The Singing Costumer

  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 unfortuna...

  My next big historical project is a 1890s Mary Poppins.We know that Mary Poppins returns every so often. And we know that the original Mary Poppins film is set in 1910. We can assume 17 Cherry Lane has been in the Banks’ family for a time. Maybe she visited the Banks’ neighbor children in 1890 when George Banks was in his early 20s? Let’s say she met George at that time and knew that she needed to keep her eye on him and his family. The Belle Epoch is not a period I’ve studied a lot, but I love it. It’s a perfect blend of the Bustle styles that came before and the Edwardian style that followed. My Constance Hatchaway is loosely inspired by this period. For the skirt, I used Butterick 5970. I bought some beautiful Gray Herringbone Striped Wool from Burnley and Trowbridge. Sadly, it’s sold out now.  I hope it comes back in stock so I can make a matching jacket at some point. Probably the Eton jacket from Truly Victorian. A good portion of the fashion plates from this period th...