Yesterday was Norway's National Day, one of my favourite holidays! On the 17th of May 1814, an assembly of Norwegian menfolk signed the Norwegian constitution, which made Norway an independent country after more than 400 years as a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Now, I know that the constitution wasn't actually very liberal, compared to… Continue reading National costumes on the National Independence Day!
Category: 18th Century
That’s (t)hat!
So, when there is only a couple of hours until you've got to be ready packed and in your car, heading for a caribbean island alá 1792... What do you do? You make a hat. Obviously. Time for a history lesson/tutorial! Broad-brimmed, low hats were really, really popular during the last part of the 18th… Continue reading That’s (t)hat!
1792 – Here I come!
So, I had a little photo shoot with my darling (patient and luckily quite childish) mother, and here are the results! I also did my hair and makeup to the best of my abilities... 18th century cosmetics consisted mainly of two different products: Blanc (white powder, often made up with lead or mercury, and hence… Continue reading 1792 – Here I come!
The test…
So, once upon a time, I gave myself a challenge - to make a dress out of stripey fabric, and make the stripes match. I've heard that's difficult. Apparently, rumours were true. However, I'm pretty pleased with the result! I'll try to recap how I went about making the bodice for my 18th century gown.… Continue reading The test…
One dress – many wearers
I really wanted to experiment with sewing garments that more than one person can use. I have a lot of costumes, I like to lend them out, but that's easier if more people can use them than people who look exactly like me. This was the first result: Hooks, eyes and lacing! The front is… Continue reading One dress – many wearers
A nightgown fit for a Queen!
I am done with my Chemise a la Reine! And what a garment this is! The Chemise a la Reine, also known as the Gaulle or the chemise dress, was originally designet by Rose Bertin for no other than Queen Marie Antoinette, and based on the loose, light cotton dresses women wore in the West-Indies.… Continue reading A nightgown fit for a Queen!
THE MOST USEFUL SKIRT PATTERN YOU WILL EVER FIND!
This is not an exaggeration! Have you ever wanted a really large and nice skirt that took little time to make, that was adjustable, and that looked really fancy? LOOK NO FURTHER. 18th century petticoats, my darlings. I made two, in one evening, sewing by hand. How, you ask? Why, the secret is simple, flat… Continue reading THE MOST USEFUL SKIRT PATTERN YOU WILL EVER FIND!
About hold-in and push-up!
It took hundreds of hours and millions of stitches, but these are my hand sewn 18th century stays! And here is how they were made: I used this pattern, and did the 1780s model, as it had the supportive "flaps" over the hips to help carry the weight of petticoats and dresses. First, I made… Continue reading About hold-in and push-up!
Stocking up!
I've made stockings! It was so much fun, I made two pairs! I would probably have made three, if I hadn't spent a lot of fabric and time finding out how to make them fit me. I used the pattern and tutorial here (that blog is awesome by the way! I love it!), and the… Continue reading Stocking up!
Gore galore!
Chemise number two! Done exactly the same way as the first one, only without sleeves, and it works really well. Need ironing, other than that it's done! Here follows a small tutorial on how to do side-gores on skirts and dresses. This is by no means the only way to do this, but it's my… Continue reading Gore galore!
