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Friday, January 19, 2018

Studio update

It's about time I let you know what has been going on. I have moved my studio home and scaled back what I am doing, which is mostly historic costuming. I have closed down the Edwina Richards website also, so apologies if I don't show up there anymore! It was all becoming too much to maintain.

I have done some projects, which I will post on here soon. Here's a peek:


Monday, February 24, 2014

Bonnet making

I don't call myself a Milliner. I call myself a Costume Specialist. Or a dressmaker, if it needs explanation. But lately, I've been a milliner. It seems the costume work coming my way has got smaller, juts like the budgets at Canada's historic sites. Sigh. What can you do? Our  government doesn't value our history.

Anyway, here's my bonnet. It's an 1840's poke bonnet. It presented a few challenges. First, I had a sample - always good. But (there's always a but) it was going to be the same, but different! Let's add a wire brim and change the interfacing and then the fabric...You get the idea.

The new fabric was a moire. It wasn't easy to hand sew, so adding the bound edge was a test for the fingers. I had to use a pair of pliers to pull the needle through.

I'm quite pleased with it. I had fun trimming it. The ribbon is vintage rayon, made in Paris. It came wrapped in delightful brown paper. The feather and roses work well. I have some white flowers I could use, but I'm not sure. One always has to think about who will use it and how it will be taken care of. I've seen a few sad sights, I can tell you. 

What do you think? Ready for an afternoon promenade?

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Vintage style

This lovely dress is styled after a 1950's dress. It is made in silk, with an organza overlay. The lining is pink, to give a blush effect. The bride wore a vintage headband and carried a bouquet made of vintage rhinestone brooches. 

Photo by Justin Van Leuween, Ottawa http://jvlphoto.com/pixelpost/Portfolio/Index/

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Silk wedding gown


Silk chiffon, antique pleated over silk satin underdress


Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Spring time is Prom time

Beaded lace skirt with vintage lace yoke, beaded lace bustier

Thursday, June 20, 2013

An island wedding

Here are two lovely ladies hamming it up in the dresses I made for this tropical wedding.
Here they are, with their handsome escorts.