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.

 

Who doesn't need a Halloween frock!

 Just a quick catch up post.  

I have a bunch of printed cottons from Joanns' to make some Gertie frocks so I thought I make one up for Girls Night Out at Savage Mill.  The theme was Cabinet of Curiousity with a Halloween theme and I had the perfect print for that --shown below with the black cat head buttons and tarot card earrings.

I decided to do the Scout dress from Gertie.  I had just under 4 yards of fabric and to do the nice full skirt that the pattern has, it requires almost 6 yards of fabric.  I figured I'd just cut two lengths of fabric, seam them together center back and call it a day.  I'd done this before with a gathered skirt but I decided to pleat this one.

This pattern has a short puffy sleeve which isn't very flattering on me but a 3/4 length sleeve pattern was released later which I really like so I went with that.

Here's the finished frock on my dress form:

And of course some fun pics of me in the dress.  I love this pattern but would've really liked the skirt to be much fuller since the crinoline pretty much fills it out with no room to spare.  

I love this dress--as I tend to love all of Gertie's patterns.  I'd love it even more had I had enough fabric to make the fuller skirt but this works well enough for something so seasonal.  I have a few more prints for this pattern that I need to get to at some point.

Fast Forward 200 years: 1970s short caftan

The one Patreon I subscribe to is Gertie's Charm Patterns patreon.  She has an annual theme and you receive a monthly free pattern only available to members along with other goodies.  This year's theme is old Hollywood glamour.  The May pattern was inspired by Elizabeth Taylor, known for wearing long flowing caftans in her later years.

I had never given much thought to making a caftan but the photos of the new pattern were intriguing so I though I'd start with a short version.

I was delighted to find a Liberty of London Tana Lawn print that was a reprint from a 1969 print.

I didn't take any construction pics but it's pretty clear cut.  The front has the fitted bodice inset.  Inside there is a wide elastic belt that hooks in the back with bra hooks that pulls the front belt fitted to the body.

Here's the finished caftan:

And pics of me in it!

I have to say--this is the most comfortable thing I've worn on my body in years!  The lawn is so incredibly cool and it feels glorious against my skin.  As such, I found a flowy rayon tropical print with flamingos to make a long version.  Yes--I've become THAT old lady. LOL