The Accessorize challenge is coming up on the Historical Sew Fortnightly, and there is so much choice when it comes to what to make. So many beautiful period accessories, so many periods!
These are just a few of the items that are at the top of my ‘need an excuse to make this’ list.
First off, every girl needs a beautiful fan. I collect vintage fans – I should show you my collection. I also aim to make fans. I have hundreds I love, but one particular favourite is this spangled mid-19th century beauty. It has Greek key motifs around the brim!

Fan, 1850—60, American (probably), silk, tortoiseshell, Metropolitan Museum of Art
As you have probably realised, I’m a bit of a shoe aficionado, but there are certain pairs that just make my heart go pitter-patter with adoration. Like these:

Pair of unfinished women’s shoes, Italian, 1605—10, MFA Boston
Oh happiness in shoe form! I’ve looked into Regency sandals, but before these I hadn’t realised there might be early 17th century sandals. I want to know more about them, and I want to make them, and I don’t think the latter is entirely beyond the scope of my skills.
I must have a thing for punched leather shoes in particular, because this 14th century pair also makes me swoon (and they would also be perfect for the Flora & Fauna challenge):

Leather shoe with punchwork and bird decoration, Dutch (Haarlem), c. 1300-1350
As a seamstress, I’m fascinated by historical work-bags. I have this fantasy that one day I’ll have time to make myself one. I particularly like Marie Kundegunde’s diamond patterned (or is it mesh?) workbag. Her triple layer engageates are pretty divine as well – and technically they are an accessory too, since they would be pinned on and taken off.

Pietro Rotari (1707—1762) Portrait of Marie Kunigunde of Saxony (1740-1826), Abbess of Thorn and Essen, daughter of Augustus III of Poland, circa 1755
I don’t usually care for fruit patterned 20th century items, because the ‘vintage cherries’ trope is so over-done, but 18th century strawberry shoes? Squee! I don’t know if I’d ever have the patience to do the needlework to make my own pair (is it queen stitch?) but the right strawberry patterned fabric perhaps? Or painted? Like the bird shoes, these would also be fabulous for the Flora and Fauna challenge.

Shoes worked with strawberries 1760-1770, Hampshire City Council museum
These first-decade of the 19th century gloves just make me swoon with delight. I want to figure out how to print on kid so I can make my own! Or perhaps just draw them by hand? The figures at the top are from a series of prints of Hunchbacks – not very PC!

Gloves, 1800—1810, Spanish, leather, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Some accessories I just drool over and know I can’t every really have (like the gloves above), others are more direct inspiration. I want to make this bonnet, and the whole outfit that would go with it. Just need to find my own luscious emerald green velvet…

Bonnet, late 1830s-early 1840s, silk velvet, Kerry Taylor Auctions
Even easier is this darling 1870’s straw top hat. I’ve been remodelling a lot of modern straw hats lately, and it’s surprisingly easy (I’ll be doing a few tutorials). The trimmings really make this one.

Hat, ca. 1879 American straw, silk, Metropolitan Museum of Art
I also like accessories that could be worn with modern clothes. This chic quilted shawl is like the 19th century version of my Capelet of Yay, and I bet I’d wear it just as much!

Quilted silk shawl, mid-19th century. Charleston Museum
And finally, the award for the most fascinating and creepiest accessory ever goes to Bianca Anguisola, for her taxidermied/jewelled rodent/pig chatelaine. Seriously, what is that thing? And if I want one, is that wrong?

Sofonisba Anguissola (1530—1625), Portrait of Bianca Ponzoni Anguissola, the artist’s mother, 1557