I put the wrapper aside for a bit to work on some research--civilians on the Texas gulf coast during the Federal invasions/attacks, however you want to phrase it. I also am getting back to some basic Texas research and entering items into my database. My fingers really needed a break from the hand sewing. I just finished Empire of Slavery and will start Plantation Life in Texas. Will probably get back to the sewing next week.

Wrapper progress

The trimming on the sleeves is done. I have pinned the trimming on the wrapper itself and will now start to sew it down. Once the trimming is done, then buttons, then cording on the inside to go around the waist and it's finally done!



It seems I'll have lots of time now to put together garments. Athens will probably not happen due to some health issues I'm dealing with; so the next event is not until the end of October.

Missing Events

Well, it seems I will not be able to attend Athens. Health issues are in the way and I cannot at this time wear my corset. I do not expect things to be right enough by August. This is extremely disappointing as I was really looking forward to this one. The coordinator is graciously holding my spot in case things change, which is very sweet. She has also contacted me about attending Into the Piney Woods in Louisiana in March. I am hoping my health improves soon as I would like to attend this one as well and I have events I'm coordinating beginning in October.

I continue to work on my wrapper. I have one sleeve trimmed. The trimming is taking more time than I expected but I will not rush it. It looks really good, even if I say so myself.

Wrapper update

I have the wrapper pretty much constructed other than the trim and hem. I've decided against putting a collar on at this time. I've piped the neckline so I can always go back and add one. Here are a few pictures of the front, the sleeve, the inside construction, the back and showing the sleeve and front facing. I decided not to line the skirt as I will probably wear it mostly in comfortable or warm weather and will not need the warmth. I partially faced the front just for appearance sake if the skirt should flip open. I did not attempt to match the fabric pattern as I did not have enough fabric to waste on matching; however, after looking at several original pieces, matching patterns did not seem to be a concern so much in 1860.

The Wrapper Continues

When using the Past Pattern wrapper pattern, be sure to pay attention to the pattern piece lay out. But all turned out well and I have the front and back together and am working on the lining. The bodice will be lined but the skirt will only be faced in the front. I'm sewing completely by hand so it's taking some time.

The re-enacting season in Texas is over other than a few small living history events at living history sites. This is when I get most of my sewing done and wardrobe revamped, ready for the next round of events in the fall. This year will be a bit more of a push though with Athens in August.

Missing Bellmead

The last event of the spring season in Texas is this weekend and I'll have to pass. Real life activities have claimed my time. So now I will be looking forward to Athens, Mo. in August and the fall event season here in Texas. It looks like an 1850s event is coming together at Fort McKavett in October or November. I also think on my way to Athens I'm going to take a side trip to see the Steamboat Arabia museum. Plus all the sewing I want to do for the upcoming events; especially if the 1850s event comes to be, that means a whole new wardrobe!

Wrapper

The first garment I'm going to start on is the wrapper; it's what I don't have so make sense to me to start there.

Here is the main fabric of the wrapper alone and with the trim.


I plan to use the strips of the red rouched around the edges and use frog clasps for the closings. I'm using the Past Pattern wrapper as the base pattern.

The trim will be applied similar to this. Except that it will follow down the front around the neck rather than follow the front dart line.