NEW BLOG::: Fashions of Time

Please note that I will be moving my blog and will start posting from this point on at : www.fashionsoftime.blogspot.com . I wanted to use a different email address plus I hope to start posting more from different eras. The majority will still be 18th century postings, as it is my very favorite time period. If you currently follow me here please add me there...and if your are not currently following me...why aren't you following me? hehe

I just posted something from the Renaissance Fair so take a peek!

Duke of Hardgove's Outfit

Current project: His Grace's much needed outfit. Not sure on the trimming yet. It will probably be something with more white and gold. The waistcoat is actually a shimmery gold demask of some sort. The coat is maroon velvet. Will post progress over the next few days.

Cord Riding Habit- Don't Laugh

Ok it's still a work in progress. Buttons will be added and top stitching needs to be done. It could really use a good ironing ;) Just wanted to share the progress...And my new shoes!!!

Bad Blogger

Ok I know....I'm a bad bad blogger. I haven't even posted riding habit pictures. Sad to say we were unable to ride when I made my trip home. (it rained all weekend :( ) Pictures will come soon. I have just been terribly busy. My wedding is in one week!!!! So I have been focusing sewing and costuming energy into wedding to-dos. I have had a chance to read a few blogs and catch up on everyone.

P.S. my green velvet riding habit is turning in to the known redingote above

I shall return in a few weeks :)

A Wonderful New Year to YOU!

I wanted to wish you all a blessed year in 2010.

J and I had quite a New Year celebration. We drove to Oklahoma to see the Flaming Lips in concert. J had not seen them before so he was super excited...and of course the band did not disappoint. I like music...J LOVES music....at a concert I tend to notice the visual aspect more than the music. Comes from being a visual person rather than an auditory person I suppose. Of course there was plenty to see!!! (see pics below)

I have big year ahead of me that I am gladly looking forward to!

1. March will bring my wedding! From there forth I will be "Madame H."
...says in a giddy girl giggle....

2. I am seriously going to continue my education.

3. I have to really get myself in gear to start my own business.

4. HOUSE: Must have...looking into buying but will probably lease

and of course costuming projects:

1. Two 18th century riding habits: I was planning on a maroon velvet. That has changed to green (due to me wanting to use the maroon velvet for another caraco). The second riding habit is for my mother (who owns the horses and ask for one lol...much to my surprise)

2. J's 18th century ensemble: Breeches, Shirt, Waistcoat, and Frock

3. New Shift

4. New Stays

5. Renaissance Gown for me and something for J.

6. Gold Silk Robe a la Francaise

7. Two of these three French Court Dresses from fashion plates I can't stop staring at!

8. Finish two polonaises (the cotton print and the same in stripe silk)

HAVE A BLESSED AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Random Costuming and Practice

I have been on and off working on 2 gowns that I plan to make in silk in the future. I thought I would practice with the cotton and maybe have a couple of day dress type ensembles....you know for events that *one day* will take place? Speaking of....I would really like to join or start a reenacting group for 18th century Rococo events in Texas. Extensive web browsing has turned up not a whole lot of anything for my area. There is a Jane Austen Society of North Texas that I will look into but for Rococo/Georgian... zilch. I just need to start traveling! hehe! I'm imagining something like the SCA set in the 18th century. Anyone interested in joining my "Court" may simply send me a letter.

Back to the on going projects:
Exhibit A:
My first Robe a la Francaise... in Cotton...I sort of got carried away and did a stomacher and a bit of trimming. I will eventually clean it up *hem and add flounces* I also don't have this laced in the back of the dress which is making a big difference in the over all fit. Also needs more petticoats...I like a big full skirt! :) I do like the general decor of the boned stomacher but I want to make it more narrow. You can see how loose the over all fit is...ick. I will be making the "formal" Robe a la Francaise in a gold/butter silk so I will keep this stomacher and make a matching petticoat with the same red fabric. These colors would have been nice if I had a costumed Christmas event to attend. Oh and ixnay on the bows (they are the pins that are keeping it together right now)
...well hello there!...J was in a hurry lol...The back pleating doesn't look so hot in the picture but its actually not too bad.

Exhibit B:
Robe a la polonaise with en fourreau pleated back
eh... its a work in progress. Will probably end up in a pretty stripey silk blend I have.
I kind of like this print with the blue petticoat :)


Also pictures to come of the Riding Habit that I HAVE to finish in the next two weeks!

19th Century on Hold

Due to working my *real job* till much too late at night, I was unable to finish the dress for the event on Dec 12th...Which unfortunately worked out for the best because something else came up a few days before that I couldn't get out of either. It was actually coming along nicely. In this pic the skirt panels are just pinned up there. I also have the sleeves ready to go. I was waiting on trim which I purchased last Saturday (along with a green velvet for a riding habit (as I stare at the shelves of unused fabrics)) Anywho, I will finish this lady of a dress *soon* for any other 19th century/civil war events. Won't hurt to have it handy.