Fabric Set Back

Well the perfect fabric wasn't enough; the seller only had five yards. Disappointed but now back on the hunt. I haven't been able to find another pique in an acceptable pattern; the fabric now seems to be primarily solids or in novelty prints like lobsters and teddy bears. So it looks like I will have to settle for a regular cotton and have found a few possibilities. I'm not ecstatic about anything I've found so far; they're nice and will do fine but nothing has really jumped out at me and said "I'm perfect!" I don't plan to make a final choice until I get back to Gettysburg in March to see what Needle and Thread has in stock.

I have started a Pinterest board to keep ones I've found that I like and will continue to add to it as I find others. You can see my collection so far at http://www.pinterest.com/netnet81/day-dress-redo/. Please feel free to leave a comment on this blog if any of them appear to you to be good choices.

Day Dress Re-do

I think I found the fabric! As a reminder, here is the inspiration:

Described as an "Outdoor dress for the country; robe of white pique sprigged with small bouquets in brown and pink; edgings of white braid." Godeys September 1860.

Here is the fabric I'm hoping to get:

100% cotton (yes, I did a burn test). It has a wonderful hand and is very light weight, somewhat sheer but not see through; it will make up well, especially lined in pima cotton. It is also a great price :). I have emailed the seller to see how much she has and hope she has at least 8 yards.

I love the planning stage. Now to look for the buttons and edging.  So far I'm thinking white glass or if can be verified, Dorset. The edging is a bit trickier; braid could mean anything; but I think from the picture it will be flat and not too fancy.

I'll need a new chemisette...have to figure out that strange necktie thing...matching button and trim? Is it attached? Oh why couldn't the fashion plates give better descriptions?

Steamboats a-Comin'!

Yes, it's not until October 2014, but this event sounds like it's going to be such a highlight in my living history life that I'm preparing now. At first I had not intended to make anything new. I have the new dress I just made and plenty others, I have a ball gown, so I really don't need anything new. But...how can I pass up such an opportunity to make new dresses. I have about ten months and this is what I plan:

• A new day dress: this will be a redo of one I made several years ago out of cotton. I love the dress and the fabric design, but it doesn't really fit well, and is not very well made. Did I mention I made this several years ago? Like over ten years ago?

The original plate I based it on describes it as a "robe of white piqué sprigged with small bouquets..." from Godey's 9/60.

So I'm on the look out for a similar fabric design and will remake the dress with my improved sewing skills and knowledge of period sewing.

• A new ball gown: haven't decided on this one yet. But started a Pinterest board to keep inspiration ideas.

• Repair undergarments.

• Two new shirts for husband: hopefully this is all he'll need; hoping his linen suit and dress suit still fit.

Wish list: new hoop, new parasol, new straw bonnet.

Oh I love planning new wardrobe pieces!!