Update on the Historical Costume Inspiration Festival 2012...

Hi all! I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas!

I feel like my life has been turned upside down, but blessed beyond belief since I last wrote here! And I can't believe it's already after Christmas!

But, I have some rather sad news to relate. Due to being urgently called to work out of town for a couple of weeks (without internet access probably), I've decided that I will have to delay the 2012 Historical Costume Inspiration Festival, as I just won't have time this month to properly organize and care for such an event. However, don't stop planning and working on your projects, I plan to reschedule soon, and will let everyone know when!

Have a blessed New Year!

--Atlanta

Now Available - Design Your Own Edwardian Dress Kit!

At long last! The latest installment in the 'Design Your Own Dress' Series is here!

Design Your Own Edwardian Dress

A beautiful kit that historical costume enthusiasts and girls of all ages will enjoy! Pages of designs ready to trace and color to create your own unique drawn ensembles!

Using tracing paper to take the drawing step by step, start with the model attired in proper Edwardian undergarments, then add a skirt, bodice, trimmings, hat, an apron, and much, much more! The possiblities for creativity are endless. Mix, match and trace to create thousands of unique ensembles, all historically correct for the era of Anne of Green Gables! 

Included in the kit:

-6 glossy cardstock sheets with black and white drawings, featuring a Model, Hairstyles, Skirts, Bodice Options, Fabric Designs, Hats, Trimmings, Jewelry, Accessories, Jackets, and more!

- 12 sheets of tracing paper

- 1 sheet of historical notes, descriptions, and instructions

All pages professionally printed on high quality paper.

Comes packaged in a handy clear plastic zipper pouch.

Kit enables you to design your own turn-of-the-century fashion drawings - perfect for young artists, historical fashion lovers, or seamstresses who want to visualize their designs!

Below are just a few of the endless dress designs possible!

      

I have to say, this kit is my favorite of the series so far! I love all the eccentric, lovely hats from the turn of the century, and the classic flowing lines of the dresses! (and who could forget the great hairstyles and 'puffed sleeves' of which Anne was so fond! :)

If you are still Christmas shopping for the perfect gift for a friend or sister who is a historical costume lover, seamstress, or artist, there is still time for holiday shipping to US addresses!

Please take a look and let me know what you think of the latest Dress Designer kit!



A Victorian Christmas Ballgown

A burgundy red 1850s-60s silk taffeta ball gown, destined to be worn to a Dickens Christmas ball!

The latest request from an Etsy client. (lucky me!! this was a fun project!)

There was no specific inspiration for the dress, but a simple, unadorned style was chosen, the only ornamentation being the creamy lace netting on the short, open sleeves.

Neckline finished with piping.

The silk is actually a bright red/black shot silk, which gives it such a striking shimmer in different lights!

Hand-sewn eyelets and matching ribbon lacing up the back.

Makes me rather long for a Christmas dance myself! :)

If you are interested in having a custom silk ball gown made,

 you may want to take a look at my new Etsy listing....



Vintage Cowgirl Photoshoot + eShakti Dress Review

Have you heard of eShakti? It is an online ready made and custom dress shop that offers classy styles and super fast service. Well, I recently recieved my own eShakti creation!

After much considering (there are so many lovely frocks to choose from!) I chose  the

Castles in the Air Dress!

The sleeves, skirt and neckline were all available to customize in style and length.

The first thing that grabbed my attention was the unique and fun printed cotton fabirc. Orange and red fairytale castles amid scattered roses! So perfectly adorable.

I had the dress custom fit. On eShakti, you can either choose from the full range of ready made sizes, or you can give them your measurments through their easy measurements chart, and your dress with be custom made for you! I found it very successful, the fit of the dress is excellent.

When I was first envisioning the dress, I was thinking to do retro 40s-50s theme with heels, but when the dress actually arrived, I happened to be wearing my cowboy boots (I am, most days....:) and that got me thinking that the style would also lend itself well to a vintage western/praire look. (or perhaps it's because I've been watching too many Roy Rogers movies lately.....)

At any rate, I can see this dress being extremely versatile and comfortable for a myriad of different occasions, whether it's picking cucumbers in the garden or attending an evening swing dance!

LOVE the details. Fitted, comfy smocking at the waist and ruffled, puffed sleeves. Neckline is high in back, dipping to a narrow V in front accented with two fabric buttons and loops.

  

Pockets! Nothing is handier than a dress with nice big pockets!

The eShakti Custom label

Possibly my favorite thing about the dress - a lovely full skirt with soft lines that fall just right.

Go and take a look at all the dresses eShakti has to offer - I am very impressed with the selection and style.

One of the things I like best - the dresses stay up-to-date with fashion trends, but remain classy.  And since you can customize skirt lengths, there shall be no more complaining about not being able to find dresses with skirts that are long enough! :)

From 50s swing dresses, to bridesmaids, formals, day dresses and casual skirts, eShakti seems to have it all! Take a look and tell me which pieces are your favorites! Here are a few of mine...

 

A big thanks to eShakti for the great dress and fabulous service!