So, I said I was going to do some Throwback Thursday-posts, but yesterday was quite busy, with the opening of a new exhibition at work. That is why, this week, you are treated to a Throwback Friday instead! In late January, I attended the Oslo Opera Ball with my good friend Torunn. It was a… Continue reading #TBF: Pretty in Pink
Category: 18th Century
Are you there, blog? It’s me, Maren…
So, as has been proved time and time again, I'm a terrible blogger. When I last published anything, almost a year ago, I wrote "There might also be some exciting stuff happening soon, that I can’t really tell you about yet… but it will involve a lot more and more high quality content!"That exciting stuff… Continue reading Are you there, blog? It’s me, Maren…
National costumes on the National Independence Day!
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!
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!
The Petticoated Swashbuckler 