And now a brief interlude - 1880's style
I have always wanted a Victorian gown. My Mom somehow was involved with a historical fashion show when I was very, very young, and I remember clearly the home we went to for the fittings. It was a large sunny attic room full of vintage clothing - these were the real deal, not reproductions - and I was completely enthralled. My Mom being a tiny person could fit without any stress a number of the garments. While I do not remember which outfit she wore, I do recall all the lace, frills, and floof, the laughter of the ladies and the distinctive and not unpleasant smell of very old and well cared for clothing.
I was very much a tomboy, but something about all of that frippery called to me.
Almost 20 years passed from that day and then as an adult I found the SCA as well as Egyptian Bellydance and a wonderful opportunity to create and wear beautiful things.
Still however, no frilly gown.
Now 20 years after joining the SCA, I have decided that enough is enough and dammit I want my frilly dress!
*stomps foot in huffy pique*
Well, guess what, Halloween is coming and as God is my witness I will have my frilly gown!! *cue rumbling thunder*
I want to make an 1880's style mourning gown. With a spider for a bustle.
You heard me, don't pretend you didn't.
If I put it together so the spider part can be removed, I can also wear the gown for the rare Steampunk function that may present itself. Or not. Spiders are cool. :0)
I have so far managed to acquire about 5 meters of black chenille fabric, and 5 meters of a black/red shot satin that is solid red on the one side and black with a hint of red on the other. I also have a variety of black fabrics in my stash set aside for dance outfits and leftovers from other projects as well as black lace and trims. I also have a few meters of nice looking black spiderweb lace fabric that has been waiting for the perfect project. I think it has found its home.
This is slightly out of my comfort zone by way of patterning, but the more I have been looking at gowns on the Met website and vintage photos, I think I can swing it without having to buy a pattern. Corset I already have, and I am starting with the petticoat first to get a handle on the shape of the skirt pieces.
I bought 5 meters of black cotton broadcloth, and I have cut a 4 panel skirt with the pieces slightly shaped to make it flow towards the back. So far I have used less than 2 meters, so there will be plenty for the bustle ruffles down the back. I also picked up some stiff tulle to boost the ruffles and help support the skirts.
I just hope I have enough time to get this done, I am not the fastest as I do everything out of my own head and change my mind a lot. Patterns are faster, but boring and I end up altering them completely anyway. :0)
This is the style I'm using, I will add frippery to it once I know it fits.
Wish me luck!!
I was very much a tomboy, but something about all of that frippery called to me.
Almost 20 years passed from that day and then as an adult I found the SCA as well as Egyptian Bellydance and a wonderful opportunity to create and wear beautiful things.
Still however, no frilly gown.
Now 20 years after joining the SCA, I have decided that enough is enough and dammit I want my frilly dress!
*stomps foot in huffy pique*
Well, guess what, Halloween is coming and as God is my witness I will have my frilly gown!! *cue rumbling thunder*
I want to make an 1880's style mourning gown. With a spider for a bustle.
You heard me, don't pretend you didn't.
If I put it together so the spider part can be removed, I can also wear the gown for the rare Steampunk function that may present itself. Or not. Spiders are cool. :0)
I have so far managed to acquire about 5 meters of black chenille fabric, and 5 meters of a black/red shot satin that is solid red on the one side and black with a hint of red on the other. I also have a variety of black fabrics in my stash set aside for dance outfits and leftovers from other projects as well as black lace and trims. I also have a few meters of nice looking black spiderweb lace fabric that has been waiting for the perfect project. I think it has found its home.
This is slightly out of my comfort zone by way of patterning, but the more I have been looking at gowns on the Met website and vintage photos, I think I can swing it without having to buy a pattern. Corset I already have, and I am starting with the petticoat first to get a handle on the shape of the skirt pieces.
I bought 5 meters of black cotton broadcloth, and I have cut a 4 panel skirt with the pieces slightly shaped to make it flow towards the back. So far I have used less than 2 meters, so there will be plenty for the bustle ruffles down the back. I also picked up some stiff tulle to boost the ruffles and help support the skirts.
I just hope I have enough time to get this done, I am not the fastest as I do everything out of my own head and change my mind a lot. Patterns are faster, but boring and I end up altering them completely anyway. :0)
This is the style I'm using, I will add frippery to it once I know it fits.
Wish me luck!!