Wednesday, December 31, 2025

2025 Year in Review

When I start these posts, I always think I didn't get much done.  Then when I add it all up, I realize I did. I guess I'm judging my quantity of work on modern standards involving machine sewing.  There are a few of projects that fall in that category.  The rest are all hand sewn and often involve patterning as well.  This post includes a few non sewing history items that were needed for various impressions.

1. Silk bonnet with taffeta trim 
    This was done using my own pattern that I designed for workshops.  The pattern has 3 brims and 2 
    cauls.  This is the small caul and brim #2.


2.  Black taffeta sack  (self drafted)
     I had actually started this a couple of years ago and it had been languishing on my mannequin ever   
     since until we decided to do a funeral/mourning program which gave me the motivation I needed.

3.  Silk gauze half hankerchief with French Valenciennes lace.


4.  Silk gauze double ruffles with French Valenciennes lace

5.  Tropical weight wool/cashmere stuff English gown (self drafted)
     I love this gown.  It feels like pima cotton.  This, the bonnet and cloak were made for the 250th of  
     Battle Road.

6.  Black broadcloth cloak with mohair trim
     Sue Felshin's pattern which was put on paper by Ruth Hodges.

7.  Shop sign
     I've been going by "Sign of the Yellow Cat" for years for any impression that involves needle trades.  I       finally got around to making a proper sign for Bunker Hill.

8.  Large Milliner's trunk.
     The shape isn't quite right--it should be domed --but this was the only cardboard trunk shape I could           find.  This one is large enough to put bonnets and hats in. I'd like to change the clasp.  


Of course the trunk is lined with the Maryland Gazette --Stamp Act edition!

9.  Summer striped linen gown (self drafted)
     This gown is so cool and comfortable.  I made it for Bunker Hill but ended up wearing it all summer.
     

close up of bodice

10.  1970s short caftan.  Elizabeth Caftan from Charm Patterns Patreon.
       I can't begin to say how much I love this garment.  It's is the most comfortable thing I've had on my           body that I can remember.  Fabric is a Liberty of London retro print from the 1960s. I have some 
       tropical rayon to make a long version next summer.


11.  Mid 1820s summer frock
       This is the last of the LaFayette's Triumphant Tour gowns. 

11.  Mid 1820s summer bonnet. 
       I started with a seagrass capeline for this.  I used the Timely Tresses Sophia bonnet pattern to make a  
       pasteboard form to block the capeline on and it worked out well.  The hardest thing was finding a               capeline large enough to not have to piece.



12.  Half sized mannequin--aka--"Tiny Tabitha"
       I needed a way to demonstrate draping and making a gown in an hour long demonstration.  Tiny   
      Tabitha was the perfect assistant.  I found the pattern on Scribd and the author ended up having an 
      Etsy shop where I ordered the pattern for the arms.  I designed the base.  Fun, but very fiddly, project!  

13.  Shift for Tiny Tabitha (a combination of B&T half size pattern and self drafting)

14.  Stays for Tiny Tabitha (self drafted).
       Worsted, lined with linen and trimmed in leather.

15.  Taffeta English gown for Tiny Taffeta (self drafted)

16.  1950s dress  Charm Patterns Scout dress with 3/4 sleeve extension (Patreon)
       Scout is one of my favorite patterns.  I didn't have enough fabric to make the skirt with the                   pattern so I just cut two lengths of the 45 inch fabric, seamed them then pleated it to the bodice.           The original skirt is substantially fuller.


17.  Red worsted English Gown (self drafted)
       I've been wanting a red wool gown for years!  Finally got some fabric on sale.  Need to finish  
       the petticoat but in the meantime, the silk matelasse one will do.


























 

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