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!

 


The wind kept knocking my hats around! 
 

Cap was tied too loosely...
  

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

We learned about the 1822 courthouse.


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


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.