something I've seen in a fair amount of romantic era portraiture: The diaphanous white dress. 

Usually gathered, usually sheer, this particular style of gown can be dressed up or down with accessories and works for almost all of the romantic era.

My version is made of the same sheer silk as my mother's day cap ( I bought a lot of it and I've been working my way through it.) and it's lined with ribbed cotton organdy.

Inside the bodice

                                    The outside of the bodice just before the sleeves went on

                                                             The skirt before gathering

                                         What the stripes look like in front of  a solid color

                                                           A sleeve before assembly

                                                            And Esca, helpful as ever...

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The Challenge: Art

Fabric: Striped silk and ribbed cotton organdy

Pattern: Self drafted

Year: 1830's

Notions: Thread

How historically accurate is it? Machine and hand sewn

Hours to complete: Wasn't really keeping track

First worn: Not yet

Total cost:  Free