What is in a name...

So the spiffy new title for this blog still makes me grin.
I decided to change it to something a little more befitting of my vision and general theme here. And I admit, it's a little tongue in cheek ;-)

"The Austrian Woman" was one of the first titles the French people gave the young Marie Antoinette when she arrived in France from Austria to marry Louis, and later become queen. Some meant it as an insult (said in French, it literally translates to "the bitch"), and some meant it as a compliment. Though France and Austria were at odds, the French still had an intense fascination with the Austrians. The Viennese in particular caught their eye; their style, food, music, royalty, and general happy way of life. I'll just say that the croissant is NOT a French pastry.
The name is also a nod to my own roots; being Austrian and German myself, it's a fitting way to pay homage to my heritage.

It may sound narcissistic, but I also wanted it to convey to people more of what I do as art and living history, rather than a seamstress only making things for other people.
I'm not knocking it, commission work is still artwork, and great when you can get a well paying and easy-to-work-with customer.
I do occasional projects for others, Hence the dirndl dresses recently (and there are a few more on the way). I'm so glad and thankful for the many amazing seamstresses out there that regularly take commission work. I am constantly inspired by them.

However, I've come to the conclusion, over the last year especially, that it is not what *I love* to do when it comes to sewing on a regular basis. I do it for the artistic outlet and to live vicariously in another era through clothing.
There is still that dream of running my own deco era clothing line, but I wouldn't want to be the only one sewing :-\ That is going to take a lot of planning, money and time before it ever comes to fruition.
If that dream is ever realized, I'd love to at least outsource much of the sewing here in the USA, not China. One can dream right?

I've just landed myself a new job as well. One that will not only make me a lot less depressed over the behavior of the human race (it's not retail!), but will be making me more money. This means I won't *need* to take commissions as often to supplement my income.
I will have the money and time on weekends to just concentrate on creating couture for myself, and I'm talking some major 18th century stuff, finally!
My historical wardrobe has huge gaps in it. Mainly from living in Seattle most of my life, until over 3 years ago. Then bam, I'm suddenly in California's bay area; one of the epicenters for historical costumed events, including somewhat regular 18th century themes.
Seattle had zero, and is still lacking.
I have one early 1780s gown, and it needs to be replaced or updated in a bad way. Most of my historical wardrobe is based around the Victorian era and WWII.
This will change soon, and I'm so excited :-)

For the gents....

Since the next couple of posts here will likely be about sewing a frock coat and breeches  I'll also be posting info and resources on men's fashion and haberdashery. Including wigs :-)

Fortunately for we historically appropriate types, and the men who are willing, Lacy Wigs has finally released a pretty decent men's 18th century wig.
Like mine in this post, it comes in a "Discount" version...which actually ends up looking better and more realistic than their more expensive "Deluxe" versions.

This one also comes in the same natural hair colors as mine, not just in the overly costumey and synthetic looking white ("White" wigs in the 18th century were a light blonde powdered to a lighter almost white shade).

Here's the link! The wig pictured is their more expensive version, hence the shinier texture of the hair, but the colors are the same:
http://www.maxwigs.com/discount-colonial-man-by-lacey-costume-wigs-p1336.html

So many pattern bits...

These are just for the breeches o_O


Above is the J.P. Ryan fall front breeches pattern.
I figure that starting with the breeches will be best, so I can more easily determine the length of both frock coat and waistcoat.
The waistcoat needs to be long enough at the center front to cover the waistband closures on the breeches, and the coat's front corners need to hit right above the breeches knee band. Perhaps a little higher, but then as now, it's entirely up to the wearer.
Through the 18th c. longer coat lengths were used for business and dress occasions, while the shorter lengths (as short as mid thigh) were used for sport; hunting, etc.
The person I'm making these for is rather tall, so we will probably stick with the longer option.