It's that time of year when I take stock of my costuming accomplishments. I've expanded this post to include other historical sewing since some of it required a boatload of research and took a lot of time. Note that these projects are all sewn in the period manner. If the period used machines, then a machine was used. If hand sewing was the period standard, then the project was sewn by hand in the manner revealed in my research. Many of these items are accessories--some of which are just as labor intensive as full sized garments--particularly those with any embroidery or trim.
One thing that always amuses me when I make these year in review posts is how different this list often is from the goals list I make at the beginning of the year. Two of these projects were on my goals list. At least two of those original goals that weren't completed will go on my goals for 2023 list. LOL. Sometimes my research and needs just takes me in a different direction!
This post does not include my modern sewing projects which includes three 1950's style frocks and 3 or 4 other garments. I've listed these in order of completion and linked them to blog posts/tutorials where they exist.
1. 1921 black worsted tea frock. This one was a lot more complicated than it appears to be!
Detailed post with research can be found here.
2. 1920s black taffeta petticoat.
Detailed post and tutorial can be found
here.
3 and 4. 1786 Balloon hat and figured wool Italian gown.
Detailed post and hat tutorial can be found
here.
5, 6, and 7. Three different silk bonnets.
Detailed post and tutorial can be found
here:
8. 1780 Chintz gown. Shown here with my friend Esther, who is wearing a gown of the same fabric!
I'm on the right. Detailed post can be found here.
9 and 10. Two new work aprons. The heavier white apron and the red checked apron are new.
The blue one is included to show the new hand woven tape.
11. A new 1760s work gown for Widow Ferguson. This gown is being worn with the white apron above as well as a new linen voile handkerchief included with this project.
Detailed post can be found
here.
12. 1810s Regency cap made from a remnant of antique sprigged organdy.
13. Linen bed gown. It's hard to believe I haven't had a bed gown all these years. I completed this one as part of an 18th century home sewing presentation and found that I rather liked it.
14. 1920s brimmed cloche. I wasn't sure whether to include this or not. It was a fair amount of work. It was refashioned from a wide brimmed large brimmed thrift store hat that is 100% wool. I had to
completely reblock it numerous times, cut away much of the brim and stiffen it more. I should trim it
but haven't yet decided on what I want.
15. Common linen mitts. These were done as a sample for a mitts workshop.
16. 1770s Sheer organdy cap. Another demo project for a workshop.
17. 1770s shift. This one was a lot of work but desperately needed.
18. In progress, fine linen voile Quaker cap. Hopefully I'll finish it before the end of the year in which csse I will update.
Other history sewing that I don't wear:
Men's shirt. This was made for a museum program on
Esther deBerdt Reed. I found myself
demonstrating thread button making all day as the kids seemed to enjoy it.
Miniature bedding project: This was a lengthy project as I had to make the rope bed from an Ikea doll
bed. Details and research can be found
here.
Rose blanket for the miniature bed: research and details
here.
In progress: Blue checked men's shirt. If I finish it, I'll update.
When I start these posts, I always think I didn't accomplish much--until I actually start counting and realize that I was rather productive! I have a lot planned for 2023 and I suspect that what gets finished will not even be on that list if past years are an indicator. LOL.
Here's to a new year with lots of new sewing adventures!
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