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!
Tag: dress
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!
Trossfrau in training
Good news guys! I managed to finish my headlinen and hat in time for Sunday! I wore it all day, and it worked like a charm. I'm so happy with it! Here is my Wulsthaube: The padded "Wulst" inside a linen "Haube"/bonnet/hood: Then I put on my Steuchlein, with white and green embroidery: It's tided… Continue reading Trossfrau in training
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!
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 Petticoated Swashbuckler 