black & white goodness

[jennylafleur]

Happy Thanksgiving to all you fellow Yanks! I hope you have a wonderful holiday!


So what do you think?! I adore it!!! *giggles inside* The lace and tassels are courtesy of Mom. They were on her original Civil War outfit, when we starting re-enacting in 1989. See - waste not, want not! The lace is in surprisingly good shape, no sign of dry rotting or anything. It looks and feels brand new and is so soft and delicate. The tassels are a bit worn but for free I can deal with it. Besides they bring back so many memories of my childhood!


I had great fun laying out the lace. In the end I decided I liked it less concave and graduated in the spacing. I have no idea if it's period or not but it was more visually interesting. Once I'd figured out the design, I measured each side to make sure everything was even, pinned the lace and sewed on the side back panels. The tassels were then pinned and the ivory lace draped on once I had it all pinned to Narcissa.

I wasn’t sure about the strip of ivory lace on the side at first but I really like it now. The ivory lace will be on the bodice more (as an overlay on the vest & collar, and at the sleeves) so I like the idea of a bit of it on the skirt. I'm thinking of adding a flounce at the bottom of the front, either of the ivory lace or self fabric but I want to finish off the hem first and see what it looks like.

So on to the back puffy panel! I do have one question though, is it better/more accurate to use knife pleats or cartridge pleating (to pleat to the waistband)? And should they be large or small pleats? The pattern just says "pleat". Not that helpful really.

Comments

[murthandjoy.livejournal.com]

Wow, how exceptional. Very pretty! The back "puff" is attached to the skirt but a different fabric?

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :> No it will be the same fabric, I'm only using one fabric on this project. It could be different though I suppose. The back of the skirt will poof and then fall into a train. At least that is the plan! :P

[murthandjoy.livejournal.com]

I see, I mistook the lace from the overlay as part of your dress. My optical illusion was the back was made of white lace puffed up. Never mind lol I see now.

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I confused Bridget with that pic too. Sorry about that!

[yummyone.livejournal.com]

I love the black and white!! So striking.
As for the pleats...Once you get the bodice on no one really sees them anyway... I personally gathered my underskirt and did small knife pleats for the overskirt... I'm not sure what is historically correct though...

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[joysdaughter.livejournal.com]

Depaends a bit on how much material you have to pleat, and how much pof you have in the bustle - try one hafl flat pleats and one half cartridge - I flat pleat personally, but it's taken me years to come to terms with cartridge pleating!!

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for the advice - I really appreciate it!

[joysdaughter.livejournal.com]

Do tell me to mind my own business, if you want - I always have a habit of butting in before I think if people want advice! (I never got the hang of cartridge pleats till last year.)

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Well I did rather ask for opinions on this one.:> Besides I love getting your advice... not that I promise to heed it or anything. *heehee*

[chloeandrudy.livejournal.com]

That is so pretty! I love the contrast of b&w. And how fun to be able to use your Mom's trims.
Happy Thanksgiving!

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

[koshka-the-cat.livejournal.com]

Very pretty! I just adore black and white :)

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'm glad you like it! :>

[trystbat.livejournal.com]

I'm loving this!!!

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

I thought you would! *hee hee*

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Gorgeous contrast! This is looking fabulous.

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[girliegirl32786.livejournal.com]

Ooo! Gorgeous! I love the lace. :)