Can anyone guess what this work in progress might be? Making things has always helped to keep me sane in rough times, so I've picked up my projects once more. I've lots to catch up on, and lots planned for the future. Here's a glimpse of some of the things I've been up to, and some of the things I'll be tackling soon. I'll cover each of these in more depth later, so these are just a preview. Like many others, I've joined The Dreamstress' The Historical Sew Fortnightly. The holidays kept me from doing the bonus challenge, but I started early on my project for the Bi/Tri/Quadri/Quin/Sex/Septi/Octo/Nona/Centennial one. I chose an accessory from the year 1813. Can you guess what it is from the above in progress shot? (And yes, I know crochet wasn't around at the time, but I didn't feel like knitting tiny stitches, so shhh!) Last week's tragedy kept me from completing it, so I've missed the deadline, but I'll be finishing it anyways. While we're on the subject, here's a rundown of what I'm planning to do for each of the challenges that have been announced so far (note that I will probably waffle and change at least one of the following as the deadlines near)- Challenge #2- UFO Everything done but the binding. You've seen glimpses of the custom drafted corset I was sewing back in November. Well, I finished everything but the binding. Since I needed a corset under my Dickens clothes, I wore it as is. Now it's time to finish it! Binding will be a quick and easy project to complete, and I'll finally be done with this corset. Hopefully I'll get around to writing a post on how it went together too. Challenge #3- Under it All Antique chonies. When I made my repro drawers copied directly from my pair of antique split crotch undies, I learned a lot. I want to make a second, much better pair now that I know how to do it better (I will conquer those tiny 1/8 flat felled seams and pintucks!). I also want to finish cleaning up the pattern and adding tips about the hard bits to the instructions so that I can post them here and you can make your own! Challenge #4- Embellish I've been thinking of adding flossing to the corset mentioned in Challenge #2. If not flossing, then perhaps a pretty lace overlay in strategic areas (perhaps covering the damn ink stain on the side)? Challenge #5- Peasants and Pioneers I'm thinking an apron, but I haven't decided what era. Any suggestions? Since I don't often attend events where I'd actually wear an apron, I'd like this one to be something I'd wear around the house, whether I'm in period clothes or not. Challenge #6- Stripes Pretty silk, but eh on the welt pockets This one was an easy choice. Poor Boyfriend has been waiting for me to finish his striped silk waistcoat for over a year. Time to finish it up! Challenge #7- Accessorize I've got lots of choices, so it will probably come down to what tickles my fancy the most at the time I start worrying about getting this one done. I could finally decorate one of my pairs of American Duchess shoes. I could make some 18th century mitts. There's a cap that I'd like to make, or I could get started on a handkerchief (can't have too many of those!). Challenges aside, I've got lots of other things I need/want to get done this year. Believe it or not, the following is the short list! I'll probably see how many of these I can shoehorn into fitting one of the challenges so that I'm not too busy. From the Museum of London. Beautiful! Regency wardrobe- A dear friend is getting married in October, and her wedding will be Regency themed! I need a dress, which means I need underthings as well. While I'm at it, I might as well create a whole wardrobe to have available for other events, right? I'd like to do a few everyday dresses, plus one fancier one, but I don't have any details set in stone yet. I do know I desperately want to make the above pelisse from the Museum of London so very badly. I'll also be making a coat for Boyfriend (more on that soon!), plus a vest and shirt. I don't much care to tackle the breaches, however, so we're considering getting those commissioned. Version 1.0- I love my skirt, but the bodice has issues. From an album on Fancy Dress on the www.psrs-csa.org site Lattice Gown Update- While I love love love how the skirt of my Lattice Gown turned out, I never loved the thrown-together-at-the-last-minute, doesn't-fit-properly bodice. The lattice midsection in the photo above is one of the contender ideas for a new bodice. What do you think? Too busy? Should I leave the lattice work in the skirt, and design a fairly plain bodice? I thought this dupatta was crying to be made into a Titanic Gown, but it was me who ended up crying in frustration. Titanic Dress Redo- I showed you my first Titanic Gown, but the second was a disaster and never got completed. I've got some ideas on how to change it up and make it work. From the Met. It looks so coooooozy. At home gown- I just want to wear this around the house as a robe. Plenty of reason to make it, yes? Found on Pinterest, but can't find where it was from. Any leads so I can credit it? Cape- I've got some beautiful teal wool and a mustard colored cashmere/wool blend. Both fabrics want to be made into capes or jackets. I'd really like to use one of them to make the cape above! Quilted petticoat- I've got access to a long arm quilting machine with a frame large enough to hold a king size quilt. There really isn't any excuse as to why I don't have a quilted petticoat yet. Bustle dress- Lauren's AH-MAZE-ING bustle dress has me twitching for one. I'm still collecting ideas and inspiration, but it'll be big, bustly and beautiful! The 'hawk was temporary, but oh was it funny Wigs- Well not making them from scratch, but acquiring and styling them for sure. After a year+ of hair, I got fed up and buzzed it all off again. Funny story- I did the sides first and left the top center so that I could play around with having a mohawk for a few minutes. While Boyfriend snapped pictures, the power went out! With the electric clippers useless I had no way to finish the job, so I ended up keeping the 'hawk for a day. A goofy, goofy day. In any case, now that I have no hair again, it's time to wrangle a wig or two. But enough about future plans. What have I actually been doing the last two months? I'll be writing posts to catch you up on each of these, but here's a glimpse- Miles and miles of cording... Posing in the Dark Garden window. Photo courtesy of Gordon Mackenzie. Please take a look at his beautiful photos on smugmug! Corded petticoat- Partway through Dickens I had the uncontrollable urge to make a corded petticoat. I ended up making a short one, and it was super cute! Making of post to come, plus I'll want another in a longer length in the future. You really don't want to know how much time I spent obsessing over the placement of those damn little pieces! My First Quilt- I know it's not historical costuming, but the quilting bug bit me and I wanna show off my first attempt. I'm still only partway done with this, but I'll show the finished product off soon. Fan front Cartridge pleated skirt Dickens Dress- I finished this in time to wear it for the Dickens season (barely), but I actually ended up hating this. I intend to remake it, but I'll show you both versions once the redo is done. Until then, this little glimpse is all you get. Cravats- I made several cravats for Boyfriend as a Christmas gift. There are two cotton and two silk ones that are perfectly nice and serviceable, and then there is a poly-something or other one in a plaid obnoxious enough that I couldn't resist. If you've got a source for a truly hideous plaid or paisley in a lightweight natural fabric, do let me know. I'm pretty sure he needs at least one or two more cravats that make people's eyes hurt. Vibrating shuttle bobbin case Vibrating shuttle placement in machine Machine Fixin'- This isn't so much "making" as it is "repairing shit so that I can sew things on a really cool treadle and get a workout in the process". Remember my strange vintage New Home treadle machine with the vibrating shuttle instead of the round bobbin system most of us are familiar with? I was never able to use it because it was missing the shuttle for the bobbin. I finally found one, so now I'm in the process of cleaning and repairing the machine. With luck, I'll be working on some fabulous calf muscles soon! Well that turned out longer that expected. I'll quit yammering and get back to sewing now.
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This is a beautiful image of an oil painting by William Orpen. I believe it shows why soft furnishings such as drapes and table coverings can make the difference in a room’s mood – our mood. Textiles also do the same for fashion. Also see below another inspirational example from Harold Knight. The subject of…
Looking to add the final touch to your wedding dress? See the 20 most stunning bridal capelets for beautiful wedding dress cover-ups.
John Glenn passed away on Thursday afternoon surrounded by family at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, over a week after he was first hospitalized.
#Greek myths could create future leadership legends https://t.co/e65RLamE49 #leadership
Explore HiltonT's 10074 photos on Flickr!
Salzburg is a dream to get to. A quick hop over from London on an early flight and you can spend the entire day frolicking in Austria, singing your favourites from The Sound of Music! We arrived to a fresh batch of snow, misty sunshine and the slightest chill in the air. Mum’s cape (similar) […]
Bosun Tijani, an innovation expert in Nigeria, shares his thoughts on how economic expansion and innovation will transform the continent.
Photographer Marcus Lyon’s images of crammed megacities and never ending highways might make you feel like going off the grid—at least for a little while. In his series BRICs, Exodus, and Timeout, he creates images that are large-scale visions of globalization and human activity worldwide. The photos aren’t actual shots of Moscow or Mumbai, but composites of hundreds of images to make you feel overwhelmed by the sheer power and size of it all.
Product code: BKK03079 Style Notes Embrace cosy warmth with this elegant cape, crafted from a sumptuous wool and knit blend. Featuring a funnel neck with polished button detailing that cascades the sleeves. Pair with premium denim jeans and boots for a casually sophisticated ensemble. Cape style Wool knit blend Button detailing Funnel neck Details & Care 78% Polyester, 15% Nylon, 6% Wool, 3% Elastane. Machine wash with similar colours. Model wears size: S
In a tribute to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
Mid Length Coat with Shoulder Detail. Cape Sleeve Opening. Care Instructions: Dry Clean Only MTO: We pride ourselves on quality and timeless pieces. Each piece is made to order. This means that after you purchase, our designer starts the process to make your item. Due to this, this item can take up to 3 weeks to ship.
We join Gamidah Jacobs of Lekka Kombuis for a lesson in the bold earthy flavours and vibrant hues that run through every mouthful of the Cape Malay cuisine.
Classic Victorian restoration at Cape May NJ - some minor perspective corrections in PS CS2
Blog sobre decoração, arquitetura, artesanato, paisagismo.
Selkie pattern by Melissa Schaschwary)
Stylist Alexandra Carl and Filmmaker Jacob John Harmer’s Effortlessly Elegant Wedding in Copenhagen
The project is a renovation of two existing structures on a farm; a 1920's house and a barn dating from the 18th century. Designed by Van Der Merwe Miszewski Architects, the home is located in
Yesim Demir (left) was on holiday with her boyfriend Nizamettin Gursu (right) at Polente Cape in Canakkale, a city in north-western Turkey in the Marmara region, when the tragic accident happened.
The summer of '69
Carina is a sweet feminine name that means dear little one. It is the perfect name for this sweet little shawl that has such a pretty feminine air to it. Carina is a straightforward shawl that works up easily and wears beautifully. It is sure to become your dear little shawl.The sample was knit in Crave Yarn Summit. A substitute yarn is shown below.
I’ve not done much this past year, or at least it feels that way. I am looking forward to the New Year, making plans and imagining where life will take me. I was going through old digitized H…
The project is a renovation of two existing structures on a farm; a 1920's house and a barn dating from the 18th century. Designed by Van Der Merwe Miszewski Architects, the home is located in
Elsie and Mairi wearing the decorations awarded them by King Albert of the Belgians, The Chevalier of the Order of Leopold II. All photos in this post but the last were taken from The Cellar-House of Pervyse: A Tale of Uncommon Things from the Journals and Letters of The Baroness T'Serclaes and Mairi Chisholm, published in London, 1917. Clicking on the individual half-tone photos will provide a clearer image. Elsie Knocker and Mairi Chisholm were two motorcycle enthusiasts who, when the war began, became dispatch riders in London with the Women's Emergency Corps. After a month they were asked to join a medical unit called 'The Flying Ambulance Corps" that was headed for Belgium. Mairi in a shell hole. The women often came under direct fire. While in Belgium transporting men from the battlefield to the nearest hospital -- usually miles away -- the women discovered that too many moderately wounded men were dying of shock during the trip. What these men needed immediately, the women realized, was a quiet place where they could recuperate and gather some strength before taking the arduous ambulance ride to the hospital on the muddy, slippery, shell-pocked cobblestone streets. At the end of November, 1914, after a quick fundraising trip to Britain, Elsie and Mairi moved into a 10 by 12 foot cellar of a bombed out house in the Belgian town of Pervyse, using a second cellar as a dressing station. There they cared for the wounded, a few men at a time, before taking them to the hospital in Furnes. And with their new funds -- and what they could find in other deserted houses -- they made hot chocolate and soup (with the help of a young Belgian man) and distributed it daily to the Belgian soldiers living in the nearby trenches. One of the cellar houses before the women converted it The same cellar house afterwards They also wrote home often, requesting their relatives to send them warm men's clothing. The Belgian soldiers nearby often suffered from relatively minor ailments -- bronchitis, frozen, inflamed feet -- caused by exposure to the cold. Elsie and Mairi let these sick men recuperate in the cellar house if no one else needed it more. The Belgian soldiers were extremely grateful for all the sacrifices these two British women were making on their behalf. But if the Belgian soldiers admired the two brave women, the feeling was very mutual. Elsie commended them in the following way in a letter home, requesting supplies: "I have lived amongst the soldiers so long, and know how plucky and cheerful they are. I see them patched up, returning to their regiments unmurmuring. I wonder if even our British Tommy would fight so cheerfully as he does if he were established on twenty miles of Kent, knowing that all the rest of his country was in the hands of the Germans, not knowing where his mother, wife, or sisters were, or if he would ever see them again." News traveled and soon the cellar house began attracting curious visitors, everyone from the mayor of Paris to British reporters; friends and relatives of the two women read about their activities in British newspapers. One day they were visited by some British navy men who were astonished that the women were living in a bombed out village so obviously close to danger. In the middle of their conversation, several loud shells fell nearby, one right after the other. The naval men were outraged: "Do you mean to say you get this often?" they asked. "It's shameful! Someone ought to make you come away." "Write to The Times about it" said Elsie before calmly suggesting that they all eat the lunch the men had brought. Elsie & Mairi Photo via the Imperial War Museum Portions of the above text are taken from an unfinished, unpublished chapter originally intended for inclusion in Women Heroes of World War I The following is collection of quotes I considered as chapter openers: The whole British Army objects to our being here. --Mairi Chisholm There isn't a man in the Corps who does his work better or with more courage and endurance than this 18-year-old-child. --May Sinclair, British journalist, speaking of Mairi Chisholm Perhaps it is by [Elsie Knocker's] services and those of Miss Mairi Chisholm that the Monro Ambulance has best proved the fitness of women in the actual field. --May Sinclair, British journalist So far as I know, you are actually the only women right up in the firing-line at all -- and you jolly well shouldn't be. --British Naval Officers speaking to Elsie Knocker and Mairi Chisholm Read about recent efforts to build a memorial to Elsie & Mairi here. The Amazon UK link to a recent biography on the women, Elsie and Mairi Go to War.
The L.A.-based designer finds the perfect, beachy weekend trip from Paris on Île de Ré.
In a tribute to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
(youtube.com) I love the night sky ☁ Zzz Follow me Everywhere! Listen to my Album on Pandora or Spotify Premium & Order on iTunes :)
