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 Day Dress Bodice

Leave a comment January 3, 2014 aimeevictorianarmoire

So despite a stomach flu, I finished the bodice of the 1850’s Day Dress! It was quite a challenge since I had to redo the sleeves twice to make sure that they fell just right. Oh how I love seam rippers!!

I added piping to the armholes, the neckline, and the bottom of the bodice. I didn’t add the undersleeves in the picture, but I will be making them to fit under the pagoda sleeves. My plan is to begin working on the skirt this weekend…not sure if I am going to add flounces or not. I guess it depends on my patience level!

I am also looking to either purchase or make an 1865 elliptical hoopskirt…any ideas or suggestions for a pattern or seller?

Enjoy your Friday everyone!!

Creating a pattern: 1852 Day Dress

Leave a comment December 28, 2013 aimeevictorianarmoire

So I have been debating the idea of taking one of my many patterns I have created and obtaining a copyright. It has always been a dream of mine to one day become self sufficient through the selling of my gowns and patterns: this being one of the first steps towards that goal. I have decided to start with a 1850’s style gown, as there are not as many of these in patterns as there are for the 1860’s styles. I have had good luck with these decade in the past and an excited to begin this long process.

I am currently making the dress as I painstakingly recording each detail…which is difficult at times, since I am trying to be as specific as possible but several steps are just confusing.

Here are a few pictures of the gown based on the pattern I have created:

The main features of this bodice are a pleats that start at the neckline and are all gathered into a point at the bottom. The back of the gown also features gathers.

Have a great weekend!

1860’s Blue Floral Day Dress

2 Comments July 28, 2013 aimeevictorianarmoire

Last week I decided to make a new curtain for one of the doorways that is in my sewing studio. I went to the fabric store and found this beautiful white fabric with blue roses scattered all over it! I loved it and made the curtain. Well, I had about a yard and a half left over and realized how beautiful this fabric would look as a dress. I proceeded to quickly make up a bodice of the leftover fabric and was very pleased with how it turned out…so pleased, in fact, that I ran back to the fabric store and picked up another six yards to complete the dress.

For this gown I am using the Peachtree Mercantile Pattern #206. I love this company and this pattern because the pattern pieces are sturdy, clearly marked, and color coded. In addition, the pattern comes with a beautifully spiraled booklet with instructions and backnotes.

I followed the pattern exactly (which is rare…I usually tweak something) and have completed the bodice. I have made this pattern many times before and am always pleased with how it turns out.
For the following pictures I just draped fabric down the front so one could see how it would look with the skirt.

Don’t you just love the horseshoe cuffs?

Oh and the few items I ordered for my reenactment came in the other day!

I purchased all these items at Abraham’s Lady. I have shopped there before (not only online but also in her brick and mortar shop) and am always pleased.
I am still waiting for my new shoes…which I am rather excited about…they are cream!!!
Alright, well have a wonderful Sunday!