Thursday’s Book Review: Elegantly Frugal Costumes
by Shirley Dearing
Elegantly Frugal Costumes ~ Meriwether Publishing, © 1992
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Elegantly Frugal Costumes
Posted in Thursday's Book Reviews
Tagged 18th Century, Book Review, Edwardian, Regency, Renaissance, Thursday, Victorian
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Toiles, Muslins, & Mockups, Oh My!
Professional dressmakers always perfect the fit of their pattern before cutting their expensive fabric. But how do they do that? In this new article, you’ll learn the vital process of creating a mockup.
Article: Toiles, Muslins, & Mockups, Oh My!
Enjoy!
1831 French Evening Gowns
Friday’s Fashion Plate: 1831 French Evening Gowns
Today we have a pair of French gowns that are most likely for evening. With this era, it can sometimes be difficult to tell, but the low, off-the-shoulder necklines, the short, puffed sleeves, the hairstyles, and the shoes all point to evening wear.
1831 French Gowns
Cotton Flannel
Saturday’s Stash: Cotton Flannel
Flannel is an extremely soft, napped fabric, usually made of cotton, but sometimes of wool. In some cases it can be napped on both sides, but usually it’s smoothly woven on one side and very soft and fuzzy on the other. Because of its inherent warmth, it’s suitable for pajamas, blankets, long-sleeved shirts, and as a lining for coats or jackets. Continue reading
Mint Suede Dress Coat
Sunday’s Someday Project: Mint Suede Dress Coat
Because of my wide back and sloped shoulders, I have a very hard time finding coats and jackets that fit. Most of them are too narrow across the back, and so they bind in the upper arms. A couple of years ago, I found a pale mint green faux suede on clearance at Jo~Ann’s. I thought it would make a lovely dress coat—a luxury garment that I’ve never owned, because of the impossibility of finding one that didn’t feel like a straitjacket. Continue reading
Threads Sewing Guide
Thursday’s Book Review: Threads Sewing Guide
by Threads Magazine
Threads Sewing Guide
Rating
5 stars = Shiny!
Aqua Gauze Skirt
Wednesday’s Project: Aqua Gauze Skirt
I tend to wear skirts more than dresses, so when I found a lightweight aqua gauze at Hancock Fabrics, I knew it needed to become a summer skirt. It’s light and airy, perfect for warm weather. I chose McCall’s 5056 (view A) for the pattern. It’s a mid-calf length skirt with godets inserted to provide fullness. The waistband has both elastic and a drawstring, so it’s completely adjustable and will fit a variety of sizes. The drawstring can be made of ribbon, twill tape, or fabric.
McCall's 5056
Half-Slip
In a brief venture into the world of modern lingerie, I made a nylon tricot half-slip. Read the sewing diary to see what challenges I faced along the way.
Sewing Diary: Half-Slip
Enjoy!
1810 Ballgown
Friday’s Fashion Plate: 1810 Ballgown
This English ballgown is from Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, 1810.
Ball Dress, 1810 ~ Ackermann's Repository of Arts