A painting to be jealous of…

There are days when I wish myself out of this year and to some other time. Β 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. Β Oh how intense my feeling of longing can be to ditch my jeans and slip into something more girly…and more complicated. Β 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

800px-Winterhalter_Franz_Xavier_The_Empress_Eugenie_Surrounded_by_her_Ladies_in_WaitingI’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. Β Here are a some pictures!

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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

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. Β I knife-pleated the fabric and then hand-stitched each pleat to the bodice. Β It didn’t take as long as it sounds. Β 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. Β I decided to use elastic versus ribbons to hold up the sleeves…elastic just holds better. Β I also did a little hand embroidery on the cuff of the sleeves, based off of a pattern from one of my fashion books. Β Hope you like it!

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yellow9Also, 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. Β I am hoping to put another one up over the next week. Β Fingers crossed!


How to make a tassel.

In the spirit of trims, I decided that I would create a tutorial on how to make a tassel. Β They are SOOO easy to make and are wonderful to attach to skirts, sleeves, reticules, bonnets….etc. Β 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.

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

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Cut this piece.

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

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

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Then take the main amount of thread and fold it in half. Β 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.) Β Knot several times but be sure to leave enough length to make more knots.

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

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

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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!

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