What I've Been Sewing...

So, what have I been up to lately? Sewing. Sewing until I can't see straight late into the evening.

The summer didn't go exactly as I had forseen, so I'm crunching for time, getting ready for the Jane Austen Convention where I will have a booth selling Regency attire.

I don't have acutal pictures for you, but I've been doing quite a few replicas, inspired by Regency era films, so here are some pictures of my inspirations to tide you over....:)

A reproduction of Anne's pale blue apron front dress.

In my size too.....which means I may just have to keep it to wear myself.....

This late regency dress, circa 1827-29, according to Janet Arnold, was a fun project! I got the idea from an roll of vibrant silk plaid that has been sitting in my fabric stash unused for several years. Yes! this is the perfect opportunity to make an outrageously pretty dress with it. So far I've made a mock-up (which turned out just lovely, if I do say so myself) in yellow cotton print. Before the convention, I hope to get the silk version completed.

One of the quickest types of Regency dresses are one-layer sheer dresses with long sleeves, that fasten in back with drawstrings:

One in navy blue cotton lawn,

Two others in chocolate brown.

So far I have 11 dresses made that are ready to sell in the booth.

My goal is to have at least 20 minimum by October, God willing .:)

+ various undergarments and accessories which I have made a fairly good start on as well.

 There are also 3 other dresses of various descriptions which I haven't yet decided if I am going to sell or wear myself....:)

I feel a bit like this right now:

Somewhat tired, and ready for a good night's sleep. :)

 

Historical Costume Inspiration Festival 2012

Remember the Historical Costume Inspiration Festival last October? Are you ready to do it again??

Well - I'm excited to announce -Story of a Seamstress will again be hosting the festival in

January 2012.

 (The exact dates will be announced closer to time.)

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What to expect during the HCIF:

-An entire week celebrating historical costumes!

-Interviews with costumiers

-Fabulous giveaways

-The Costume Contest

-Great prizes

-Helpful Articles

-Visual inspiration galore

-'Meeting' talented seamstresses from all over the world!

You will be invited to share your historical costume sewing projects,enter the contest, and be able to view everyone else's lovely entries! Last year we had over 50 exquisite costume entries!

I will be posting several times each day during HCIF, with my own historical replica projects from the last year (I have so many to share!! Exciting!), as well as my interviews with famous seamstresses from the historical costuming world, and much more!

If you weren't involved in last year's Festival, then go back and relive the fun, read all about it, and enjoy the scrumptious costume inspiration!

There will be a few changes in the way the contest works, such as new categories and such, which I believe will be for the better! I've also got some pretty amazing prizes in the works for the winners! More details will be forthcoming! I wanted to go ahead and make the announcment to give everyone a chance to do their photoshoots before the weather turns cold.

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So, if you plan to be involved in HCIF, or even  if you just enjoy looking at everyone's entries, then I would be grateful if you would take one of the buttons below and place on your blog sidebar and link to this post.

Help me spread the word - the more the merrier! Thanks!! 

If you have any thoughs or critiques about the festival - I would be glad to hear them, as I am of course still planning all the details!

Are you as excited as I am? Can't wait, girls! I know it's going to be delightful!

18th Century Princess

Historically inspired by the 18th century, a princess dress in pink satin and cream taffeta....

This morning, I sent this ensemeble off for a little girl's birthday party. I had quite a good time making it - actually it was a variation on another 18th century style dress I did last year.

Although, I have to admit I like this one better. :)

Dress can be seen here in the shop.

Isn't little sis adorable?

A ruffled taffeta petticoat to match! I think it gives the skirt a nice shape.

Can now be seen here in my shop.

Details.

 I used two different types of trim put together - the cream laced cord, and some lovely organza rose, pearl and lace stuff.

This has me itching to sew some actual, historically constructed 18th dresses......but that must wait for a while yet! Still been super busy on Regency dresses - hope to have pictures posted of that soon!

Scandinavian Folk Costumes

Last year I began reading the blog, Folklore Fashion, it was brim full of breathtaking photography of Scandinavian folk costumes antiques and reproductions. Having never really studied much about this type of costume - I was quite intrigued. Some of the techniques I recognize (the gauging on the skirts, for instance) from 1860s sewing, but as for the stunning color, fabric, and embroidery combinations - I think they are just fascinating!

It's amazing how all the different regions have their own distinct folk costume! They are so varied and each just gorgeous....looks like the stuff of fairytales....

These images are from the new book Scandinavian Folklore, which I plan on adding to my research collection as soon as I can budget it in! :) Looks like a beautiful resource book!

  



Ness Vintage Style + Giveaway

Allow me to introduce the tartan waistcoat from Ness of Scotland!

.....vintage style!

This is the perfect item to accessorize your vintage-inspired fall and winter outfits!

What I'm wearing:

Vest: 'Harry' Vest from Ness of Scotland

Blouse: JC Penny, Pale pink dotted swiss cotton with ruffle accent.

Skirt: Tropical wool circle skirt, 1950s pattern. (sewn by me)

Shoes: Brown leather mary janes by Candies

& Vintage 30s or 40s brown and white spectators

I think this outfit would be such fun to wear to a fall swing dance!! But there are so many different outfits that would benefit by the addition of a cute, fitted vest like this, that the possibilities are endless! It could even be incorporated into a western boots and jean skirt ensemble!

And - aren't you in luck??

The 'Harry' vest as shown happens to be on sale right now!

50% off!

Until Tuesday you can also recieve an additonal 20% off! How sweet is that?

 Do go and take a look at Ness online!

College girl circa 1950? lol.

I am very impressed with the quality of the Ness items I have recieved. The fit and sizing of the clothing is accurate, and the packaging and tags were equally charming!

I can't get over how bright and luminous the colors are!

 Taking a classic fitted waistcoat and giving it a pop of modern color? Ness is brilliant.

How could you not smile while wearing something that outrageously fun? And Scottish to boot!

The vest features a dipping soft-V neckline, and fastens with 3 satin covered buttons. Front waist has a double point and two faux welt pockets. Lined in soft satin in a cheery flowerburst print. Tailored with flattering princess seams. Love it!

Now - for a giveaway surprise from Ness!

The 'Fion' Tartan Wedge

Aren't these the most adorable shoes? These were always one of my favorite Ness items - but now that I have seen them in person, I like them even better!

These are very comfortable - the wedge heel is sturdy, and at a comfortable walking height.

Covered in colorful 'Willow' tartan wool tweed & accented with a bright neon pink bow!

Lined in pink satin and padded with a cute thistle print design!

These exact shoes shown are going to be given away!

They are a size 7 US, 5 UK, 38 EURO

If this isn't your size - feel free to enter for a friend or family member and surprise them!

To Enter the Giveway:

Mandatory entry: Comment on this post inlcluding a way to contact you (blog, email, etc.) - 1 entry

Follow this blog (or let me know if you already follow) - 1 entry

Post about the giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter - 1 entry for each

Place the above giveaway button on your blog sidebar, linked to this post - 3 entries

Purchase an item from Ness  - 15 entries

Giveaway ends on Saturday, August 20th, 2011.

It is only neccessary to leave one comment and tell me what all entries you have done. I will tally up all the separate entries when the giveaway ends.