Ft. Chadbourne 2013 Remembered

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A sheer dress!  A cool dress?

I have always wanted a sheer dress for those Texas events that turn out to be in the 100s.

However, sewing sheer fabrics is sheer @#$%.  They ravel, seams show, and hemming is a nightmare.  Below is an article from Colleterie on sewing tips for sheer fabrics.  Who knows I might just get brave enough to attempt a sheer dress--if I can find the right fabric...make the correct undergarments... and so on.

 

Tips for Sewing Sheer Garments from Colleterie
http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bdb97e7842270d25d01e3c9c6&id=f978ea597e&e=1d9369a07b

Sewing with slippery or sheer fabric can be daunting if you’ve never tried it. Just like anything, though, all it takes is a bit of know-how and practice to get it just right. Here are a few pointers we’ve put together to help you out.

 

Cutting:

• Use a spray stabilizer or starch to stiffen the fabric before cutting.
• Heavy pattern weights spread across the fabric will keep it from slipping around.
• Place tissue paper beneath the fabric to help keep slipping at a minimum.

Sewing:

• Silk pins are the best pins for the job. They have thin shafts and very sharp points which keep them from snagging the woven threads.
• Pin frequently along a seam.
• Sew using the correct type of needle and thread for the job. You’ll most likely need a thin needle and an all-purpose thread.

Finishing:

• French seams are the best for sheer fabrics as they encompass the raw edges and look professional.
• Sew a simple hem with the fabric folded over twice and stitched in place, or a rolled hem, which is perfect for thin, sheer fabrics.

Visit this page for more sewing tips and sign up for their email sewing tips.
http://www.colettepatterns.com/tutorials

Smithsonian Article on Mary Lincoln's Seamstress

In Feburary 2013, I posted a link to memoirs of Elizabeth Keckley, who was a former slave that became Mary Todd Lincoln's seamstress and confident.  The memoirs give us a look into that period of time and the feelings of women throughout the War, from both sides of society.  The link above takes you to a Smithsonian blog with more information in a Q and A format.  Hope you enjoy it.
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/threaded/2013/04/the-story-of-elizabeth-keckley-former-slave-turned-mrs-lincolns-dressmaker/

More Trims---Re-creating the pleated edging

Here is another great tutorial from Threads.  The pleated edge was found on an old pillow cover.

Click the dress picture to see a period example of similar trim at the bottom of the skirt.

 

From the article:

I recently found this embroidered cushion cover at a flea market. I bought it because I liked the edge trim around the outside of the piece, and wanted to figure out how to reproduce it.

Follow along for the results!

http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/29754/re-create-pleated-edging/page/all

 

Check out these articles for more information on trims.

 

Trims, Trims, and More Trims 

 http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/24206/trims-trims-and-more-trims/page/all

 

How to make Soutache Loops

 http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/10558/how-to-make-loops-in-soutache-braid

 

Forgotten Faces and Long Ago Places

While traveling the information superhighway this weekend, I found this blog of period photographs.  This blog makes good reading and reference for researching fashion of the 1860-1890s.  It contains excellent pictures and descriptions. A collection of vintage photography and "orphan" photographs showcasing the past.  I love the hat on this young lady. http://forgottenfacesandlongagoplaces.blogspot.com/

Alternative Button Closures

.

An excellent article on creating frogs and chinese buttons can

be found at http://www.indygojunction.com/how-to/ under

Alternative Button Closures. This is an article from 1938 by
Mary Brooks Pickens which has good illustrations for construction

of these frogs.

This picture was found at http://pinterest.com/pin/259731103479466406/ 

which has a lovely selection of Victorian Dress style pictures.