"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

It was a really sad few days for me as my time in the shop came to a close... I just love all my new friends so much, and love being in the shop sewing and interpreting. And what a pleasure to be able to meet so many readers of this blog, and fellow bloggers Rebecca and Ashley from A Fashionable Frolick! It was really magical. But yesterday I had to pack up and come back to the land of the enchanted mitten to finish up my last year of school. Leaving behind my fiance and new friends was so hard, but I am really anxious to finish school, and excited to come back to Williamsburg next summer--permanently!-- to start the next chapter of my life!

Here is a flurry of pictures from my last day...

I am wearing a silk gown that I made, a cap that I made (that you might have seen at Costume College!), kerchief and elbow ruffles that I made, and playing around with a calash made by the shop.

  

Lace Insertion Spotted Swiss Gown

I patterned the bodice based on an original spotted muslin gown with lace insertion, owned by the Ohio Historical Society. I changed up the lace pattern a bit from the original, and added lace to the top of the bib. Everything is hand sewn. Now that the lace is done on the bib, I will start on the skirt.

 Front of bib:

Back of bib, with seams:

Back of bib, full:

 Front of bib, full:

 Bodice back:

A Flame Stitch Pin Ball

Silk/wool floss in flame stitch based on a few examples in the Winterthur collection. Silver ring from Colonial Williamsburg, and silk ribbon from Burnley and Trowbridge. Happy to have it done and able to use in the shop!

1770s Summer Gown for a 1770s Summer Soirée!

I made this fitted back gown out of some lovely lightweight muslin from Burnley and Trowbridge. Perfect to wear to work in the millinery shop, and to nice dinners like the one we had with friends at Christiana Campbell's Tavern! Michael looked quite nice as well. :)

In Memory

This is the first year there hasn't been an Under the Redcoat at Colonial Williamsburg. Even though the weather is usually heinous, it's an incredibly fun event. Mainly because I get to be with some of the most awesome people I know! Luckily, the event will be back bigger and better next year. Definitely looking forward to it!

A Polonaise Jacket, and an Announcement

Here are some pictures of my finished polonaise jacket, plus a striped sheer cotton petticoat. The cap I made in the shop, along with a matching kerchief and apron.

As for the announcement... Michael has been chosen as the next tailor's apprentice at Colonial Williamsburg! So Williamsburg is to be our home for the foreseeable future! I'm so incredibly proud of my talented fiancé, and excited for our life together.

Happy things...

I've been putting a little extra effort into how I style my hair every day to go to the shop. It's fun!

And I got fabric today for a new gown!

I also found out that I have been awarded a scholarship! So tomorrow I will celebrate by buying myself a silver pinball ring. :)