A Regency Chemise

At last...a post about my Regency chemise. I decided one day that I should make one, but guess what; I didn't feel like dishing out $15 for a pattern. I mean, it's not like they are already perfectly sized and ready to make or anything. Hehe.

So, really, a simple chemise shouldn't be hard to design, right? Nah...it only takes three days and three partial mockups. And that's just to get the silly pattern made. Then I could finally start the actual garment.

After a few days of off-and-on sewing on it, I got it done. This was my first time flat-felling seams. I really like how it looks, inside and out. There won't be any ravelling going on there for a good long time.

I did sew it all by machine (I know...historical accuracy just went down the drain). I'll save that task for the next one.

I found Sense & Sensibility Patterns' Regency Undergarments Instructions to be very helpful. She shows a picture of each step, making it nice and easy to follow.

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On to the pictures!!!

Front

Back

Sleeve gusset

Inside view of gusset seam

There is a ribbon drawstring inside, which ties and just tucks in. I embroidered an (of course pink) E on the front...just because.

My apologies for the less than stellar photos. We have a serious lighting problem, as well as an inexperienced photographer. (Yours truly). Working on that....

I am going to make a bodiced petticoat next, but first in line is my leazing dress. I'm counting on the farmer not to harvest his wheat until I get my dress done, but I think I need to hurry just in case.

And, HSF's challenge, Under $10 is due Monday. I want to get my leazing bonnet done in time for that. I really need to hurry!

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Vintage-Inspired Patriotic Blouse + A Milestone

Yayy!! It's my 100th blog post! You may have noticed my completely new blog design. I'm still messing around with the header, so it may be totally different next time you look. I want a vintage-style design, rather than modern chevron.

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All that aside, here's my new blouse!!

I haven't had a chance to take pictures of myself in it, so those will have to wait until I find a coordinating vintage hat.

I used Butterick B5890, adding a button closure instead of a zipper. I also took it in approximately an inch on each of the front tucks.

I absolutely love this pattern, and I can't wait to make more of these blouses!

I adore the row of shiny red buttons down the back.

The sleeves are self-lined, giving them a very nice, neat, finished look.

My first collar ever!! It is sewed onto a band, rather than directly onto the blouse.

Ahhh...buttons.

Up next is a post about my Regency chemise.

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Preview // Vintage-Style Patriotic Blouse

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You never thought I'd actually get a blouse finished in time, did you? 

Well, neither did I. It did happen, however, and I can't wait to share some more pictures with you.

But for now, have a wonderful 4th of July. Thank God for our freedom, our independence, and those who have fought for our country.

~Vintage Blouse Chronicles

Well, well, well....I decided to try whipping up a vintage blouse, because I didn't have one. I got some blue gingham (*swoon*) and red ricrac the other day so I could make a 4th of July-inspired blouse.

 I pulled out Simplicity 1590 - it's cute and retro-y, right? I knew there was a very good chance that it would n-o-t look good, so of course I made a toile (aka muslin aka "fake top") first. You know how they say that everyone can look good in a peplum top?

 Uh, yeah, that's not true. At all. It wasn't slimming in the bodice, and the peplum made my hips look like a freight train. (definition: not good)

It looks lovely on Thelma Lou...I guess it'll have to be her shirt from now on.

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Well, I was still determined to have a vintage blouse, so next I pulled out Simplicity 1692.

This is cute, easy, and ought to look pretty decent, right?

Wrong. 

This blouse didn't even look good on Thelma Lou, much less on me. It pretty much looked like a gunny sack with sleeves. I tried taking it in, but that didn't help a bit. 

So here I am with no vintage blouse pattern that works, and July 4th is only a few days away. I'll have to put on the ol' thinkin' cap, and see if there are any other patterns I can try. 

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So what have I been up to, anyway???

-attending orchestra concerts and recitals at a local classical music festival (LOVE it!!)

-picking and canning green beans

-drafting a pattern for and making a regency chemise (next up is a bodiced petticoat - *groan*)

-starting a 1890s "leazing dress," reminiscent of Emma Timmins' outfit on Lark Rise to Candleford

-hand sewing another chemise for a nightgown

....amongst other things.

~Happy Independence Day!!~