Sunday, July 13, 2014

The Pretty Milliner

We did our trades demonstration yesterday in Northern Virginia, and we got to test out our new 1820s outfits. Mike, Nicole, and I all made new clothes (of course!). I'm officially in love with the 1820s. It's so quirky and underrepresented! So I'm very excited to wear it again at Costume College. :)

A quick side note about Costume College... A number of reasons have led me to only be attending on Saturday, the day I teach my class. This means more time with my family, who I haven't seen since January. So I hope I'll get to see everyone Saturday! I will be staying for the Gala, wearing my sooper seekret crazy Gala outfit. Oh yes, it's pretty silly. But it should be awesome... :)

Anyway, I had so much fun researching this new era! The gown is hand sewn and has piping down the center front, around the neckline, and around the armseyes. The side back seams are top stitched, as well as the top of the waistband. The bottom of the waistband is sewn right sides together with the skirt, and then all of the raw edges are covered with sort of a facing. None of the other raw edges are finished, although I did whip down the sleeve head gathers to the bodice lining to keep them smooth. The back fastens with hooks and eyes. I stitched three bands of trim onto the sleeves, and a wide band around the skirt. These were simple and quick applications, but visually make a big impact. I have a lot of fabric left over and may go back and do something a little fancier. But I'm quite pleased with how it turned out.

The collar is a super fine piece of linen edged with a nice cotton lace. It has a bias band along the neck edge and is pinned into the dress. 

I set up a millinery shop and created a hat, turban, and bustle pad. I was able to use a TON of items from my wardrobe, and a few from Nicole, to set up a pretty full and varied shop. I had:
  • a woman's hat
  • a turban
  • a bustle
  • a man's round hat
  • a band box
  • a hat box
  • a shawl
  • a lace veil
  • a parasol
  • a reticule
  • handmade gloves
  • a length of whitework edging
  • an ostrich plume
  • a fur tippet
  • three kerchiefs
  • a coral necklace
  • a chemisette
It was a small event, but we had a very good time. And how could you not when you're spending the day with friends, interpreting history? :)

My camera died... But Nicole had her really nice camera and took pictures for us.The Virginia humidity obliterated my lovely curls... *sigh* I should be looking fresher at Costume College!

 10474467_10102021197875258_9152155064675796146_n


The wind kept knocking my hats around! 
10425493_10102021162386378_3401324102108320615_n 10296581_10102021176518058_8650235757362276650_n

Cap was tied too loosely...
 10511198_10152537891042436_473584400912324566_n 

Joseph did period cooking and made some AMAZING chicken. It had bacon in it. Literally. Yum!
10502409_10152537887907436_4759133150741805811_n 

We learned about the 1822 courthouse.
1525031_10102021176792508_5823402477231353977_n

Sarah tells us about the super cool (ha!) geothermal system used to regulate the temperature of the building.
10356271_10102021177166758_2719310113989257954_n

Nicole let me be her guinea pig for her new 19th century last. I didn't mind at all. ;-) Here's my new shoes! You can bet I'll be wearing them at Costume College. If you are interested in handmade 18th and 19th century women's shoes, Nicole writes at Diary of a Mantua-Maker
10394629_10102021202910168_1701292892219123562_n

7 comments:

Drunktailor said...

Great minds: onward into the 1820s I say.

Time Traveling in Costume said...

Beautiful! I love seeing people do new time periods.
Val

Anonymous said...

What a lovely millinery display, and those shoes are so cute! Love the ridiculously frilly cap, too!

vintagevisions27 said...

Your gown came out beautifully! I love that print and the way you used it to trim the skirt. So darn pretty!
-Emily

Kleidung um 1800 said...

Yes, pretty indeed!!! How lovely that you push the 'silly' 1820s into the limelight of the historic fashion world!
Those dresses are so amazing!!! I love the choice of fabric and I'm happy to see you wearing a crazy cap with it - it's a perfect ensemble :)

Sabine

Unknown said...

I adore the 1820s, and you're right - they never get a spot in the limelight. Your dress is perfect!!! SO lovely!

Florence said...


I started on COPD Herbal treatment from Ultimate Life Clinic, the treatment worked incredibly for my lungs condition. I used the herbal treatment for almost 4 months, it reversed my COPD. My severe shortness of breath, dry cough, chest tightness gradually disappeared. Reach Ultimate Life Clinic via their WEBSITE www.ultimatelifeclinic.com . I can breath much better and It feels comfortable!