For the blouse, I used a lightweight polkadot satin from my stash. I don’t remember where I got it, but probably Joann Fabrics. I used Truly Victorian 1903 Plain Blousewaist. I made size E. But it might have been better to make the back size F and the front size E. I have to corset down pretty tightly for it to fit. (I am still learning how to size Truly Victorian correctly.) There was a step in the instructions that I didn’t understand until I actually did it. But the pattern was clear. This polkadot satin was too light and flimsy, I thought.I used one layer of fashion fabric and one layer of white cotton for the front, back, and the sleeves. Each piece was serged around each edge except the neckline.
I really wanted some pleats down the center front, since I saw that feature so often in antique fashion plates. I should have sewed the pleats first and then cut out the front piece. Instead, I added some width in the center and just hoped for the best. The neckline unfortunately went wonky. So I had to add black bias tape to cover some raw edges. Then, I bound the neckline as shown in the instructions. This is a fall or winter blouse, for sure. It’s warm, especially with all the underlayers that go with it. It does coordinate beautifully with my winter-appropriate dark gray wool skirt. Almost like I planned it that way. Hmm.
I am finding a new love in millinery. Specifically, Victorian/Edwardian hatmaking. I’ve made a small tricorn for my pirate Belle costume, and a couple of 1960’s soft hats. But nothing like this hat before. For this sassy little number, I used Butterick 6397, view D. Everything was from my stash except the millinery wire and the flowers. Not a bad deal at all. For structure, I used scraps of tarlatan from this skirt I’m wearing here. I think I will buy buckram for my next hat. But the tarlatan worked well enough. I also sewed some craft felt for added stability on the brim and the crown. For the base fashion fabric, a black brocade satin served very well. It’s so lovely up close.
The trimmings are simple, compared to Victorian examples I’ve seen. There is a band of purple corduroy that folds up into a kind of knot at the back. I made this up, but there was often something in the back similar to this in examples in antique catalogs. Then, of course, I had to add flowers. These are from Michaels. (I have Michaels close to work now! So exciting) And the final touch was this random ornament I found in my stash. I don’t even know what it was. There’s nothing on the back of it. Maybe it was originally glued to a belt buckle? Who knows.
The wig is one I already owned. This is my Belle wig styled in a really quick updo. I was fairly sure my 6-year-old Belle wig had ever been washed, so my first step was to give it a bath. The curls were still there after the wash, so that was great. I just rolled the hair up in several places and called it good enough.
Yours in hard work, creativity, and a dash of Pixie Dust
Sarah
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