All posts tagged: Nana

A ribbon corset

I took a break from serious sewing and whipped up a ribbon corset.  And I do mean whipped up – despite the very lackluster pattern and directions, and ribbon that wasn’t the same width as the original, it was super easy to do. The corset was based on a pattern from Jill Salen’s ‘Corsets: Historical Patterns and Techniques’.  It dates to 1900.  The original is in the Fashion Museum, Bath. The ribbon is a 3″ wide vintage ribbon from Nana’s stash. Without any planning or forethought, I managed to match the pattern perfectly across the centre front.  Whoohoo for coincidental wins! The pattern is a little busy and overwhelming, but I rather like the OTTness of it. The inside of the corset is not quite as beautiful as my corsets usually are, but it’s still pretty. I have a confession to make though.  I finished the backsides of the ribbon with iron-on interfacing, and just trimmed off the edges.  I know.  Naughty, naughty me!  Next time I’ll be good and use real fabric and sew …

Great-Nana’s hats: The white turban

This hat cracks me up.  It’s hilarious, and at the same time, it is very elegant. It feel like the confused love child of a wazir and a nurse with head trauma. It can dispense the wisdom of the east along with your prescriptions. Just don’t expect it to provide sound advice or the right medicine. In case you hadn’t noticed, I learned how to make the camera take self-timed pictures, and went a little wild with the technique.