Hoop-hoop-HOORAY!!

 

The hoop I started with...

a regular, kinda A-line hoop skirt.

but I was after the silhouette of more 1820-30's called an elliptical hoop

I took the top two hoops apart. 

Started pinning it together in the shape I desired.

NOTE: this took a day or two to figure out measurements and techniques, pinning and re-pinning again and again to get it right BUT!! I finally got my shape!

here is what it looked like with a random petty-coat I had draped over it...

(just checking the shape)

Took multiple pictures. Measured every part of it and copied those measurement to my sketched image so as to be able to replica it exactly how I wanted it in the actual materials.

Covered the wire hoops with cotton twill tape (of which I bought 18 meters)

Pined it together and tried it on to make sure that was how I liked it!!

YES! Really pleased.

Never have I worked with hoop wire, or making any type or "object" (as apposed to just fabric) it was a challenge to configure this shape. And with no experience or hands-on advise or help... 

the internet and Google Images was, again, my best friend!!

(Now, of cause this is only the top half of the hoop cage AND unfortunately is only pinned at this point... so that'll be a lot of hand stitching!!)

Ooh exciting times. It has been too long since I've been captivated by creating!! I continue to look forward to a beautiful ball gown (though its is months n months away) BUT remember to enjoy the process and the journey getting there...

                                                                                                     Rose xx

MAIL

I so enjoy getting mail...

and look what came!

I've wanted to make some bloomers/drawer for a while now... 

I actually did try making my own and though they work, they aren't all that nice! thought it best to just get a pattern to start with! A friend of mine has this pattern (simplicity: 9769) So I thought it silly to buy the same because we can just share! I would like to make these bloomers and chemise

I've cut out the pattern. 

And as soon as I can next go to Vinnies I'll find my self some fabric for these!!

Transition Corset

This one was inspired by Lydia and Kitty's in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice



This was my first attempt



It was good. It worked and all that, I made a dress for it and everything...
But it wasn't very detailed and I thought since I've already got the pattern I first created for this one...
I'll make another!

(I realized after taking these photos that I actually had it laced very loosely... which really gives it not as good an effect. But you can see how there is much more detail in this than my first attempt.) 

THE MAKING OF:

 my little Elizabeth Rose tag

for this corset I hand sewed the eyelets just for a more authentic look

So that's it! My second attempt at the transition corset.

Chemise

Basic Chemise pattern

...but I didn't cut it wide enough for me, so I had to slit the back so it would fit!

My First Corset

Of cause, when sewing historically, though you put lots of work into the outer dress/design/intricate patterns etc. You really start with the underwear. 

It is the most important part.  

So to make it easier I bought the pattern: Butteric B4254

as the base, then fit and change bits to my liking.

I used Spiral Steel Boning. 

(for my first corset, I must say it was a bit of a challenge, 

but the end result is great and lasting!) 

...Took me ages stitching the bias tape

END RESULT

                                                                                 

Also you can see I've made some pockets and a bumb roll or false rump.

these are the undergarments for my 1700's day dresses.