Regency Parasols

Now I ordered this parasol in full knowledge it would be smaller than the adult size....thing is I didn't realise how much smaller.

I'm wondering if there's a way to extend the handle?
Or do I keep it as it is?

 Looks like there's one that small in a fashion plate.

HSF 2014 - Challenge #8 - Black and White (1790's Roundgown) EPIC FAIL

The Challenge: #8 Black & White

Fabric:

Pattern: none. self drafted.

Year: 1790's

Notions:

How historically accurate is it? N/A

Hours to complete: N/A

First worn:N/A

Total cost:N/A
This ended up as a failure!

My inspiration came from the image below from the V&A.

Going for crossover V neck.

 Started by making a simple bodice in my 'lining' fabric (same as the fabric I used for my petticoat.)
Then attached the muslin fabric to that - having learned that the fabric unless lined is prone to...grow- by making tucks in the fabric.

I also added a 'ruffle' to the neckline to make it more....ahem...modest.

I then set to work on the skirts. (2 panels 90inches wide)

 I pleated the back panel and attached to the back.

I think I made the front too wide. I gathered it to waistband I'd made and sewed up the sides. Leaving a gap.

----
I tried to add the sleeves which stretched as I sewed them as had all the fabric not back onto the polycotton. Gah!  
So this is another failure for the bin. I seem to be getting much more that I used to since I started trying to use any fabric other than cotton/polycotton.

Bonnets, Bergere, bother and bodging!

I need to make myself a new bonnet as I'm going to loan mine to my friend for her regency costume for JAF Bath.

I would like one like the bonnet above. I did try to make a bergere as well but that ended up a disaster and in a fit of pique I chopped it up and its becoming a new brim for a bonnet.

I covered it with a white silky material and it ended up looking like a fried egg had been dumped on my head.

So I cut out the centre and cut a V section out of the brim. I was pretty annoyed with it so hacking at the thing with scissors made me feel better.

 So I need to draft some kind of crown for the bonnet.

As you can see in my inspiration image that the curve needs to end just below my ears. I ended up tapering the ends so it was more crecent moon shaped. Then taking the strip of buckram I had left in my stash I pinned it in a circle and adjusted it till it fitted my head. I found that I had to cut the two ends of the strip as a diaganol. so it tapered slightly. I also had to cut a semicircle out where my neck would be.

I then glued the last of the millinary wire round the top of the crown. Before the slow process of glueing the brim to the crown. Burnt my fingers on the hot glue gun a few times. Ouch!

side

Back

Front

This was the result...next challenge is covering the bonnet. eeep!

HSF 2014 - Challenge #11 - Politics & Fashion (Gaiters)

The Challenge: #11 Politics and Fashion

Fabric: Vinyl

Pattern: none. self drafted using a combination of several tutorials.

Year: 1914-1918

Notions: metal eyelets, lacing.

How historically accurate is it? Well when I was trying to find some gaiters for my 8th doctor cosplay I read they were like ww1 gaiters. So looked up a few online for sale on ebay and decided to make my own.

Hours to complete: It was a bit sparodic in terms of sewing so hard to keep track, but I think it was just a few hours really. The eyelets took up most of the time.

First worn: Wore it for photos

Total cost: £15 (had to buy 2 packs of eyelets coz I messed up a few.

I had a go at making the gaiters the Doctor (Doctor Who) wears. It seems they are WW1 type gaiters. Which I thought might tie in with the challenge theme. First I had to make the pattern. Which I then cut down.

 After cutting out in the vinyl fabric I had to tweak the fit a little. And the eyelets were so fiddle and took foooorrreeevvverr to put in.

I need to get proper lacing of course and try to stop the wrinking down the front.

I added more eyelets and it made them more stable.
I haven't had time to take new photo's with the era loop at the back for the ties to go through but it is all finished finally!

Cosplay Update!

OK so not long to go now. I'm still working on the jacket. I erm...messed up the sleeve lining which out me behind schedule so I'm procrastinating about unpicking it and sewing again.
Anyway I have finished (or at lest by the time this is live it'll be finished) my sisterhood of karn cosplay outfit.

I used butterick pattern for a1940s dress but then changed the skirt from gathered to a long half circle skirt. Gives it swish factor.
I also added a bottle of elixier necklace as a prop. The shawl was bought from a well known cheap clothing shop. I've got sandals I can wear or just keep the boots on from my other cosplay as the skirts long.
Didn't know if I should make a 'hood' too?

I also made a few items. The daleks in a bottle..one will become a necklace the other a keyring charm.

Or maybe a nebla in a bottle necklace? They will be given to some of the guests as 'gifts'.

HSF 2014 - Challenge #10 - Art (18th Century Cap)

 The Challenge: #10 Art - 18th Century Cap

Inspiration: My original inspiration was a sketch I found on pinterest of a woman putting out washing, then I spotted 'the spinner, by vincent van gogh' 1889 and couldn't resist trying to restage it.

Fabric: Poly cotton

Pattern: none. self drafted based on images in portraits.

Year: 1780-1800 (but could suit various eras) you can never have too many caps.

Notions: ribbon

How historically accurate is it? I've seen them in many paintings. I've drafted the shape from the images I saw. Only no accurate thing is the material composition.

Hours to complete: 3.5 hours.

First worn: To take photo's

Total cost:N/A

I tried to recreate the sketch...excuse the modern background. I used a few peices I've made for other challenges.

I also tried to recreated 'the spinner' although I don't have a wheel so used my drop spindle.

Doctor Who Cosplay - Plan B

No one can ever accuse me of not being prepared. I know UK weather is…changeable. And as it seems to be nodding towards warming up I wanted a back up plan just in case it was boiling hot.

It had to be something to do with 8th doctor that I could sew up at moments notice and accessorize with what I got in the wardrobe already.

It had to be one of the sisters of the flame. Also thought it might be good for photo if I wanted to do something different (although I need to find a goblet).
I already have a shawl bought in preparation and a necklace that looks suitably timelord-ish.
I could go two routes for the dress as you don't see much detail in the gloom.
So either I use -:
1) My regency dress pattern which is a tnt pattern for me. I can whip one up in no time. It would also double up for jane austen festival later in the year and as a summer dress.

I could wear a chemise underneath and make it sleeveless for speed.
2) A modern maxi dress pattern I haven't tried before.
3) Drape a 'roman' dress using the instructions in draping period costumes. (I probably wouldn't need to do any cutting and could un pick and re use the material again later.)

 I rewatched the webisode a few times. I noticed some had a underdress and over tunic...

I also noticed they had a 'V' neck and a waistband. this gives me a basic shape to find.

Which do you think is best?