Everyday life – Page 3 – Fashion Through Herstory

Blog award

Published on April 4, 2014 by fashionthrougherstory7 Comments

I usualy never go along with the “chain letter” (kedjebrev) stuff, like “do this and invite 5 friends to do the same” kind of stupid spam. And those of my friends who haven’t figured that out yet should defenetly take it to heart, that I never return/or pass on anything of this sort. I would never herras my friends with spam like that.

But recently I got a “kedjebrev” which didn’t got me all up and iritated – I got an Award.

One of my blog followers, Nessa of “Sewingempire“, nominated me for “The Liebster Award”.(and yes I’m full aware that this is just another way to get you to “send this to 5 friends…”).

But this time I think it is for a good purpose – The aim is to promote blogs with fewer than 200 followers to a wider audience. And since I love the historical sewing comunity, and the way everyone helps and encourage eatchother, I would love to help promote others newbees in costume blogging.

So here we go. These are the things you need to do to claim your award:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.

Thank you Nessa for the nomination, and for all your positive feedback on all my projects – it really helps to know somebody likes what you do.

2. Nominate 10 other bloggers, and notify them of their award.

Ok, this is the worst part. So tricky, and to pick only those with less then 200 followers – how do you know for sure? (I’m so sorry if some of you do have more then 200 followers – I have no idea how to find that out).

As a statment to my sceptism for this kind of “kedjebrev”, I choose to only nominate 5 blogs instead of 10. (If thats mean I’m not worthy of any prize – so be it.)

The Shadow of my hand: Sutch beautiful creations, and such increadable attensin to details. And I love all her pretty pictures.
The Quintessential Clothes Pen: Quinns wounderfully detailed blog about her costuming adventures. Always a great inspiration.
Isis Wardrobe: A fellow Swede, who shares her detalied research of everything from 18th centurys hoods to how to make, and apply, your own historical makeup.
Needle, Threads, & Whims: A lovely blog with lots of great pictures and creative projects. A joy to read every time.
In the Long Run: Dresses, juwelry, costume parties and sewing – There are so much beauty created of this girl. I’m in ave.

3. Come up with 10 questions you want your nominees to answer.

When and how did you get into sewing?
What was your very first garment (historical or other)? And what did you learned from it?
Do you have a dream project? And what it is? (Picture?)
Which of your costumes are your favorite and why? (Picture?)
What will be your next big project?
What part of costuming do you enjoy the most (the planing, patternmaking, sewing, details ect.)?
And what part would you rather not do?
Do you have a costuming rolmodel or muse (historical, fellow blogger or other)?
Whats the reason you decided to start your costuming blog?
What are your best advise for anyone wanting to get into historical costuming?

4. And lastly: Answer the questions you recived from the one who nominated you.

What is your favorite historical period?

Do you have to pic just one?

I’ve have a very sweet spot for early to mid 16th century english fashion – since this period was what first got me into historical costuming. I just adore the sharp but feminine silhouette of the stylish Tudor lady.Princess Elizabeth.

But then you have to love the late 18th century with all those beautiful fabrics worked into such wounderful creations.

Then again, who can resist the awsome shape of the bustle period and the elegant line of the late edwardian.

Oh my, I’m getting a “must sew everything” overload here…

How long have you been sewing, and how did you get into it?

Iv’ been sewing regularly since I started fashion school at age 16. But I’ve recently found evidence I started way before that (making litle clothing for my barbie dolls).

I acctualy hated the sewing lessons in elementery school, instead I wanted to be an actor and study performance. But after wisiting the theatre high schools “open house” I was horrorstruck – There was NO WAY I was going to do that. But my parents got me looking at the other classes the school provided, and after just one look at the sewing/fashion class I was hooked. I knew right then and there, this was the place for me. And I never looked back. (The fact that I now work with theater from the costuming point of view, may be a sigh I picked it right).

Historical sewing however is quite new to me. I didn’t really start until I joined “The Historical Sew Fortnightly” in jan 2013. And (as usual) I’m now obsesed with it.

Which historical person would you like to meet and why?

I think I would have liked to meet Anne Boleyn. She must have been such a intriging women. Strong and independent, yet stuck in a mans brutal world.Anne Boleyn – Holbein jr.

Do you have a favorite kind of fabric you enjoy working with?

Not really.

I do like working with cotton. It is so easy to adapt in whatever way you whant, and it look so elegant, simple and classy even if it may not always be rich and glamorous.

Twills and Jeans-fabric are also great, and so easy to work with. But then again, It is really satisfying to get those chiffong hemes perfect to.

What will be your next project?

I’m currently in the planing stage of making the green and white gown from this lovely painting (which I was sure was made by Vige Lebrun, but now can’t find on google…)I’m also working on a brown flowery Robe Anglaise (1780s), 1770s light green skirt for my sister, a re-styling of my new “Edwardian Ariel” dress, a huge Edwardian hat and some pieces for an upcoming steampunk outfit.

Which place, in space and/or time, would you love to travel to?

I think I would love to visit 18th century france, and get to seen Rose Bertin (Marie Antoinettes fashion mogul) perform her magic. She must have been so creative to style the queen, and other high born ladies, in new fashions each and every day. Even though her pride got the best of her in the end.Joseph Roques – Madame Rose Bertin.

Where do you wear your sewing creations? Are you a regular at historical events or do you sew it just for yourself?

I’m sorry to say, most of my costumes have never had a proper outing. I do try to take some nice pictures of everything I make, but alas there are few opurtunetis to wear my creations where I live.

I have attended a few events, and hopefully this summer will ad to that experience. I’m currently plan to attend one 1900s dinner, one huge cross period picknic, one steampunk fair, one medieval fair, one regency bal and hopefully some dance shows and lighter festivetis this year.

I would like to say I make my costumes for myself, but the truth is I’m totaly addicted to the reactions my creationd get from other people. Maybe someday I get confident enough to make my own thing, without needing to prove myself to everyone around. But right now I really enjoy being known for my habit “to whip up a new gown every forthnight”.

Do you have a favorite clothing item, historical or modern?

I love my spring/fall jacket. It’s dark blue, straight and have a slight of the shoulder straight sleeve. Wearing it I always feel like a cool “cultural lady” (kulturtant).

When it comes to my historical favorites, I have to confess it’s my brown cotton stockings. I bought them on sale from a regular clothing store about a year ago, and they work perfect for most of my historical outfits. They are just high enough to stay up on their own or to fit into the suspenders, and the soft brown colour makes them sutable for everything from medieval to edwardian – and everything in between. Sadly they are now falling apart – the toes are poking through. I think I will have to try to mend them, since I’m not ready to part from them just yet.

What is your favorite book?

I love Antonia Fraisers “Queen of Fashion – What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution”. It captures me every time (I’m currently on my third reading), and there are always some new things to learn. A young, but fashion forward Marie Antoinette.

What are your other hobbies?

I don’t have time for other hobbies…

No, I’m kidding, but there is a bit truth in it.

I used to dance “folk dance”, but since most of my dancing team moved away, we only get togeter once or twice a year. But when we do, I love to dance all those lovely walzes, hambos and polskas once more.

I also like to exercise (Ok, not always). I tries to run 3 times a week, and do some strenght like weightlifting, boxercise and core 2 times a week.

And I’m of course obsessed with watching costume movies and series. Movie Still “Gladiator”

HSF14 – sewing planes

Published on January 28, 2014 by fashionthrougherstory1 Comment

For the HSF 2014 “The Dreamstress” have decided to anounce all of the up-coming challenges at once. This will make it easyer to plan your sewing year, and hopfully to keep the planes.

So last night I sat down and compared my whislist to the challenges and the up-coming historical events (that I know of) this year. Making something like a sewing plan for 2014. This feels verry strange, since I usaly decides at the last minute, and the chance is that I change my mind and want to make something else.

But I will try to stick to the plan as long as I can.

So here it is – The HSF Challenges 2014, and my intended garmnent.

1. Make do/mend:

A 1880s petticoat (Done)

And a re-make of my old 1750s flowery jacket (Done).

2. Innovations

a 1880s corset (Done, will post in a few days).

3. Pink

A 18th century calico jacket (this one depends on how I feel when I get the fabric (which is still in my inlaws basement)).

4. Under it all

a 1900s S-shape corset.

5. Bodice

I’m not sure about this one, will have to wait and see.

6. Fairytale & 7. Tops/Toes

A 1900s white gown, inspired from the “Ariel” design together with some real pictures, and a big lovely hat to match. I think I got the right fabric for this gown, and now that I got lots of lace aswell, I should just go for it.

8. Ufo/Pdf

I’m not sure about this one, will have to wait and see. Hopfully I can use some of my stash, and perhaps do something for one of my sisters.

9. Black/White & 10. Art

A 1780s white sateen skirt and the green striped gown in the painting. I already own the striped fabric, just need to find a nice white one for the skirt.

11. Politic

A regency roundgown. It don’t get more political then that…

12. Shape/Support & 14. Paisley/Plaids.

A 1850s cage crinoline to be worn under the 1850s paisley gown. I have two bedsheets in brown/paisley which I bought with a dress like this in mind.

13. under 10 Usd

I think this challenge can be lot of things, like a chemise, a fichu, a hat or some other accessorie. I will wait and se what I will need at the time. But I think it will have to be pretty quick and simple, since the next one will take some extra time.

15. Outdoors

A light blue 18th century redingoat. Love this one from “Festive Attyre“, and I do have a pale blue, soft wool that would be perfect.

16. Termologi

This one can also be a lot of things, but I think I will do something easy since the “Outerwear” one will be big.

17. Yellow

Maybe a regency open robe like the one worn on the round gown for challenge 11. This depends on what kind of fabric I find.

18. Poetry

Not sure yet, but thinkig of making a 18th century robe out of some flowery fabric I got. There will always be poems about flowers, right.

19. HSF inspiration

I’m sure there will be lots of inspiration in the “HSF” folders by then, but right now I have no ideé.

20. Alternative Universe

Maybe some steampunk or halloween dress. I like them both, but are not sure I will get any use out of them…

21. Re-do

A easy one to do since you can make almost anything, but I will decide later on.

22. Fortnightliers Choise

This depends on what the challenge will be.

23. Modern History

This one is difficult, since I usaly don’t wear “strange” clothing. But maybe I can try some 1930s blouse or pant patterns. Or perhaps the lovely black dress from “True Blood”.

24. Glitter

I’m thinking of making a 1920s party gown, maybe something I can wear on new years eve.

And thats was that.

I’m guessing I’ve been a bit to entusiastic (and optimistic) on this plan.

But I really like that I manadged to fit most of my wishlist into the challenges for this year. And that the big costume pieces are to be made in fabric I already own. That way I will try to keep the sewing budget smaler then last year.

I will do a recap in about 11 months and we will se if I manadged to stick to the plan.

Past Sewing “Rooms”

Published on January 21, 2014 by fashionthrougherstory3 Comments

Last time I told you about my favourite room in our new apartment, and I think most of you are in total understanding about how great it feels to have a place dedicated only for sewing (and drawing). But for you how don’t know, I will show you some of my past sewing “rooms”.

But first I think I will tell you about my machines and favourite tools.

This is my sewing machine (Husqvarna Emerald 122), and she’s been faitful (and I to her) for the past 8 years. And hopefully she will stay true for a couple more years, even though the noises she makes make me think she soon will need to slow down and retire.

And this is my overlock/coverlock (Singer Quantum ?) which I bough 5 years ago with my sewing ernings. I’m not as in love with her as I should be, but I guess I never really taken the time to get to know her poperly. She works just fine (even though she sometimes refuses to sew over thick and bulky fabrics). But latley I’ve been abandon her more and more thue to my historical sewing.

This is one of my best buy ever – A steaming iron (Tefal turbo pro). I can have her working all day, and only have to refil her once or twice (without turning her of), and she still never complain or overheat.Sadly she did die the “never stop steaming” death 6 months ago, when something broke inside and she just flooded the room with steam and coulden’t be stopped. So I replaced her with a cousin (which I hate, and dont have any picture of).

I bought this pin-cusion in a dollarstore and she’s been living on my sewing table ever since. Both pretty and useful.

On thing every seamstres needs is some good pressing tools. I love this “tailors ham” and uses it as often as I can. I also just got a “sleeve board” and that’s great working with pants, shirts and shorter straight seams.

I keep my threads in a handy box sorted by collour and type (buttonhole thread, extra strong ect). This photo is old, and I think I will need one more of these boxes now.

Extra points for guessing the use of this cushion. Hint: It’s a floor cusihon… …I use it when cuting fabric on the floor, saves my knees a lot of pain. I acctualy bought this a H&Ms “Home” department 5 years ago, and it’s been great.

***

And now onto my past workspaces.

When I was young, and still lived at my parents house, I use to take the sewing machine (a borrowed one from an aunt) and set it up on the kitchen table. This proved a bit tedious since at every meal I needed to clean it away, and then reset everything once the meal was over.

When I grew older me and my boyfriend’s first apartment was a 2-room, with a fairly big livingroom, where I used one of the corners for my sewing space. Looking at it now it look so messy.

But I did had a big table to set the machine on.

Back then I had this “great” way of storing my up-coming projects – in plastic bags on the floor next to the dressform. Omg, and my boyfriend didn’t leave me. At least I did have a bookshelf for my sewing books.

Only at this time I only had this many sewing/fashion books (half a shell).

“The messy creative process”. But I do remember that chair – It was so old and uncomfortable, having spikes from the seat almost coming through the fabric. You didn’t have those massive sewing spurs that goes on for hours and hours on that chair, I tell you.

Then we moved to a smal 1-room flat, and I needed to choose wisely on which of my sewing things to take to our new home.

Here I got a smal corner behind the beed and the bureau. And do notice the newspaper suffed under the leg to keep the dreadful table somewhat stable.

Doing my pattern drafting at our coffé table.

And the ironing at the window, beside the kitchen bar-table.This was insane, and I missed my dressform a great deal, but it only lasted about 1,5 years.

Then we moved again – and once more we setteled for a 1-room apartment.

Sadly I couldn’t find any pictures of my workspace, which lasted for about 2 years. But I can tell you this 1-room apartments had suprisingly many rooms, like kitchen/sewing room and living room/beed room/saloon/dining room/sewing-in-front-of-the-Tv-room. I basacly had my stuff everywhere.

And now we are living in our 5th apartment – and I finaly got my very own sewing room.

And you know – the smaler your space are, the bigger the dresses will be.

Me (5 years ago) working from under a pile of tuille.

A Room of my Own

Published on January 19, 2014 by fashionthrougherstory5 Comments

My sewing have been on hold for about two weeks because we have been moving.

It is quite frustrating getting this crazy urge to sew and then realising everything you need is un-optanable in the bottom of some box, somewear.

But the move is not all bad, in fact it is great (once we got everything in order). We are up-grading from the various 1-room apartments me and my boyfriend use to live in to a 4-room, and you all know what that means – A sewing room for me!

I think that’s the thing I’m most exited about. And I need to force myself to split my time to get the other rooms in order too – not just “my” room. But it is fun to try to figur out the best way of putting the furniture to get the most out of the (smal) room.

So lets take a look at what I got so far. A cheap bookshell for varyous sewing tings, and boxes of tooles and fabric. All within close reach.

Yesterday I picked this up at a hardwear store. It’s ment for carpenters to keep their nails and such. But it is also perfect for buttons, snaps, ribbons, zippers and everything else you will need.

I also got a sewing table (were both my machine and overlook will live), only to be used for that purpose. (Ignor the bags under it and sthe plastic bag keeping it somewhat stale.)

One of my demands for this room was a wardrobe. And as you can se I’ve stuffed it full. The bags and big boxes conains fabric and will be sorted and stored in our basement.

And I need at least one shell for my historical shoes.

The rest of my costumes are stored in lovely boxes like these ones, sorted by decades or style, (undergarmnents, headwear, 18th century dresses, ect.)

This next thing is something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time.

To get all my fashion and sewing books gathered at on place.And now I have it. One hole bookshell for my sewing literature (there are also some books about art, design, textiles and historical people).

These two shells are reseved for my historical costuming. I think I will need some more books, to cover the holes in the ranks.

And trying to be a bit more organized this year, I got a whiteboard to write all the necessary “keep in minds” on. Like HSF challenges, costumers info, up-coming events and what I will wear (and need to make) for it.

And as my cuting/drawing table I got this arcitects table from my boyfriend (It has a glas insertion, which can be lit from beneath, to help copying drawings). Sorry for the mess.

(Last week I was busy polishing up my portfolio for aplications to a school).

And the best way to get a overview of yor work is to trow them all on the floor (ehm, no).

And this week my room has changed again.Now the focus lies on the 1880s opera gown, and trying to keep track of both time and money spent on the dress.

The dressform also fits into the room (barely).

But I will continue to do most of the handsewing in the couch watching movies.

I’m really happy about my sewing room, but I guess it will take a while to figur out exactly how to keep everything in the best way.

A Box of Lace Heaven

Published on January 17, 2014 by fashionthrougherstory4 Comments

I was planing on showing you my favoutite part of our new apartment today but decided this post was so much more important.

Today I picked up the most awsome pacage from the post office. – A box that I recently won biding on an on-line auction. And since I’m really terrible at that kind of biding I don’t do as much good deals as I would like.

But I had a good feeling on this one.

So I hurried home (determend to not get to disaponted if the containt didn’t live up to the expectations) and put it on my sewing table.

The package containd a shoe box full of all sorts of different pieces of lace.

Ok, so far so good. The auction had called for a box with about 50 asorted lace pieces of different lenghts.

But when I started going through it, I found lots of pieces I didn’t expected.

There was atleast 7 (!) lace collars of different shapes and sizes.

I mean, look at this awesome little collar – probably prevousley attatched to a little girls dress.

And this “peter-pan” collar with its double layers.

And this one is just darling.

I also found these two pieces – which I’m not sure what they are for. But I’m guessing the big one is a collar or fichu of some kind, it’s about 70cm long. And the little one could be a sleeve cuff (sadly I only found one in the box).

What do you think? Could it be a single cuff, It is the right size, or is it something else.

And don’t you just love the end of the bigger piece.

And then of course there was some regular lace in the box as well.

Here are a few of the wide widths.

And some of the one of lesser widths. The top one is starched, and feel almost like papper. And the one on the bottom says “1,5 m hand made lace” and “20 sek” (2Usd).

And what would a lace collection be without some colored speciments.

And since this box of magic seems to have belonged to a great horder/seamstress the wonders don’t stop there.

I got plenty more.

I guess I will decorate lots of my costuming pieces with lace this spring.

What I payed for all this magic? – 45Sek (5Usd).

A New Year of Sewing

Published on January 3, 2014 by fashionthrougherstory5 Comments

So now we have seen what I made in 2013, but lets now think about what I want to make in 2014.

Here comes list of things I’ve been thinking about making this year.

*I already know I’ve be attending at least one wedding this summer (and will not be suprised if there will be a few more) for which I need to make something to wear. So a couple of summer and party-dresses will definetly be on this years list.

*I wanted to make a jacket/coat like this one in 2013 but did not find the time, so hopefully I will be able to make it this year.

*And come fall I just know there will be some faboulus Halloween costumes.

*And I’m dyng to make this dress from “True Blood”- the only trouble is finding the right fabric.

*I will continue the historical sewing this year and have once again accepted the challenge of the HSF14. And there are quite a lot on that wishlist…

(most of these pictures are only whishes and inspirational, and not the finished design)

Maybe this year I will acctualy start on a renaisance gown… I really like Tudor England.

But Germany/Flanders are beautiful to.

And I’ve heard some ladies talk about making 17th century Mantuas, and of-course I want in on the action.

And it seems I could never get enough of the 18th Century. Love this Ridinghabit from “Festive Attyre“.

And this jacket from “Marie Antoinette”
I’m dying to make myself some outerwear or ridighabit, and even got the fabric for it. But its so hard to choose just one.

I got almost that exaxt fabric – so maybe it’s time to make myself a francaise.

And this is the style which my “sports Vs sewing” dress will be modelled after.

And this one is just so Lovely.

This dress has been on my whislist for a couple of years and since I got a 6m of White/green striped cotton on sale maybe this year is the year it will happend.

And as many other seamstsses out there I think this dress from “Sleepy Hollow” is stunning – maybe for halloween…

I also think it is time to extend my Regency wardrobe. Ths year I think I will go with a white muslin dress and an open robe in any colour.

And as I already got the fabric for a huge 1850s dress this one is also on the list. Perhaps also with a matching evening bodice…

I totaly adore this gown (and bought a faboulus golden brockade on sale just before christmas). It will defenetly be one of my first big projects of this year.

And since we already are on the subject of late 19th century, who can resits some colour-ful daywear.

Times 2.

And maybe some turn of the century frilly white dress.

Oh, and for evening wear – the red dress from “Moulin Rouge”. Love it.

And I do think it is time for me to be a litle bolder in my costuming choises, so why not try some steampunk.

This is just some of the dresses and outfits I would like to try my hand at this year, And then I haven’t included foundation garmnent and underwear. (probably my planes will change a hundred times over, but in a perfect world (with lots of time, money and costume parties) this is what I would make).

*And I’m sure I will contiue to add items to the list from both sibblings, costumers and most of all: myself.

What do you have in store for this year?

2013 Round-up

Published on January 1, 2014January 1, 2014 by fashionthrougherstory1 Comment

This past year I’ve really been sewing a lot. I actually think this would be the year when I made the most clothes and crafts ever – including my 4 years in fashion/sewing school.

Basicly I think the most of my sewing inspiration this year have ben due to the HSF challenges – which not only made me whant to make stuff, but also made sure I did finish them in time.

So lets do a round-up of all the little things I’ve manadged to make during 2013.

The Historical Sew Fortnightly:

January:

1770s CorsetA corset and petticoat for my sister who been wanting one for ages.

February:

1580s Corset and ShiftBlackwork emelishments on a shift. I also made another shift and the gold/brown corset to be used under a planed renesance dress.

Mars:

1550s Peasant GownA peasants costume containing a red kirtle, a brown apron and a white coif.

Regency Gown and AccessoaresRegency dress in pale green, and some accessoares like white mittens, green turban and a sheer fichu. Worn to “Mickelsmäss” Party and dance show.

April:

1930s DressA Sailor dress in green/white cotton, and a straw hat to match.

May:

1780s GownA Robe a la Anglaise in flowery polyester sateen. The dress was a pain to make but it did turn out great (dress construktion part 1, part 2.). I also made the Bergere hat and had a photoshoot of the dress.

1770s GownThe white/blue flowery Robe a la Franchaise to go over my sisters corset. And the pictures from the photoshoot.

1760s Skirt/PetticoatThis skirt/petticoat is so useful. I’ve worn it under several other dresses – to get some extra bounce and for warmt, and it even looks pretty on its own.

June:

1780s Chemise DressA Chemise a la Reine inspired by the princess Lamballe. This dress is so comfortable and easy to wear it’s a shame I only have worn it once (yet) (to a picnic,) apart from the photoshoot.

1880s UnderwearA late victorian Corset and Bustle for my sister. We had a blast taking photos both Historical and Punk-Victorian.

July:

1910s CorsetA early 1910s corset made to be worn under some Titanic era dresses.

1913 Day DressA 1913 Daydress and hat made to be worn at the Titanic exhibithion. I also made a pattern for this dress.

1913 Evening GownA 1914 evening gown in pistage green organza.

August:

…

September:

1750s EnsambleA 1750s striped Pet-en-l-air jacket and a gold colored skirt, worn with a cap/hood in sheer cotton. And pictures from the photoshoot.

October:

Regency CorsetI really needed a real Regency Corset to use during a “Jane Austen” dance performance.

Medieval GownI made this outfit for a Medieval Fiest in November. It contain a Green Medieval Gown in thick wool, a pair of beige woolen Faux Sleeves, a fur trimmed brown velvet Cape and a white linnen Headcoth. And of couse pics from the Medieval Photoshoot.

November:

1840s Day DressA 1840s dress used at a 19th century Christmas Party. The Dress is a green cotton plaid, worn with a cotton Apron and a brown velvet Bonnet. And pics from the 1840s Photoshoot.

December:

1900s Suffragett outfitA 1900s shirtwaist re-modeled from a modern blous and a skirt in cotton twill, worn with a golden chain and brosch to make a Suffragett outfit.

And thats the re-cap of my HSF13 items.

The total amout count as: 5 Corsets, 3 Chemises/Shirts/Blouses, 1 Bustle, 6 Skirts/Petticoats, 10 Dresses, 8 Hats/Headwear, 1 Outerwear, 7 Accessoares.

Omg! How do I ever do anything other then sew…

And then we have the other clothing items of this year.

Jan:

1780s MenswearBrown wollen coat, golden pysley west, beige faux sweade breeches and a re-shaped wollen hat. All made as part of a school project. (not yet posted about)

February:

1780s UnderwearA golden patterned corset, white petticoat and bumrole – made as part of a school project. (not yet posted about)

Mars:

Regency UnderwearA regency chemise and half stays to be worn under the regency gown. (not yet posted about)

April:

May:

June:

July:

1910s Evening GownA 1910s evening gown made for my sister to wear at a Titanic event.

Mother of the bride dress A dress and jacket made for a costumer to wear at a wedding.

August:

September:

1930s DressA dress made from a picture of a girl living in the house in the backround. I made the dress as part of a exhibithion of the houses and how people lived in the 1920-1930s.

October:

November:

Medieval GownA dress sewn to my sister in about 10 hours, for a Medieval party.

December:

…

I think thats it.

Not to bad for one years worth of work.

Looking at it I realise that the only month I didn’t produce an intire outfit, is August – where I didn’t made a thing. But actually I did. I worked on the movie Huldra all August and made lots of things amongst several medieval inspired capes, some sheer flowy skirts and dressses and lots of repairs and aleration to existing garments. But non of that would have looked fancy enough in the countdown…

Well, I do plan to continue the sewing into next year, even though I think I need to reduce the pace a bit (and not keep going at this crazy speed).

Today was about what’s been done, tomorrow (or next post) will be about whats coming (hopefully) in 2014.

Christmas dress 2012+2013

Published on December 25, 2013 by fashionthrougherstoryLeave a comment

For Christmas last year I wanted a new dress.

I searched for some inspiration and found this one.

I really liked the idea of the studds, but the rest of the dress needed some changes. I drafted a pattern close to the original and sett out to by fabric.

I decided on red velvet and studds in different shapes and sizes.

Then I sewed it up.

The only problem I ran into was geting the damn studds to grip into the thick fabric at the belt. But with some force and determanation I manadged to get them all in place.

Then I convinced my sister to take some photos of me out in the snow.

***

But this christmas I don’t have the time nor the energy to try to make another dress, so instead I decided to remodel the one from last year.

I didn’t really like it anyway.

The bodice was to short for my torso, putting the belt to high on my ribbcage. And the open back and sleeveless design made me feel naked and to concius of my broad shoulders.

The only thing I did like about the dress was the nice flaring and lenght of the skirt.

So the bodice needed to go.

I tryed it on once more before deciding, and then grabbed my siccors (or ripping knife), and started cutting the skirt form the bodice.

I then re-made the waistband and the zipper in the back.

And voila a nice chrismasy looking skirt.

I found a pretty white blouse on sale, and thougt of making some 50s style of hairdo. Paired with some heels and lipstick I think I have a chrismas Winner, which I will both fell pretty and comfortable in.

A Merry Christmas to you all.

Busy scrambeling medivel pieces

Published on November 6, 2013 by fashionthrougherstoryLeave a comment

Today I was going to post about my medievel hair and head-cloth, but I haven’t even started with it.

I’ve been so busy sewing all the litle details that takes so much more time then you expect. And on top of that I just yesterday started on my sisters medieval dress (also to be finished by saturday).

This is sewing madness and I don’t have time to take any pictures. Right now I’m not even sure there will be any dresses done by saturday… How come it’s so much harder finding sewing time when working full time then being a part time student…?

I will give you proper description and photo posts when this qrazy time is over. But for now I will leave you with a pic of some fancy dressed people from my saved folder.

To start with a bang…

Published on May 12, 2013October 25, 2013 by fashionthrougherstory1 Comment

Since this is to be my first blog post ever it seems only fitting that I make a short presentation of myself and the intended purpose of this blog.

I am an educated seamstress who have a dream that I some day will design costumes for theater. This is not a dream I’ve had all my life, but something that have gradually grown in my mind, and it is only in the last couple of years I have started to work towards this goal.

I grew up in a really small village in Sweden together with my 4 siblings. My only brother could not have had the easiest time dealing whit 4 crazy sisters every day. I knew early that I wanted to do things with my hands like drawing, building models with Lego and clay. My parents got so tired of me constantly showing them my drawings that they even stopped looking at them – I don’t blame them, I must have been really annoying at times.

When I got older I pursued this interest but with a twist – I attended the Fashion and sewing program at the nearest high school, and then went on to study advanced pattern making. After I moved back I worked for a while in an bridal shop, and then went to the capital to study fashion at the university. And once again circumstances brought me back to (almost) my home town. Right now I’m working at the theater as a call in seamstress, ticket seller, tour leader and everything in between.

My reason to start this blog is to have some place to showcase my work and hopefully learn a lot about sewing and writing along the way. My main priority is historical sewing – more or less historically accurate, but there will probably even be some “modern” sewing and life stuff in here too.

So without further a do – welcome, and let the blogging begin…