What wa it with Mrs. Bamford and cloaks? Her inventory includes a ton of them! One is described as a “Goldlaced blue Sattin Cloak”, which sounded extremely luxurious and lovely. After a bit of sleuthing, I figured out that “goldlaced” didn’t mean “laced up with a gold cord” or something like that (and how do… Continue reading Never enough cloaks!
Silky Smooth 18th Century Cloak
The Ann Bamford Inventory saga continues! In this chapter: White silk cloaks. Mrs. Bamford seems to have had an affinity for cloaks in general, there are nine of them in her inventory, and three of them are of white silk. Why? I haven't a clue. Perhaps they were fashionable when and where she lived? Perhaps… Continue reading Silky Smooth 18th Century Cloak
Cap-sizing!
I the previous post, I showed you one of the two be-lappeted caps I've made. The other cap was a lot simpler and a lot less structures, but perhaps a more classical "lappet cap". I began by cutting a very simple cap shape from silk organza, I folded the seam allowances in around the entire… Continue reading Cap-sizing!
A Poufy Piece of Cake!
I love it when one thing can do many jobs. Not just garments, I can spend hours in Ikea, marveling at how they've used one piece of furniture in a number of different ways, or watch video upon video of beds turning into tables or sofas turning into bookshelves at the flick of a switch… Continue reading A Poufy Piece of Cake!
Bow-Chicka-Brown Gown!
The inventory of Mrs. Ann Bamford includes lots of "night gowns". I think I've counted seven, most made from cotton or muslin, but some made up of fancy silk fabrics. The 18th century night gown was not a garment to sleep in, but closer to what we might call an evening gown. However, there is… Continue reading Bow-Chicka-Brown Gown!
Do you have the stomach(er) for it?! Part 2
Ready for another one? Let’s go! The “White Satin Stummager” does not specify fabric, but I guess it’s fair to assume she would have used something nice, like silk. I made a white silk taffeta petticoat not long ago, and I’d love for this stomacher to match that. The problem is that this petticoat is… Continue reading Do you have the stomach(er) for it?! Part 2
Do you have the stomach(er) for it? Part 1
Mrs. Ann Bamford’s inventory, listing every garment and accessory she owned, includes the mention of two stomachers. A stomacher is that small, kinda triangular piece of fabric used to close the opening of a gown. Usually, they’re pinned to the stays, and then the front of the gown is pinned to the stomacher. The stomacher… Continue reading Do you have the stomach(er) for it? Part 1
My Gothic Dream A La Francaise!
So, I left you when my bodice lining was done - or, as done as it could be at that point. So much has happened since! I was so worried about cutting into my expensive and possibly not sufficient fabric, and procrastinated it as long as I could, but unless you’re planning on making a… Continue reading My Gothic Dream A La Francaise!
Words – and why they’re hard…
The inventory of Mrs. Ann Bamford lists "A Black Bombazine Negligee and Pettycoat", and being naive and eager, I decided that this would be a nice spring project for me to fiddle with inbetween exams and applying for jobs. Famous last words... Do you know what a negligee is? I mean, when I hear the… Continue reading Words – and why they’re hard…
Smitten with Mitten(s)!
Don't you just love 18th century mittens? They are so beautiful and cute! I've done a bit of filming in cold weather, and I really, really needed something to keep my hands and underarms warm. Good think Mrs. Ann Bamford's inventory included 3 pairs of mittens! The Metropolitan Museum, Accession number C.I.44.8.9a,b These are the… Continue reading Smitten with Mitten(s)!
The Petticoated Swashbuckler 