Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Historically Inspired Costumes

Three newly-added costumes in the shop...


Is it a Shakespeare heroine, a member of the Elizabethan aristocracy, or Cinderella?
You decide! :)




Inspired by the 18th Century and Beauty and the Beast. :)
I love the combination of the shimmery yellow satin and the soft lace with the pearly white and pink accents!




Well....maybe this one isn't so historically inspired - but it was still lots of fun -
 a whimsical 'flower fairy' dress-up costume. I think it would make a delightful birthday party dress.


Don't forget to visit the new Bonny Blue Facebook page!


Friday, May 11, 2012

40s Inspired House Dress


Last Wednesday I started off on one of those spur-of-the-moment sewing projects. This one was to make a comfy and cool summer dress - just for wearing around the house!

I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. The fabric is a very lightweight cotton, (almost a lawn) though it's woven to mimic denim, and the dress is unlined, so it's definately much cooler than the usual knit t-shirt for those hot summer days.

The dress bodice was cut from this 1941 pattern.
I've found it's a great 'basic' pattern with which to begin dress variations!
The changes I made were to shorten the bodice a bit and add a waistband, and add my own slightly puffed sleeves, and a fuller 2-panel gathered skirt.

After these pictures were taken I also added two big hidden pockets in each skirt side seam. Very handy.


The 1940s are definately the best era to turn when looking for inspiration for comfortable but modern styled house and day dresses. The basic sillhouette is the same, but the variation in styles seems to be endless...

Jumper dresses,            gathered yokes

Sporty with little pockets....

A-line and longer skirts,

Big pockets, and tiered skirts!

Add all the variations of adorable cotton aprons in vintage styles, and I think that cooking and cleaning might never get boring again!....lol. But seriously - don't you feel perkier if you take the time each day to put on something cute and neat? I know I do. Even if it's 'just around the house'. :)

What do you think? Do you like the idea of house-dresses?
Would you wear one 'just' for housework and gardening?


Monday, May 7, 2012

New Regency Dresses and Weskits

This past week I've been having so much fun dreaming up new dresses! Taking advantage of some spring sales from my favorite fabric suppliers, I now have a whole stock of sheer printed lawns and voiles, that are going to quickly transform into ready-made Regency dresses for the shop! In the past couple of weeks I've made three dresses and two matching silk weskits - which are your favorites?

First up, a Grecian-inspired green and yellow floral lawn dress...


One of my favorite bodice styles for Regency dresses!
Size 6.


A gold and bronze silk weskit coordinates nicely!








I *love* this fabric. Seriously. I think it is my absolute favorite of all the fabrics I have ever worked with. So perfectly sheer that it floats on air - and I love the bright, sprawled floral pattern.
Rather 18th century, don't you think?


Finally, a white and gold striped lawn ball gown, which also could be paired with the gold weskit!
A petite size 4-6.




If you didn't hear the news, I've started a Facebook page for my Historical Clothing, to keep everyone updated on new and upcoming items, and to get feedback and ideas on what is in demand. I would love to have your opinions and ideas for new ready-made dresses. Even if you aren't in the market for a dress, do you have any particular inspirations (movie, fashion plate, painting, etc.) that you would like to see turned into a Regency dress or accessory? Please let me know!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Bonny Blue Historical Clothing - changes



More changes in the shop, and new sewing projects!
A new banner and look on Etsy, + a decluttered space, making room for the new items being listed.

If you would like to stay updated with the new ready-made historical clothing and costume items as they are listed, please visit and like the brand new Facebook page : Bonny Blue Historical Clothing

Recently I've been working on a few 1860s girl's dresses, that are now available in the shop.






Right now I'm finishing up a Regency dress and two really fun silk weskits that I am excited to get pictures of soon!

I have so many ideas for new dresses I want to post, both Regency, Victorian and costume!

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