Cording a Corset

Since my last entry, I've definitely neglected my plan to blog more often. I think grandiose plans are often easier said than done. Regardless, this lack of blogging has meant more productivity in terms of sewing (as well as lots of time going to work). In my recent sewing endeavor, I managed to crank out the remainder of one of my many UFOs (unfinished objects) or as I like to call them, UFPs (unfinished projects).

This particular project started back in the fall of 2012, when I made the decision to sew a complete regency outfit for my graduation ceremony in the spring of 2014. I figured that I would complete it a year ahead of time and be super organized. Long story short, I purchased the fabric, got it all cut out and marked, and then got lost in other projects that were less daunting. I think it was also forgotten at home when I moved to Michigan for 6 months after college graduation. When I moved back to Massachusetts, I eventually came to the conclusion that I wanted to volunteer in August at Old Sturbridge Village's Textile Weekend, thus making this a perfect project to complete and wear.

Corset wishes and scotch-brite plaid

I dream of making way too many costumes. I really want to make an 1830's era dress but I don't have the correct undergarments and am a) not skilled enough to make the patterns on the market, b) too bogged down with other little projects to make them and c) slightly too lazy to make them. Of course the answers to all my prayers comes with a $277 price tag (actually a $220 one because of a sale). The 1805 Patricia corset at Period Corsets is on sale and I have been lusting over it. Except it is really pricey - almost 2 paychecks worth! I have to make up my mind soon because the sale ends on July 4th.

On another note, On the Razzle opens soon and I'm making a bumblebee plaid skirt for one of the actresses. The black and yellow is so hysterical - I can't wait to see it all finished. That's my project for the next couple days.

Uh oh.

I may or may not have hurt my mom's nice Bernina. Oops. I was about to sew another cord onto my corded petticoat, but didn't move the needle over and then the needle broke. I think I got rid of all the pieces but for some reason the needle holder is not resetting itself when I turn on the machine. I just hope I won't have to put all my college savings towards paying for its repair.

Now that summer is starting, I need to find a couple sewing projects. I finished my Laughing Moon chemise. I hand sewed the hem (which is slightly uneven) and the lace. Now I'm working on my corded petticoat. It currently has 3 and a half rows (I'm hand sewing on the 4th). Hopefully it will hold out skirts and be really stiff with a lot of starch.

After I finish, I have a couple options - I'd love to make an 1830s/40s dress (it will be good use of the corded petticoat) but I'd need another corset for the 1830's dress. I'm also considering a hoop skirt kit and a new hoop dress. I could also make a bustle and a skirt and bodice to go over top. Hmm...decisions.

Code Name: SP. Topic: Fabric

 I am currently in the process of choosing a fabric for my dress. My options are either a reproduction cotton fabric or a solid silk. I currently don't know of many good fabric stores, so reproduction fabric will be easier to obtain (read - online ordering). The problem with any fabric is making up my mind. I found a site  that has way too many choices. Below are my favorites:

(all images borrowed from the Dargate Collections at Baumtextile.com. No copyright intended)

 

Did you notice that I seem to really like purple? Strange (well I do have two coats, a civil war hoop skirt dress and a prom dress that are all purple).

Score!

I'm into the senior project! YES!! I found out on Friday. All 10 kids who applied made it which is great to see. I am making a dress from 1830 and the correct undergarments to wear underneath - the challenge is making them as historically accurate as I can, meaning most will be hand sewn. Fun.


Right now I'm making the Past Patterns Early-to Mid-Nineteenth Century Stays and 1830-1836 Full High Gown. I'll also make a new shift from my Sense and Sensibility Regency Undergarments pattern (or modify my current one) and a couple muslin petticoats which I will starch like crazy. It will be a cool few months.

Gown (left) 

Stays (right). I'm planning to make the one on the bottom right.

Senior Project?

So this year the high school piloted a new project for seniors that other high schools have. It's called the senior project and during the last five weeks of their senior year, seniors have the opportunity to learn a new skill they haven't had time to before or do an internship. I naturally chose sewing historical costumes. I figured its not a bad time to make something I want to. With the project, we need an outside adviser and I have found many people who I can go to if I need some help with my project. A couple people are local but some are about an hour's drive. One potential adviser is at Framingham State, and I've noticed they have an extensive costume and textile collection. I'd love to get help with fitting from someone there.

I've chosen to do either the Past Patterns Lowell Mill Dress or the Past Patterns 1830's Full High Gown with period undergarments. I find out about if I made the cut for the project on March 29th, so I have to wait until then. I really want to get in!