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. :)

Hand-sewn 18th Century Wool Stays

Completely hand-sewn stays, including boning channels. Made of white worsted wool and linen, sewn with linen tape treated with beeswax, boned with cane, and bound in deer. They were constructed using period techniques. I sewed the channels of each panel before assembling them, which I did by whip-stitching them together. The seam allowance is folded back and whipped down. Then the edges were bound and the seams were covered with a strip of the deer. Then the lining is put in, being whipped to the edge of the binding. Each tab is lined separately.

My camera is really not good at taking close-ups, or I would have taken detail pictures for you...

I am happy to report that they are EXTREMELY comfortable, which is a very good thing since I am wearing them 40 hours a week!

Hello from Williamsburg!

Now that I've been  in Williamsburg for a couple days, I've finally had time to get some pictures put up! It's been a whirlwind, and I'm still recovering from both travel and the excitement of starting my internship in the Margaret Hunter Shop. Already I've learned so much! And it's just amazing to be around so many beautifully constructed garments. Not to mention, everyone in the shop is incredibly fun to work with. I really am having a blast. Of course I want to make a million new 18th century things!

I'll be trying to get some pictures of the new stays I just finished. But here are some pics of me in the shop, and of the Blackbeard pirate festival in nearby Hampton.

Living in a dream :)

With my roommate Ashley, who volunteers in the shop

 With Mike at the Blackbeard Festival

Pirates!

Saying Goodbye...

Fives weeks at home really flew by. I had a great time with friends and family, but tomorrow morning (at 6:30!) I set off for a once in a lifetime adventure in Williamsburg. I feel so blessed for this opportunity, and the fact that I get to be there with my fiance while he is working in the Costume Design Center for the summer. There are so many new friends to meet, and so many new things to learn!

Mea Culpa Maxima!!!

As you can tell, I haven't had any time to take pictures of the second 18th c gown... I put it on and found a couple things I'm not happy with, and which I'd like to fix before I show y'all...

So in the meantime, here's a couple images of the silk organza ruff I made for visiting this year's faire. It is made in the "proper" way. That is, stroke gathered to a band and then starched and curled into shape. A lot of work, but totally worth it!

Hand Sewn 18th c Gown #1

This is one of two gowns I finished recently. It is entirely hand sewn, of cream wool with fine white stripes. Lined in linen, and shown with fine linen neck and sleeve ruffles. Also shown is my new black silk bonnet and red checked linen apron.  I wore this outfit to do a school show with my Revolutionary War unit, the 33rd Regiment of Foot. I had an absolute blast with the kids, and it was good to warm up my interpreting skills for the summer!

I can't wait to get better pictures of this in Williamsburg... :)

Stay tuned for gown #2 coming tomorrow!

Wedding Gown Reveal!

My fiancé has promised not to look at my Blogger, and he has been blocked from viewing any wedding posts on Facebook and Livejournal. So here's my wedding gown design!

The over dress is silk gauze, embroidered by hand in real silver metal thread and spangles, and white silk floss (which can be seen here). The under dress is silk charmeuse, and is removable, allowing for a shorter dress for the reception (since both receptions--one in CA and one in MI--are outside).

I finally found a scroll frame large enough to accommodate the skirt panels, so I can start on the embroidery!

Based on these two gowns: