2018 Planning

Okay, I know it's already a quarter into 2018 and maybe a little late to start planning out my sewing. As always, sewing plans revolve around Costume College. If you're not familiar with Costume College, check it out here. The theme this year is Dressing the Royals, which means pull out all the stops! It will be glitz and glam all weekend. You know me, any excuse to wear a tiara...

Last year, I planned on making a fully beaded Queen Maud gown. With my internship I knew it wasn't possible, so thought I could make it work for this year. Every time I started it, something went wrong. I tried things multiple ways, but it just wasn't happening. I finally realised this just isn't the year for it. I love this dress, and maybe one year I'll go for it, but not 2018. And I'm okay with that.

Queen Maud of Norway Gown, 1912, House of Worth. 

So, what should I make? The worst question. Pinterest to the rescue. As I just finished an Edwardian suit in January I have a lovely new set of early 1900s underpinnings. My aim was to find something to go with the accessories and underpinnings I already have. These two lovely ladies popped up:

Queen Maud of Norway Gown, 1906-7

An Evening Gown of Black chiffon, ca. 1900

I love both (how could you not?). I decided to use my beloved chartreuse silk satin for the project. I just happened to find the most divine embroidered tulle online, and matching ribbon flowers. So, frilly, fluffy option A it is.

It won't be the most historically accurate piece, which I'm okay with. The tulle is lovely and soft, but nylon. I'll bead some of the flowers as well to give a similar effect to the original. I just didn't have it in me to tambour and bead an entire gown of silk tulle. I bought all the flowers I need, yet might make a few if there's any leftover silk (the chartreuse is mauve on the back!).

I'm pleased to be making a Queen Maud gown. It's a lovely substitute for the beaded gown.  One day, dear friend. One day.

I'm itching to start now that I have all my materials. Alas, school. I have just over a month before I'm done. I'll be focusing on that for the next few weeks, and then can properly focus on my gala gown. If I get it done in time I can start on our Bath 2019 wardrobe, but that's another post for another time.

Cheers,
~M

1912 Mrs Banks: Butterick 6093

I could watch Mary Poppins every day.  All day.  So, for Halloween this year I decided to be Mrs. Banks.  The movie Suffragette just came out (in Canada, at least) so it was a perfect time to go for it.

I have no idea where there the umbrella came from...

I wanted a similar look and feel without being an exact replica of the dress.  For starters, I hate high-necked things.  Probably why I shy away from Edwardian all together.  I started with Butterick 6093.  I read a few reviews before starting and decided it would be a perfect starting point.

I had a piece of blue poly suiting I got in the discount bin for last year's Roman costume so decided to hack it up for this.  I purchased a little pale yellow taffeta and started ruffling.  I'm pretty happy with the result.

I made a few fitting adjustments at the bust, as usual.  I gathered things a little differently than the pattern called for.  But then, I rarely follow the pattern anyway...

I wanted a similar petticoat to the movie costume without spending an entire weekend making a separate petticoat.  I decided to simply add a ruffle to the bottom of the underskirt.  It was just a tad long...

Bathroom selfie for the win!

After a bit of fiddling, and some interesting advice from B regarding ribbon placement, I finished the whole thing in a weekend.  Less, because who works on one thing in a weekend?

I'm super proud of the hat.  I really love millinery and wish I had more opportunity for it.  If I could just make hats all day I'd probably die happy.  But, alas.

I have no idea if this is what an Edwardian hat should look like.  I wanted something particularly non-datable for future flexibility.

And there you have it!  An Edwardian-ish Mrs Banks.

Shoulder to shoulder into the fray!
Challenge #11: Silver Screen
Onscreen Inspiration: Mrs Banks from the 1964 Mary Poppins
Fabric: the most horrid polyester I've ever felt.  But, it's out of the stash.  Poly taffeta.
Pattern: Butterick 6093
Year: 1912
Notions: straw hat, ribbon, button form, snaps, bit of interfacing for the sash.
Accuracy: Fabric is way off, but the colours are good so maybe 50%?
Hours:  Not many.  From inspiration on a Friday evening to completion on Monday night, including all pieces.
First worn: October 29th to Scottish Country dancing (skip change is not meant for Edwardian dresses!)
Total cost: Almost all stash except the yellow taffeta, which was $12 CAD.  Hat was $13 CAD, but I'll re-use it.


~M