back of an English gown

I’ve finished up the back (bodice) so I’m going to call it a night. Yay!

I finished fitting the toile (ooh it looks so much better!), made a master pattern in interfacing and re-cut the lining. I decided to start with the back section, so I first sewed up the back lining. I added a length of Rigiline down the center back this time. I thought it was a good idea since my fabric has a bit of body but without any stiffness. So far it’s working well.

I then cut a length of fabric for the back and began pleating. I used my red stripe as a guide, creating three pleats (one towards the center and two facing out). I did all the pleating flat on a board (rather than trying to pleat on my own back or Narcissa) – it’s so much easier this way and I haven’t noticed a problem with the shape not being right on the shoulders. Once it was all pinned, I hand stitched the pleats to the lining. Once I was done I basted along the edge of the lining piece and then cut the fabric to shape. I roughly cut the extra away – I’ll probably trim some away when I get to the skirt.

I’m really happy with what I’ve accomplished today. If I keep up this pace I will definitely get this done in time, and with sleep involved. :> So tomorrow it’s on to the rest of the bodice…

1770s fancy hair

Alright my beloved Pin Posse I need your help.

I will have this lovely green ball gown by Saturday and I have no idea how to wear my hair for the occasion! My little cotton cap is not dressy enough so I need an actual hairstyle. Preferably something simple (I don't have my hair stylist this weekend nor a lot of time to fuss with it that day). The period for the event is the early 1770s.

Any brilliant suggestions or online sources to recommend? *looks hopeful*

momentum is a wonderful thing

*stretches* Okay, time for a break! May I just say it’s been really fun to do nothing but sew the last two days. I haven’t had a sewing marathon like this in way too long. I see still being slightly sickly has its advantages. :>

As you can see I’ve finished up the bodice. I haven’t finished the sleeves because I want them a little shorter. I have to try the gown on to determine the new length and I want to get the skirts on first (or at least that back section secured). I’m going to eat some dinner and then start work on the skirts. My goal is to get them pleated and attached before bedtime. That would leave only the hem and hooks & eyes tomorrow. *squee*

I’m so happy with how well this project is going! I may have time to do sleeve ruffles and some fabric trimming after all – woo hoo! :>

headaches stink

Well I didn't get as much accomplished as I hoped tonight. I was hit with a massive headache during dinner (the kind where your whole face aches) so that has pretty much killed my momentum and zapped my energy. Pooh on the storm tonight that caused it! :< *moo*

I started on the pleating, once the meds kicked in but it's going really slow and I think an early night is the best plan right now. My fabric, while lovely to work with on the bodice, doesn't like to be pleated so it's fighting me all the way. I'm just not up to dealing with it at the moment.

Good news is I will have plenty of fabric left over to apply some self-trimming to both the gown and petticoat. Not that I anticipate getting to that this weekend to be honest.


In other good news I think I have a plan for my hair, thanks to your suggestions and images. I was also directed to some images on the Williamsburg site by my friend Tina that have proved particually helpful. (For the originals of the above, click here, click on the slide show "women in trades" and go to the wig maker’s section.) I’m especially found of the first one so that is probably what I will base my hair on, perhaps with some hanging sausage curls. I love bouncing curls. :>

I should write a note to myself to boil perm some of my fake hair tomorrow so I don't forget…