A painting to be jealous of…

Leave a comment January 13, 2014 aimeevictorianarmoire

There are days when I wish myself out of this year and to some other time. It never tends to be the same time period…usually a day dream to 1810 walking a meadow in England, or an idyllic scene of myself sewing near an open window on a warm summer day around 1880. Oh how intense my feeling of longing can be to ditch my jeans and slip into something more girly…and more complicated. Of course, I often will drag myself back to reality realizing that I would never survive without hairspray, or mascara…but today was one of those days when I saw a picture and felt my thoughts smack right into the middle of the scene. What was this inspiring painting?…take a look for yourself

I’m the lady wearing the green dress….just so you know!

Well, on a more realistic and accomplishing note, my 1854 gown is currently up for sale on my Etsy shop. Here are a some pictures!

To visit my store click this link:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/175656736/1850s-yellow-calico-day-dress?ref=shop_home_feat_1

1850’s Gown: Almost complete

1 Comment January 9, 2014 aimeevictorianarmoire

I spent yesterday afternoon (during the snow storm…or as the Weather Channel called it “The Polar Vortex”) sitting on my couch, watching re-runs, and attaching the skirt to the bodice of my 1850’s gown. I knife-pleated the fabric and then hand-stitched each pleat to the bodice. It didn’t take as long as it sounds. I clearly have to adjust the length and hem the bottom…but that is for another day.

I also completed the under sleeves for the gown. I decided to use elastic versus ribbons to hold up the sleeves…elastic just holds better. I also did a little hand embroidery on the cuff of the sleeves, based off of a pattern from one of my fashion books. Hope you like it!

Also, I know I haven’t done many hair tutorials lately…it’s not from lack of trying…it’s just that the pictures and therefore the end results just aren’t that good. I am hoping to put another one up over the next week. Fingers crossed!

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.