Thursday, April 4, 2013

Introduction to the dress

Just thought I would start this blog to keep a record of my 1887 bustle dress. And guess what! It's blue!! (and black) Sadly not, Tardis blue.. but give me enough time.. and I shall have one of those too..and a Clara dress replica <3 *nerd much*

This blog will cover the process from undergarments all the way to the outer garments, including a hat and overcoat if I have time. They won't be made in order from undergarments to outer garments though. They will be made as I find the perfect fabric and lace/trims for them. I have the intention of including little tidbits of historical information on each post, along with progress pictures and what I learnt from each project/pattern.

The undergarments included are: (will be linked as I make them)
The chemise and drawers, or possibly combinations (as combinations were more popular during this era)
The corset (maybe a corset cover)
The tournure (bustle support)
The petticoat
The underskirt
The overskirt
The bodice

If I have time:
Overcoat
Hat


Godeys January 1887

My dress will be based off the dress on the right, stripes included. I will list with images the fabric I intend to use, or might use, in the next post. But as a teaser, I found this GORGEOUS black, blue, metallic taffeta fabric on sale a few months ago and instantly thought BUSTLE DRESS!!! I had been waiting for the next 'Bustle Day Dress Class" with http://historicalsewing.com/ to open up, and just had to buy the fabric! I have been sewing for many years, but I wanted to enroll into Jennifer's class to learn more on historical techniques as I made my first ever bustle dress.

It took me ages to decide on the design I wanted. I knew I wanted the false vest look; something very fitted, almost uniform like. That meant some time from the late 1880s. I like big bustles and I cannot lie! (although now that I have been talking to the other ladies in the class, I wouldn't mind trying my hand at a pretty pink, VERY girly 1870s dress as well....)
Then I saw that image and it struck me as THE perfect design base. It displayed that stripes were very in at that time, and almost matched the design I saw in my head completely. Now off to spend all my money at Truly Victorian on patterns!!

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