If you have been here before, you will know I wanted to do a historical costume dress for the county fair this year. (Following are pictures of patterns I was deciding on). In mid July I did order the pattern I chose (the Fancy 1880's dress) and I really did try to find fabric to make the dress in. I guess that's where I ran into my first problem. I just couldn't decide on any fabric that was available at the fabric stores! I was not able to make a trip to Los Angeles or San Francisco to look around there - so much more selection! I got kind of frustrated trying to find something that would work and I did not want to do all that work on a fabric that I was not 100% pleased with just to get the dress done.
Not finding "the right fabric" I got kind of unmotivated with the project. I went through the summer doing a few easy projects, but nothing as fascinating as this dress. The only "real" sewing project I have completed has been the valance in my sewing room. I have made a few craft projects and actually cleaned my sewing room which is an accomplishment in itself! I have not even made the few jumpers I was wanting to whip up for summer. I do have the fabric washed and ironed and ready to be cut out though. And now with a fancy dandy new serger I really don't know what I am waiting for! (But hey, these web pages are taking my sewing time away you know!)
My current projects are to complete 1. The front bathroom valance for the window in there, 2. One of those jumpers I was supposed to whip up for summer, 3. Curtains and valances for our "office," and 4. Start on a wool jumper for the fall. In between those projects I need to go to work every day, eight hours a day (most of the time), five days a week, keep my house clean and cook dinner, mend hubbies work clothes, spend time with my fur kids, keep in touch with friends and family, and of course update these web pages! (I am being a little sarcastic; I really do love the last three items, including updating these web pages! I'm hooked!) So, if anyone can give me a helping hand I would sure appreciate it! It seems like our hobbies take a back seat to real life, huh?
Honestly though, I will keep you updated on the status of these current projects I plan to complete. If I set a "deadline" for myself I tend to get things done that way. I just don't work well under pressure, I seem to only work under pressure! (Same thing with the house; why clean it unless someone is coming over?!?)
Again, please feel free to email me if you are interested in sewing or want to discuss projects. I would love it!
Project for the County Fair in September '99
1876 Bustle Walking Dress
This is the 1876 Bustle Walking Dress from Amazon's Authentic Patterns from the Past. I really like this pattern a lot, but is a little early in the time period for the late 1890's theme. Maybe I will make this one anyway...
The original was gray silk and wool tattersall check, and was worn at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, September, 1876.
Fancy 1880's Dress
Here is another dress I would like to make. Again, the time period is a little early for the fair theme, but I don't have to stick to the theme exactly I guess. Just want to make a historical clothing item from the Victorian era.
This pattern is from Past Patterns from the Amazon Authentic Patterns from the Past Catalog. It has a choice of bib front insert or open square neck on a long tunic over tiers of ruffles.
1911 Sailor Suit
I have wanted to make a turn-of-the-century Sailor Suit for as long as I can remember. This one seems to be a very nice one.
There is no information included with this in the catalog, just states that it is a duplicate of an original sewing pattern of the time. I will need to research a little to see what would be appropriate fabrics, etc.
This pattern is from the Attic Copies section of the Amazon catalog.
Other Projects
Created July 3, 1998 by Rachel Ann
Last Updated September 13, 1998