madamemodiste

A photographer at the convention got a great shot of the gown. YAY!! I was really hoping someone had gotten a full-length shot!


( A good bodice detail shot here )

So I have a cheap pack of fake black hair (loose, not on wefts)

I played with the long hank like it was a ribbon and made three loops. I used black craft wire (19 gauge) to help hold them in shape and then used the wire to attach a comb. The side you see will be showing when you look at me.

Next I have to attach flowers and ribbons to dress it up and hide the wire and ugly bulk at the base.

I also have a gorgeous mini fan to put in my hair (thanks for finding it, trystbat!)



Suggestions and pointers needed, please!

I made a mistake putting the skirt together. I didn't hem it before I gathered it and attached it to the bodice. Even though the directions said I could do that if I chose. So now it's all full and when I turn the hem under for the 5" deep hem, the lining runs around and sags and does weird things. I'm dealing with it, but it's been such a pain today. I'm disappointed because I really thought I'd have this baby done today so I could enjoy my weekend and make 1830's topiary hair.

I've finally got it turned under and pressed. I think from here I will serge the very end (already turned up)and hand tack it to the lining. Will that be ok?

So, still to do

1)hem
2)back closure
3)belt

Oh, and I should tell you that the bodice is lovely! The sleeves are so cute, too!

For SalonCon in 2 weeks, I'm making an 1830's evening gown of purple/black shot taffeta. I am using Heather's Romantic Era gown pattern and modifying it to have a bodice like this:

http://tidenstoej.natmus.dk/periode1/dragt.asp?ID=10

Minus the fancy embroidery. If you click on the photo with graph paper, it shows the pattern for this gown.

So, I've never piped anything before and I need some encouragement! Getting around the points of the zig zags is very difficult!!

I've made the base, attached the ruched middle layer, and cut out the "zig zag" top layer. I want the edges of the zig zags on the top layer to be piped as well as the neckline. Here's what I have done. Am I anywhere close to doing this right???



The yellow circle is the area I did a closeup on in the next photo

Besides pearls, can anyone tell me what necklace and earring styles were popular in the 1830's at the hight of the big sleeve movement? I can't really find anything online that gives me any idea. Send me image links, please, if you know of any!

Many thanks!

Whew!! 20 rows of cording later, and we have an 1830's-40's corded petticoat!



Well, I mean, it isn't starched yet, so I guess it's almost done. Couldn't wait to share, though!

Sorry the lighting isn't better. We're in the middle of a thunderstorm! It was fun taking pictures on our deck in that, let me tell you.

I've done 11 rows of cording so far. Half way done.

I saw an 1830's green silk gown on Ebay today. They don't show up there very often, so I thought I'd share. I love the sleeve treatment.

OK, I'm armed with several "How-to" websites for corded stays.

http://www.historicallydressed.com/research/tutorial-cordedpetticoat.html

http://www.angelfire.com/tn3/scottsladies/Corded_Petticoat.htm

http://miss-lottiegirl.livejournal.com/7619.html

I also have the lovely photo from the Met.

I think I'll cord every inch up to mid thigh. That's the plan, anyway. We'll see if that really happens!

Yesterday I bought:
~5 yards of Quilter's cotton from Joann's (I also need to make a tucked petticoat to go over the corded one, so 2.5 yards each).
~2 balls of "Sugar 'n Cream" brand crochet yarn in white
~1000 meters of white Gutterman thread (will it be enough with the thread already in the stash? Stay tuned!)

I washed and ironed my cotton, cut it in half and put the other half away for the tucked petticoat, and sewed one side seam of the corded petti. At that point, the husband was wandering around the apartment looking lost and bored, so we went out for a bit and then watched tv together, so I didn't get any more done.

TODAY

I think I should leave one side seam of the petticoat unsewn until the cording is done, shouldn't I? I would imagine the whole business will go smoother if it's a flat piece of fabric. I was advised NOT to do that, but to sew both seams before the cording.

So today I have to draw on my cording lines. I'll probably have to run out for more disappearing ink pens before the day is over!

But I promised myself I'd do some stupid financial aid stuff for school that I've been putting off, so I can't start until I do that. Off I go!

That's frustrating. I was trying desperately to get screen caps of some of Cynthia and Mrs. Gibson's gowns, but it seems that in every second of every scene, they have a fan, hand, handkerchief, or shawl in front of their waistline!! Any scene in which their hands are otherwise occupied, the shot shows from the bust up, side, or back. GRRRR!

I did get some nice screen shots of the gossipy Mrs. Goodenough, brilliantly played by Elizabeth Spriggs :)

I've settled on a muave or muave/grey silk or taffeta for my 1830's gown. Now where to find it and at a reasonable price?? I'm still trying to find the perfect "gold green" shot silk for my purple sari regency gown.