That purple plaid thing

[elizabeth_mn]

So I finished this in time for the 1864 tea last weekend. Here I am in front of my house with my friend Sarah when she picked me up.



This is the first 1860s dress I have made. I made up the skirt (of course) and the bodice is Truly Victorian 443, the 1861 Dress Bodice. It fits well enough and I like it, though I had to do my usual alterations (all TV patterns are a bit generous in the sleeve and upper chest for me). My only complaint is that the points in back, while being quite adorable, are also very distinctive, giving the bodice a bit of a cookie cutter look when 3 ladies all wear it to the same event, which happened on Saturday.

The collar is linen and I spent about 10 minutes on it, from drafting to done. I accesorized with my mother's cameo pin and pearl earrings. I did my hair simply, over my ears with a center part, and this is seriously as low as I could get it while still making it attach to my head.

Here's the back.



Here we are at the event. That anxious WTF look on my face is because I have no clue how to behave at living history events where people are speaking in character. Sarah loaned me a bonnet for the event which was pretty but kept slipping off my head.



The St. James Hotel where the event was held is beautiful. We took some photos in the various rooms adjacent to the tea room.



Those last two were from Patti from the Historic Recreation Society. I only had room for my small old camera in my black reticule, and I forgot to put a memory card in it, so I didn't get any of my own photos at the event. This should be a reminder: make more bags!! Bring your good camera!

Takeaways here:

1.) I love plaid
2.) Living history is weird
3.) Dressup is fun, despite #2
4.) Make big reticules

So I guess this means I will do more 1860s stuff in the future. Sigh. Add that to my recent change of heart on Regency era. In the past year I have made dresses from my two least favorite eras. 1890s just has to be next.

Comments

[reine-de-coudre.livejournal.com]

you look lovely!!

[nuranar.livejournal.com]

Beautiful dress, and your silhouette is spot-on! Your hair is gorgeous, too, and the low level of it is just like ones I've seen in CDVs. Another variation is to start with a couple of braids; it lets you get it a bit wider and lower, so you don't have the big central coil to work around. You can also do a crosswise part so the front hair can be done differently (rolled or waved or some such), which reduces the volume in the big knot in back. Your collar is SO GOOD. It's easy to forget, but nearly ubiquitous and makes it look so pretty. And I love the length of your skirt. Reenactors often hem them fairly short, which is handy for camping in a field, but not actually very appropriate for most situations. Yours is great!

The bonnet is pretty and completes the outfit, but it doesn't seem to fit right; I'm sorry it was annoying to wear. Depending on the design, sometimes it works to actually sit the back edge of it on your chignon. Another way to hold it on is to have a ribbon of velvet act like an interior headband. It's only attached at the lower edges of the bonnet, so it makes the bonnet "perch" just right; and the velvet catches on your hair so it won't slide back. A bonnet "stay" like this has kept a silk-lined spoon-like bonnet on my head in 20-30 mph winds.

If you want to change up the back, you can trim it into a single point; that's a lot more common and (ironically) less cookie-cutter for your situation. Big reticules are quite uncommon in the 1860s, and it's awkward to manage a big one against the hoop; what is common is big pockets! Open the seam on the right front, attach a pocket bag underneath, and tack the top of it to the skirt pleats for support (or a couple short pieces of tape). You can hide a LOT under those skirts. ;) I can link you to some better instructions if you want.

[nuranar.livejournal.com]

Oh! I gave my sister in law some purple plaid wool for an 1860s dress. I'm going to show her yours, because it looks just perfect for her fabric!

[ashamanja-babu.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much!

The skirt length was a little challenging. I had to slow down and modify my stride to keep from stepping on it. But I love the way it looks too.

Bonnet stays were much discussed. I will probably just do a hat instead.

As for reticules, practicality trumps! And it really only needs to be big enough for the good camera.

[christylee.livejournal.com]

Pretty!

[starlightmasque.livejournal.com]

You look like pure perfection head to toe! Gorgeous!

[atherleisure.livejournal.com]

What great fabric! You look very nice. The collar may not have taken much time, but it really sets things off. (And I'm jealous that you can hem that fast. My last collar probably took half an hour.)

[ashamanja-babu.livejournal.com]

Thanks! But I absolutely cannot hem that fast. The collar was machine sewn and turned. I'm a cheater. :)

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

You look great! I get you on the living history. I'm not sure I get it too. 1860s has never been my favorite era, but it looks good on you! I'm with you on 1890s too!

[ashamanja-babu.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I think I understand the motivation, but the result just makes me feel silly and awkward!

[jenthompson.livejournal.com]

You look fabulous! Great job on the dress, and the silhouette really suits you.

I don't get the in-persona thing either. I know some people love it, but OMG IT'S SO AWKWARD!!!!

[ashamanja-babu.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Yeah, I just can't do the persona thing. I totally understand not using your cellphone and avoiding talk of modern day subjects, but being "in character " is a whole 'nother level.

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

You look great! That purple plaid is just perfect.

[ashamanja-babu.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[m-of-disguise.livejournal.com]

Ooo, it turned out so pretty! I love the fabric, but I'm a sucker for plaid anyway. XD

I never got the talking in character thing, either. Like Jen said, it's awkward!

[ashamanja-babu.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Plaid is awesome. And pretty fabric just does your work for you.

[tayloropolis.livejournal.com]

Oooh I love love LOVE this! The plaid is so beautiful and it fits you like a glove! Wonderful!

[the-aristocat.livejournal.com]

You look so beautiful! You couldn't have picked a prettier fabric for this and the fit looks perfect!

[madamekat.livejournal.com]

The dress looks really pretty! Working with plaid can be a pain and you did a wonderful job.

[undycat.livejournal.com]

Beautiful!