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Regency Stays

This is my 2011 Double Period Project for Foundations Revealed.  I worked on this project in my free time around clients, and kept forgetting to take pictures of the process.  I took some notes for the dress diary, and will try to fill in as much as I can. Inspiration: When trying to research stays
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The Importance of Correct Corseting

by Clarice I. Wile The Modern Priscilla, March 1911 Inasmuch as, all through the coming season, we are to be debarred from the charming, not to say daring, color schemes which have been devised for our benefit and beautifying, it is obvious that, if we wish to achieve success and distinction in our dress, we
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New Year’s update

I keep saying I am going to blog more, and then the days get away from me and I am silent for far too long. Last fall was busy with a few big projects. 1) a complete overhaul of a client’s Civil War era wardrobe and all the underpinnings. This included day bodices, evening bodices,
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Shoes!

We have been eagerly awaiting the pre-order for the American Duchess Devonshire shoes.  We really lusted after the Georgianas, but satin and the frequently wet Seattle didn’t seem like a good match.  Most of our events are out-of-doors, so we waited.  And now it’s time! From the American Duchess page: The Devonshires are a leather 18th century shoe based on museum
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Croquet in Costume

We played  in a charity croquet game on Sunday, and the teams were encouraged to wear costumes.  Uhh… OK!   Here’s the team in 18th century garb, including the newly finished court suit.  Yes, Chris is a bit overdressed for croquet, but everyone loved it.   A shot, upon our arrival at the croquet field:
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Court suit – putting it all together

Court suit – putting it all together

Sorry, this is a long post without any pretty pictures.  I was hurrying along to finish the coat, and didn’t have much time to take pictures of the progress. I finally had the nerve to pull out all the pieces of the court suit coat and figure out where I had gone wrong.  When I
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18th century frolicking

Last week was a flurry of sewing. We had an 18th century event that was fast approaching, and a client’s project that just would not go together right kept pushing off my personal sewing time. In the end, I did manage to get everyone clothed, even if it meant a severe lack of sleep for
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Up-cycling, from 1918

Woman’s World, April 1918, from the article “Hooverizing” with the Needle: There’s nothing new under the sun, so don’t worry if you have to make over your last year’s dresses, by The “Make-Over Lady” For Daddy’s Little Girl: When a certain young lady begins to creep and use herself as a dust mop over the
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In the studio

In the studio

There is lots going on in the studio right now, but no pictures – yet. – I just finished sawing, sanding, padding, and covering one of the foam display forms to be a fairly accurate body double for myself. The finished form looks like it should work for both modern and historic garments. I tried
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DPP – Coat Progress and Decisions

Parts of the coat are coming along nicely: The fronts and back vents are embroidered, pocket flaps spangled and assembled, sleeves cut and sewn, cuffs embroidered, lining cut and sewn. Most of the major pieces are there. That said, it’s really not ready for assembly. The DPP deadline is looming, and even with as close
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