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.

 

2025--Catching up on small projects and one big UFO!

I realized I hadn't posted anything here yet in 2025.  January and February are typically pretty busy--getting ready for our skill building weekend end of February.  I figured I'd just show my projects thus far in a single post.

1.  Satin bonnet.  This was my demo bonnet for a workshop I taught in MA early in January.  I've always wanted to do a satin bonnet so it seemed like a good time to get one done.  I really like it.  The duchss satin has so much body that it stays poofy!   I ended up trimming it with some shot silk taffeta I had on hand. 

2.    Miniature bonnet for Miss Prudence Pennyweather.  It was a fiddly little project but I like how it turned out.  Miss Pennyweather seems rather pleased.

3.  Mini quilted petticoat for Miss Pennyweather.  I started this last year but decided to get it done.  It was a fun little project.  I will be making a worsted English gown to go over it.

4.  Round eared cap.  Forgive the terrible photo.  This was another workshop demo project.  It's made of the same handkerchief linen that the partipants were given.  It'll be a nice middlin' sort cap.  Not pictured were all of the flower breast knots made as samples for the same workshop.

5.  Black trim for my fancy cap.    This is one of the accessories done for the gown I just finished.  I had trimmed this cap similarly with blue taffeta trim in the same style.  The trim is pinned on.  Needed the black so I figured I'd just do it again!

6.  One of several taffeta breast knots.  I love making these things.  I think the taffeta just works better than ribbon but it involves hemming the long edges.

7.  Silk gauze double ruffles with French lace.  Obviously I made a pair of these.  I dislike working with silk gauze.  It's too springy and doesn't finger press like organdy does but I wanted the ultra sheef fabric for these. I love how frothy they are!

8.  Silk gauze half handkerchief to go with the ruffles.

8.  Black taffeta sack.  Finally finished!  This gown has been almost finished since fall of 2023 and living on my dress form.  It needed some trim and the hem.  The petticoat was seamed and needed to be hemmed and pleated to the waistbands.  I'm debating whether or not to add some trim to the petticoat at some point.  I like it the way it is though.  It needs to be pressed.  I'm really tickled with this one as I've always had a soft spot for black dresses regardless of the time period.  This year seems like a good year to wear them! 

Bodice detail

Sleeve detail

I guess now that I've written all of this done, I've gotten a fair amount done!  I was feeling lazy and unaccomplished. LOL.  Now on to the next projects on the queue.

2023 Historic/Vintage clothing year in review

Time to take stock in what I accomplished project wise.  I feel like there should be more but this is it (so far).

1.  Bonnet for a sample for my bonnet workshop.

2.  Another bonnet for a workshop sample.

3.  And a third bonnet sample!

4.  This bonnet was used to show construction during the workshop and made for the next outfit

5. Late 1770s French silk short sack and petticoat.  Details on this project here.

5.  Hat sample for class.

6. Another hat sample for class.

7.  Late 70s/early 80s French short sack and petticoat.  Details on this project here

8. 1950s/early 60s Barbie inspired dress.  Pattern for bodice and skirt from Gertie's Patreon.

9.  Another 1950s inspired outfit:  Picnic top and skirt from Gertie's Patreon

9. 1770s common linen work gown and petticoat.

10.  Upgrade--1780s silk ruffled petticoat for my Indienne Italian gown.  This dresses it up quite a bit over the ruffled linen petticoat that was made for it originally.

11.  Another 1950s inspired set.  Barbara bodice and Brooklyn jacket from Gertie's Patreon.  Vintage buttons and buckle.  Printed linen.

12.  1770s Chintz bedgown with checked linen sleeve lining.  Using remnants!

13.  Mid/late 1770s silk Sack inspired by the portrait of Ralph and Alice Izard by J.S. Copley.

14. Checked silk organza half handkerchief.

I started a black sack at the same time as the one above.  It's possible that I may finish it next week but I'm not gonna sweat it. I do need to get it done before starting something new however.  Now to plan next year's projects.  It's always fun to go back and see if I stuck to my original plan.  Usually I don't.  LOL