1860’s Hair Roll

4 Comments August 18, 2013 aimeevictorianarmoire

Here is another hairstyle perfect for any reenactment or historical play.

The great thing is that if your hair is shoulder length or longer, you can easily do this hairstyle. All you will need is a comb and LOTS of bobby pins and hair pins.

Start with hair parted in the middle.

Next twist or braid the front sides of your hair. I prefer to twist mine, but do whatever you feel is more flattering to your face.

Place a line of bobby pins in a straight horizontal line just above where your neck and your head meet. This line of pins will allow your vertically inserted pins to be locked in place and not move.

Then you begin rolling and pinning your hair. You can either do this in sections or in one big piece. Just keep pinning all your hair up.

And keep pinning!

And once you are happy with how it looks you are done! You can add some pretty combs or any other appropriate hair accessory.

My hair was just washed and had a little wave in it…if your hair is very straight, you can get your hair as smooth as this…

Be patient with this look…it may take a few times to get, but it is such a unique hairstyle!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

How to make a tassel.

Leave a comment August 12, 2013 aimeevictorianarmoire

In the spirit of trims, I decided that I would create a tutorial on how to make a tassel. They are SOOO easy to make and are wonderful to attach to skirts, sleeves, reticules, bonnets….etc. Once you figure out how to make one, you can create ones in different sizes or thickness!

Alright, let’s get started!

For the tassel you will need: embroidery floss (available at craft stores or sewing supply stores), and scissors.

Pull off the wrappers, but keep the thread in the same position. You will also need to pull out one of the ends from the thread. Pull carefully. You will need a piece twice as long as the main thread length.

Cut this piece.

Then cut this piece of thread into two pieces: one longer than the other.

Take the shorter piece and tie it in the middle of the thread. Knot several times. This is the string you will use to attach it to whatever you want…make it as long as needed.

Then take the main amount of thread and fold it in half. Take one end of the longer piece of string and wrap it around the top portion of the thread (about 1/2 inch from the middle.) Knot several times but be sure to leave enough length to make more knots.

Wrap the longer string around several times and then tie with the other loose string. Knot several times. Trim the excess thread with the scissors.

Then trim the ends to whatever length you want and…VOILA… a tassel!!

Enjoy!

Oh and the blue and white Day Dress that was featured in the Order of Clothing Post is now for sale at my Etsy shop!

Trimming the Dress!

Leave a comment August 8, 2013 aimeevictorianarmoire

I have spent the past few days simply going through my historical fashion books, as well searching online, simply for the purpose of finding and appreciating the dresses of the 1860’s. For the basic foundation of bodice and skirt, there are so many styles and interpretations that reflect the individual wearer. One particular method to individualize and decorate one’s gown is with trim. From braid, to ribbon, tassels, pom poms, rouching, and buttons, the list is potentially endless. Here is a sampling of some of the gowns I found that show a variety of trim and style! I hope that it helps give you inspiration as you plan your next gown!