Historically Inspired Costumes

Three newly-added costumes in the shop...

Blue and Cream Brocade Elizabethan Dress

Is it a Shakespeare heroine, a member of the Elizabethan aristocracy, or Cinderella?

You decide! :)

Yellow Satin 'Belle' Dress

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!

Fairy Princess Dress

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.

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Gold Lame Ballgown

Slowly I'm getting caught up on the custom orders that I still have left to finish (before I can begin working on my ready-made stock for the shop...)

The latest one was this: a gold lame ballgown in 1860s style. Originally inspired by the Phantom of the Opera dress made last year. This dress is now on it's merry way across the ocean to Germany....

Fitted, boned, bodice with puffed sleeves. Separate full gathered skirt.

The client requested a slight train in the back.

I've never done eyelets with metallic thread before.

 That was quite interesting - but it did cooperate surprisingly well!

I had never worked with lame fabric before. I liked the end result, but was a bit frustrated during construction as you have to be so careful to use a cool iron or else it will melt, smooth, and shrink.....also you have to baby it when gathering to keep the raveling at bay until the seam is secured and covered.

I couldn't help but be reminded of Grace Kelly's gold lame gown

 for the masked ball in the movie 'To Catch a Theif'.

Recent Projects

Even in the midst of Jane Austen sewing craziness, I've squeezed in a few custom orders.

The first, which was actually also a Jane Austen request, was a simple but lovely blue linen Regency dress.  

Destined to swirl at an English Country Dance, I was told!

I've been getting quite a lot of requests for 18th century style children's costumes lately, which are of course a lot of fun!

 

These were for 2 sisters having a themed birthday party! Their mother designed the gowns herself, and sent me a sketch from which to pattern the dresses.

 

Sis didn't want to give up the pink one!

  

This dress, was in the style of the blue taffeta 'Felicity' dress, which can be seen in the shop, but in a historical reproduction cotton print. Accented with vintage cream lace.

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!

  



Ariel Princess Dress in Sea Green and Silver

This week I had quite a fun custom order for a Princess Ariel ball gown in sea green and silver.

Material is shantung faille and slipper satin.

The most challenging part was adjusting the ballgown bodice pattern to accomodate the scallop/fin shapes below the waist.

Full pleated skirt is separate and features a front panel of contrasting satin.

Mother of pearl buttons to compliment the 'sea' theme!

Matching starfish/flower hair comb.

Puffed sleeves, with insets of teal floral satin.

Trimmed with silver.

These were some of the inspiration pictures:

Ariel's dress as worn at the Disney parks.