First fitting for 1885 outfit

Here's a sneak peek at the 1885 costume I am creating for Watson's Mill in Manotick. Kris came in for a fitting and was very happy in her corset, bustle and outfit. It's so nice when clients agree to wear the whole kit and caboodle!

The sleeves are still in muslin. I had to decide which fabric they would be cut in. Originally I was going to cut them in the skirt fabric, but it looked a little heavy on the cotton bodice.

 The skirt is pleased on an underskirt cut from ticking. It really holds its' shape well because of the ticking.

Since then, I have found a lovely braid with all the colors in it, which now decorates the fronts. Still deciding if the skirt needs trim or is it over the top to do that? What say you?

Wordless Wednesday

Redwoods
Photo by Denise Fletcher

New sleeves from old

I am so lucky with what comes across my cutting table. I have mentioned the War of 1812 Bicentennial is coming up and now I am creating two 1812 ballgowns for Fort Wellington. One is a vision in blue silk and the other a vision in mauve silk. I'd had a couple of fittings on the corsets and the dress, now it was time to create some detail.

I have had a close look at an original 1812 dress, which is lovely in cream fabric. It has a fabulous sleeve which we wanted to duplicate. Lucky me, I found a picture of something similar in Jean Hunnisett's book.

Pretty close! It even came with a pattern1 So I drew it out and made a mock up in cotton and taffeta. It turned out much too full in the underarm area. Not a spot I personally want a pile of fabric. So, I had to modify it. Trial #2 proved there was not enough height in the sleeve.

So then, I re-drew the cuffs and the sleeves. On the right track this time.

It actually took 3 versions to get something that worked and gave the look. I have now sewn the sleeve in the mauve silk taffeta with vintage lace for the cuff. This meant modifying the cuff more, to fit the width of the lace.  It had to be constructed entirely by hand, just the way the original was done. After all, there were no sewing machines in 1812!

If you've ever made this sleeve, please let me know!

Wordless Wednesday

Vintage hand made lace jabot