Tuesday, April 19, 2016

One of These Things is Not Like the Other

This old thing edition.
Most of us tweak a dress after it's worn once. I had made this Worth inspired dress a yearish ago and it need a few changes. Yet unstitching to restitch is something I hate, better nature to the rescue!
We all love the Worth dress from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, judging by the number of times it's been pinned, anyway. It's what I used as an inspiration, since I don't do strict reproduction. Personally, design is the fun part for me and the sewing is the vehicle that gets me to completion.
A revival, revival. Last Saturday at the Social Daucne Irregulars Victorian Grand Ball- Accept no  imitations!

The incentive was a lucky find, the green dragonfly silk. Just enough for two panels.
Since C.F.Worth collaborated with the past, why not me?  The first go around had a lining flaw in the overskirt back, it was much too flowy and billowed out when I danced. I found some pale yellow polished cotton, the favored lining of the 19thc. and hit the sweet spot.
Back drape all behavey.
I had a picture of the guts, but I'd rather show the glory. Just like the kitchen of a fine restaurant or a ladies hair in rollers before an gala party... no one wants to see that.

What you can't see in the pictures is the spangled lace. The tiers on the underskirt and the bodice lace are sparkly with crystals. Just enough to give it movement.

One ball down and one to go! I'm going to Bath in May to attend Prior Attire's Victorian ball. I've always wanted to dance in the Assembly Rooms and here's my chance! I'll be in the purple and black, for drama's sake.

 https://www.facebook.com/SpectacularSpectacularPriorAttire/

I'll send up a flare when I get there!

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Personal Vest or Big Plaid Onesie

I love my Sibs and my Brother was jonesing for a vest to match a pair of pants I made him late last year. He wanted a plaid-stravaganza to wear to the Social Daunce Irregulars ball this Saturday. His wish is my command.

This is the pattern I used, it went together fast and had a good fit. I only had to make a couple of adjustments.

I pinned out the darts. He doesn't need them and most of the mid-century vests I've seen don't have them. 

Presto!

I have made many welt pockets, sometime they are perfection, sometimes they are trouble. Yet I have no problems with sleeves.

Big plaid onesie? Or Thunder and lightening, as I have heard they where called in the 1850's. You be the judge.
It's like looking into a mirror!  He will be wearing a coat, of course.
This pattern is a great one for the stash. Buy it next time it goes on sale for $1.99. You may not need it now... just wait.

Ever Your Thimble Servant,
Miss Brilliantine.