All posts filed under: Rate the dress

Rate the Dress: Edwardian Pinafore

Pinafores and jumpers are all the rage in the sewing and fashion world at the moment, so I thought I’d get on board with the trend in Rate the Dress this week – with a pinafore-esque frock from 1906-7. And no, it’s not for a child! Last week: a 1910s suit in purple and black Either the Rate the Dresses I’m posting aren’t interesting a lot of people, or you are all super busy. Last week’s frock, while not attracting a lot of comments, did attract most who commented. With only two exceptions it got rave reviews: it was just what you all wanted to for a day of tea and shopping in London. The Total: 9.3 out of 10 Two full points up on the week before! This week: a red velvet Edwardian frock with a hint of pinaforeness While pinafores are all the rage right now, historically we generally think of them as a child’s garment. That certainly wasn’t always the case: pinafore/jumper fronts had their moments in adult clothing as well, particularly …

Rate the Dress: Suited to the Teens

Published by The Dreamstress

Last weeks Rate the Dress was all frothy ballgown, so this week I’m going all serious and businesslike, with a 1910s suit. Of course, while it is a suit, it’s also Edwardian, so there is detail within the detail of the detail of the suit! Last week: an 1830s evening gown in white with green trims I honestly thought there would be more comments on last week’s Rate the Dress, because it was such an interesting dress! But perhaps people were having busy weeks. Or perhaps it was just too subtle and not obviously interesting enough… In any case, some of you thought it absolutely delightful and charming, but alas, some of you thought it drooped, was overly be-bow-ed, and suffered from terminal puffed sleeve-ness. The Total: 7.3 out of 10 For the record, I loved it. It was pretty much my dream 1830s evening gown (except for maybe not that bow). This week: This ca. 1912 suit combines practicality with a dash of flair. The wool broadcloth would keep the wearer warm in …

Rate the Dress: 1830s puffs on sleeves & skirt

Published by The Dreamstress

So many historical costumers are sewing 1830s, and I want to be sewing 1830s, but I can’t start any new projects until my already started ones are finished, so I’m consoling myself by finding interesting Romantic-era fashions – like this week’s Rate the Dress Last week: an 1890s dress in plum and leaf print chine What an interesting reaction to last week’s Rate the Dress! Ratings ranging from 10-2, and everything in between (except 7). It was described as being suitable for a “surreal pseudovictorianish comical dystopia” or perfect for “a posh British lady going to Australia for the first time.” (which is interesting, because it rather reminds me of the better costumes in the generally terribly costumed 2018 ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ TV series). And “unfortunate”… The Total: 7 out of 10 It finally gets that 7! This week: An 1830s evening gown This 1830s evening gown comes in classical white, with sleeves that Anne would envy (albeit a half century early), a flourish of embroidered greenery around the hem, a perky bow in the …