sewing – Page 3

It’s Done!: The Angelica Gown (Mockup Version)

So it took just under three weeks, but the Angelica gown is done. HOORAY! (I repeat, HOORAY!). Even though I’ve been sewing and doing historical costuming for years, this gown was the first truly historical pattern I attempted, and boy did it kick me in the butt. I tend to take a lot of shortcuts and do what I want to do when it comes to sewing and using patterns, but this one has shown me that I can’t do that all the time UNLESS I already know what I’m doing. For example, I can knock a regency gown out with a sewing machine in under 2 days.

A couple of things I have learned from making this gown:

1-Historical patterns are VASTLY different from modern commercial patterns.

2-Some things just NEED to be hand stitched. I’m used to taking shortcuts and machine-sewing everything. NOT with this gown!

3-Hand sewing is not all that bad. I used to hate it but found out that I’m quite quick with it once I get a good rhythm going and focus

4-PRESS. OPEN. SEAMS. Trust me on this.

Now, the dress still needs to be hemmed, which I can do at any time since it’s a wearable mock-up, but other than that it is done! Here are some pictures:

Also, can we get a round of applause for these pictures taken by my 11 year old? Looks like she is following in my footsteps as a wedding photographer!

Now that the mock-up is done, I feel way more confident in starting the real version, and cutting into my silk baron tafetta! I have an event to go to on the 5th, and the theme is dark and moody. So although I already have a black chemise a la reine (which still needs to be hemmed), I am EXTRA, so I want a second gown to change into. But if it doesn’t get done, then I’ll be changing into edwardian.

Wish me luck and happy sewing!

Work in progress: The Angelica Gown

What can I say about this gown? For one, it’s the first actual historical pattern that I have ever worked on, and if you know me, you know that patterns and I never work out. Secondly, this thing has different techniques that I have never heard off PLUS there’s a ton of hand sewing.

So I started the mock up for this gown by Scroops Patterns and Virgil’s Fine Goods two weeks ago. It is being made out of a honey colored linen with a white Muslim lining for the bodice. Haven’t quite decided on the color of the petticoat yet, but I’m thinking of a black one since I kind of need one anyway, and maybe one with a gorgeous African print.

Here are parts 1 and 2 of the progress:

@themarisazimmerman1
♬ In My Blood – Vitamin String Quartet

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I will admit, the beginning of this project had me STRESSED, but it’s nice to see everything starting to come together. More handstitching on the bodice before I move onto the skirts!
♬ Bittersweet Symphony – Vitamin String Quartet

So now with the pleating on the skirts done, I need to baste them down to keep them in place, and then comes the exciting part aka stressful part: attaching the bodice to the skirts! I am so so nervous to do this. But I need to get it done, because I have to turn around and do this all over again with the main fabric. Let me show you! It’s called Bruja by The Silk Baron and it is seriously gorgeous! Perfect for my spooky themed costume meet up coming up in November (let’s hope I can get it done before then though!)

As far as the petticoat, I’m going to do with a simple black one so it can go with the mock up version and real version. May add some decorative ruffle trim, we shall see!

Other than that, I have to get the monthly rewards (wax sealed letters for my patrons done this weekend, along with a wedding tomorrow. Let’s hope the rain from this storm holds off so my couple can get some gorgeous sunset images.

So that’s it for now. Wish me luck in the finishing of this gown!

1950s style

So with the first week of my #28DaysOfHistorifalDress done, I wanted to show off the looks I wore for the first week. Let me just say this, I felt so beautiful! I always feel beautiful when I’m in vintage/historic stuff rather than modern, but something about putting a look together and taking the extra time to do my hair and makeup to fit the aesthetic, was worth it. I received so many compliments whenever I went out. The teachers at my kids school loved seeing me come in with a new look each day. So without further ado, here they are

So as you can see, day 7 started with Edwardian. I also have videos of the outfits on my Instagram & TikTok under the “28 Days of Historical Dress playlists.

This week I will be doing more Edwardian era looks, complete with the big hats! So if you want to see the process of all of that, including sewing my two Edwardian skirts, belts, and corset covers then check out my IG, it’ll be a few days before I update here again.

Happy sewing & costuming!