All posts filed under: Sewing

Things I sew – historical and modern

The ca. 1905 Time Lady Shirtwaist

I’m so excited to show you my latest creation for three reasons. First, it means I finally have something to wear with the Faille Skirt of Fail. Second, Lauren of Wearing History gave me the e-pattern to test over a month ago, and I’m so pleased I finally had time to make it up. Finally, there were just so many gorgeous images from the photoshoot I did that I might have to do two posts about it! So, without further ado, here is my ca. 1900 ‘Time Lady’ shirtwaist. I’ve been making it over the last week in between finishing tap pants and making pineapple reticules and sewing dozens of hooks and eyes on to Lynne’s 1905 Greek Key frock. I wanted to test the Wearing History pattern just as it was, so I blithely ignored Lauren’s wise instructions to make a full toile before cutting into your fashion fabric, and used this blouse as a working toile. Only, being me, I meticulously finished every seam, which meant that when it was mostly done and …

Hey look! I’m a Raleigh’s girl!

Published by The Dreamstress

Remember my 1919 cardigan? I couldn’t find an inspiration image that exactly matched it when I was making it, but I was sure that it was perfect for the late ‘teens, early ’20s, and it turns out I was right. I’m a Raleigh’s girl! via the BBC Perfect match! Of course, I’m sure hers is linen or something summer-bicycling compatible, but it does make me want to recreate the white dress and tie a yellow scarf around my hair and do a bicycle photoshoot on the hills around Wellington!

HSF Challenge #24: Re-do: Evening violet tap pants

Published by The Dreamstress

In attempting to do ALL the challenges in one fortnight I’m having to be at least a teeny, tiny bit practical about some of my projects, which means not everything will be as elaborate as the Greek Key dress. Besides, one of the challenges was Starting Simple! So, a simple item: little silk tap pants: So what challenges do the tap pants cover? They aren’t quite as a multi-challenge as the Greek Key frock, but they get a few checked off the list: #0 (the bonus challenge): Starting Simple – Such a simple practical garment #3: Under it all — They are going to go under ALL my summer frocks! And oh, look, they could also count for: #25: One Metre — 80cm of silk? I’m in! And I’m feeling excessively celebratory about the Greek Key frock, so I guess I am doing all 26! I wanted to photograph them on Fanny, but I had a brain blip and forgot to press them before I put them on her. Oops! The Challenge: #24: Re-Do Fabric: …