Absence..

Due to my laptop's recent and unexpected death, I must apologize for not posting or commenting here as often as I'd like or should.
The motherboard fried thanks to a faulty USB port, but lucky for me, my data is safe on the hard drive.
I'll admit I had a little internalized freak out over the possibility of losing all my coveted and hoarded historic costume images, let alone all the music, photos, etc. Or my BOOKMARKS, gah!! I don't even want to think about that.

Until I can afford an external hard drive to dump it all onto, it sits on a server at Anders' workplace, safe and sound...I hope :-\
There is no way I can afford a new computer right now, and besides my work computer, I'm using a tiny little HP Mini at home to at least have some access to email etc. (borrowed from Anders).
The first time I used it, I cracked up a little as I opened it up on my lap and tried to type something. It's so adorable, like it was accidentally hit with a shrink ray.

I will have more sewing updates after this week. I am attending a WWII 'social' this weekend, so that leaves no time to start up with the sewing again until the following week. Plus, I just recently finished cleaning up and organizing the sewing area. I can find things again!

So, enough with my tech problems and such. I leave you all with something pretty XOXO....

Color Suggestions: Thanks For The Ideas!

Both on and off this blog, many of you suggested some great color combinations for my upcoming early bustle V&A dress project.
My final pick may actually be two.
I'd love to do a super pale lavender with a dark purple trim.

If I can't find a lavender silk taffeta that I like, I'm going to go with my original consideration of the cream/light beige with black trim, which I think will look quite sharp.

I wanted to stay away from colors that were too dark all over, and while I love soft colors I want to keep a contrast between them.

I would do pink with black if I didn't already have a late bustle gown in those colors, and after using that color
combination many times over the years for various projects, I'm a little burnt out on it.

All tan/brown ensembles, or combos thereof, can wash me out.
I've tried it, but since I'm quite pale, I need to stay away from all tan/brown unless I'm using it as a small
amount of trim.

Pink with dark pink; I want to stay away from the cotton candy colors so I don't look like a cupcake (I know.
This is amusing, coming from a woman who just wore a very pink silk bustle gown to a ball).

I considered pale, cool, celadon green with a dark hunter green trim.
The green color combo is actually still another contender, and I have a good source for some pale green silk for the gown. BUT, would this look too 'Mina Harker'? ...not that it would be a bad thing.

I'm trying to stay away from the iridescent silks we see a lot of these days, and silk taffeta inherently has a nice sheen already.
It seems to be getting harder to find truly solid, non shot or iridescent silk taffeta these days, and while I really like them, I want the texture of this dress to be more true to the original it is based off of.
I may just splurge on buying a silk faille taffeta for the trim no matter what colors I go with. It's more expensive, but I won't need too much yardage for just the details.

But enough obsessing over colors!

Either way, I have time to search out the fabrics I need as this is just a project for fun (finally) with no obligation attached to it. I am; however, obligated to at least do it, and finish it.

Almost there...

The great Clean Up is nearly done!
I can see the entire floor of my sewing area.
The cutting table is clean, folded down and rolled out of the way (for now).
Usable scraps have been separated from the throwaway clippings.
Fabrics have been put in their proper shelves and drawers.

I still need to rearrange my trim and ribbon drawers. They are a spaghetti-like mess after so much digging through, when madly searching for last-minute trims and notions.

I think an Etsy de-stash is in order, too. I have more than a few fabrics and trims that, while pretty, I don't see myself using anytime in the near future. If I do end up needing something like them, they are kinds I can always buy more of.

I'd add photos to this post, but I'm at work and don't have those images here. I'll add some later tonight once it's all shiny and clean...so you can all imagine that it's what it looks like...all the time ;->

So instead, here's just something pretty:

Fabulous Finds

A quick trip from the Victorian into the future; the 1930s.
You know, when you're quick and wily, sometimes you really do find those 1930s evening gown patterns online...in excellent unused condition...for under a bazillion dollars. Case in point:

I randomly logged onto Etsy last night, and after 10 seconds of searching vintage patterns, saw the above.
$20, baby!!!

I barely looked, I just hit the Add To Cart/Buy It buttons after determining that it was a complete pattern.

I think all that Anders probably heard from his office down the hall, was an "AAAH!" or "HOLY SH*T, YOU ARE MINE!".

Factory folds, no missing pieces, envelope is in great condition with a few rumples on the corners. That's it!

Thank you again, Etsy ;-)
...and curse you. I told myself I was going to take a break from you.

Ideas Considered: Color Combo Suggestions Anyone?

The V&A 1874 gown, also the same one from Janet Arnold's 'Patterns Of Fashion II', is one I'd like to take a stab at this year.
This also falls into the Early Bustle category on my 2013 Project list.

Augustintytär's version over at 'Before The Automobile', is stunning in pale blue and navy.
So, as to not be a copycat, I'd like to use different shades than the ones on hers and on the original.
I think that I may have already made my decision on what solid colors I'd like to use for my own version, but I'd love to hear any ideas you all might have.
My current thoughts for a color combo that may just win; a rich creamy ivory to light taupe with black trim, both in silk taffeta.
I'm going for a light color for the major portion of the dress, and darker for the details.

The original at the V&A

Like many others out there I'm sure, this dress is one that has inspired me since I was a kid. Probably one of the only early bustle gowns I ever really loved.
The combination of higher waistlines with larger bustles, paired with endless trimmings, ruffles, pleats and lace (just as much on the upper half as on the lower in some cases) gave me the impression that the dresses were wearing the women. In many of the fashion plates between 1870 to 1874, I swear they resemble escaped wedding cakes as they glide along the promenade.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE ruffles and pleats. But this one is sleek, elegant and non-frivolous, yet still so feminine within the details.
Seeing it brought to life by the expert skills of Augustintytär and the wondrous 'Green Acres' project by Lauren of American Duchess, gave me all the more reason to finally give in and try an early bustle ensemble.

I love the green gown! You can actually see the lady's figure.

Again, directly from my list of things to make, I'll need that new Victorian corset and the LM trained bustle for this project. The plus side is that after I make this corset, I can also use it for Dickens Fair next year and all the other mid Victorian or early bustle events that may occur.

1873 corset From Nora Waugh's, 'Corsets And Crinolines' book.

 The Laughing Moon trained bustle, or as I like to call it; a place to hide your Dalek.

The 2 Day Bodice for 12th Night...

So I finished the pink silk bodice to wear with the existing skirts I had of the same magenta faille taffeta.
By 'finished', I mean it's sewn together and wearable. It looks good now, but there are a few adjustments that I want to make before I wear it a second time.
The seams need to be boned, the puff sleeves might get a few tacks to control the puff into a more ruched look, and it's slightly roomy for me.
I still want to put some decorative buttons up the back over the closure, and put hooks and eyes on both the inside of the bodice and skirts to keep it from riding up. Overall, it turned out pretty good for such a last minute project.

Here are a few photos from the 12th Night Ball. I don't want to share too much until I get the wrinkles out, literally, and take some better photos of the whole gown. Regardless, a grand time was had and everyone looked smashing.

At the royals table, watching a reading by Mr. Charles Dickens

...and champagne....lots of champagne

With Anders Hudson

Helpful info for tailoring details...

I'm just putting this here as a helpful tool for us all. It's a great post by Hallie over At The Sign Of The Golden Scissors; 18th century button stands for menswear...or menswear-inspired ladies garments.
This tailoring tip will be especially helpful to me when I start a late 1770s frock coat...after I finish those damn breeches :

http://thegoldenscissors.blogspot.com/2013/01/whats-under.html

French, Ensemble in yellow. ca. 1765, silk, metal.

Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.