This spring I’ve been exploring the 1850-1860s summer fashion for both me and my sister (read about her outfit here, here and here).
But I wanted a differnt look, or rater a more traditional simple yet stylish look. So I once more turned to the internet (bles you Pinterest) for some inspiration for 1840 – 1860s summer dresses.
more of a 1835s style
So much prettyness…
But if you follow me on facebook you already knew with one I choose to me my main inspiration.
When searching for inspiration for mine and my sisters hats, I found lots of cute and nice styles from the 1860s.
So I thought I share them with you.
Lace caps:
Evening caps:
Small summer bonnets: 
Brim-les bonnets – Do this style have a name?
For my sisters 1860s headwear, I wanted to try something new, and found the chick little hat used outdoors in summer.
Perfect.
Just to decide on which style to make…
After finishing my 1860s blouse I needed to make myself some suitable headwear, so I started searching for pretty bonnets online.
And found lots of gorgeous ones (many way out of my skill level to re-create) in several different styles ranging 1850-1867.
Staw bonnets:
Fabric covered bonnets:
Sheer bonnets:
Shirred Bonnets: 
This is my main inspiration for my bonnet.
This summer I will attend at least one (may be as many as three) mid 19th century events, and I’ve been molding over what to wear.
I do have two dresses (green 1840s & pasiley 1850s) from this time period since before, but non which take in to account the (presumed) heat of a nice summer day.
Then I found the perfect solution: A nice cool Garbardi blouse!
(that’s what I thought before the great Isabella of “Isabellas project diary” pointed out my mistake in this great clarifying blog post)
So now I just call it a mid century blouse (or waist)
Here are a few examples I found:
Red blouse.
I adore this whole outfit.
Serious rushing.
Subtle plaid
Love the color and pattern on this one.
Just in time for the last (yeah, right…) snow of the winter I decided I needed to make myself some new outerwear, or rather a 18th century cape to be precice.
So I went on Pinterests and found some goodies…
I’ve been interested in working class dress lately. And more specifically 18th century maids costumes.
searching the net I’ve found lots of pics of pretty outfits and great pattern mixing. Here are some of the ones I found.
This time of year we start to dream about spring, but until then we all need something to keep us warm. And whats better then some nice woolen overdresses and redingotes.
While rumoring through the shelves of the sewing notion store, I had so many ideas of fabulous outfits running through my head.
It was a real challenge to hold back and separate what I needed (aka. wanted) and what I really needed.
Here are a few of the things I ‘m hoping to create using my latest findings:
The 1,5 m of black lace should be enough to make either a lace cap or a pair of lace cuffs for my planed morning ensemble.
Lots and lots of pearl (faux) buttons, which of some will be used on my Aprils HSM item – The Lady Mary striped dress.
The withe pleated polyester ribbon is perfect for both the collar of a regency chemisett and a since 18-19 century cap.
10 m or so of this black pleated trim will decorate a 1885s “natural form” dress (someday…)
I will need lots of small metal buttons for my next medieval cotehardie.
And the bigger ones will do nicely on a militariy inspired spencer.
I will need lots of lace to make my planed 16th century (and 17th century) outfits this year.
I mean: cuffs, collars, really big collars, chemises, dresses, glows e.ct. all need it in abundance.
Not the most thrilling item, but for a corded petticoat you need Lots of cord.
(On second thought I may just need to revisit the store once more before it closes to get some more).
There are no end to the things you can decorate with velvet trim.
But for now I plan to use it later in the year for the “Brown” challenge
I love the fun you can have decorating pieces with pompom ribbons. I’m thinking regency Pelisse or Spencer for the green one, and 1850s bolero and skirt for the blue.
And lastly, 12m of golden lace will be perfect for my planes on exploring the 17th century this year.
What would you make if you found the perfect trim?
As you might have guess, my main reason for making the fur hat was not to prance it around in my appartment – But to go ice skating in it.
The 19th century group comes togeter every january for some historical ice-skating in the capital, and I had made planes on going.
I didn’t had time to make a whole new outfit, but some accessories to spruce up an old costume was just the right amount of work for the in between christmas nights.
This lovely lady is hanging above my sewing machine, so of course she was my main inspiration for a winter skating look.
But here are som other great ice skating pics.
I love this – so beautiful.
Nostalgic musings, on historical clothing, traditional costume, fantasy, photography and history.
an exploration of historical costume
The trials and tribulations of an over-enthusiastic seamstress learning to create period-correct historical items and fashions
Make your own history
Regency & Historical Needlework.
My life in stitches - adventures in the world of costuming...
