Creating an 1850’s Bloomer Gown

7 Comments October 31, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

A few weeks ago, The New York State Museum reached out to me to acquire a Bloomer Gown I had created to display in their upcoming exhibit Votes for Women: Celebrating New York’s Suffrage Centennial which runs from November 4, 2017- May 13, 2018 in Albany, New York.

I was thrilled and honored to be apart of such a wonderful exhibit and celebration that I thought I would share a some details of not only the gown I made, but also the women who made the outfit popular.

To start with the Bloomer gown, as we know it, was not first worn by Amelia Bloomer but actually by Elizabeth Smith Miller of Geneva, New York. Elizabeth Miller, who advocated for dress reform using the Turkish style of pants, quickly caught the attention and support of Bloomer. With her newspaper, The Lily, which focused on women’s issues, Amelia popularized the look to the point where her name became associated with the gown.

September Favorites

Leave a comment September 8, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

FALL IS HERE!!!! I am so excited and can’t wait to embark on all my favorite autumnal activities! From apple picking to watching football, I plan to enjoy each and every deliciously cool day!

And with the start of a new season and a new month, it is time for another favorites post…and boy, do I love what I have to share today!

So lets not wait another minute and get right into it!

Scarlet Red 1865 Day Gown

Stunning, vibrant, and delicately trimmed, everything about this gown is stunning! I especially love the ribbon and medallion on the skirt.

The Wardrobe Shop

A week ago, I was contacted by the Wardrobe Shop. They are a lovely online shop and blog that specializes in vintage clothing from the early 20th century! Definitely worth a look. One of my favorite pieces is the pearl handbag!! Very elegant!!

Click links below to check them out!

Wardrobe Shop

Vintage Inspired Pearl Handbag

Cardigans from Loft

I am obsessed with cardigans this season! One of my favorites is this wrapped version from Loft. Not only do I love the color, but I love how it closes in such an elegant way!

Loft Wrap Cardigan

Two Weeks in Love

So I know I have mentioned this movie before, but it has become one of my favorites! A sweet coming of age story that is only made better by a young and feisty Debbie Reynolds!

Essie Nail Polish

I love all things green right now and this nail polish fits the bill! Not only is it a fabulous color for your nails, but I love the name!!! Click link below image to purchase.

Essie Nail Polish in Color Sew Psyched

Enjoy everything the wonderful chilly season has to offer…I know I will!

1930’s Textures, Patterns, and Trim

Leave a comment August 17, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

I spent yesterday afternoon watching Follow the Fleet. A wonderful 1930’s musical starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. While watching it, I was just in awe over Ginger Rogers’ wardrobe. I mean…just look at this outfit!

Not only do I love the cut and style, I also adore the bold check!

Well, this led me to spend a good hour just gawking at other stunning 1930’s ensembles. I love the lines, the cut, and the fabric of dresses from this decade. So much so that I had to share a few of them with all of you!

This first one not only has a lovely two piece look, but the added floral panels give such interest.
Between the long lean lines of the skirt and the added floral pockets and cuffs, I am head over heels!

This one not only has an amazing bow at the neck, the pattern is fun and flirty!

I love the two separate patterns of this dress. Unique, yet still goes great together!

There is something so feminine and elegant about looks from the 1930’s. And when you add in fabulous fabrics and touches….well, my heart just goes bonkers!!

A Look Back at My Favorite Posts

3 Comments June 16, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

Well, I am, and have been, in early labor for days.

Not enough to be admitted into the hospital, but enough where I am definitely feeling uncomfortable! To cheer myself up and stay focused, I have had a wonderful afternoon looking though my vintage cookbooks, watching old movies, and planning new sewing projects…although I know that latter is very optimistic! 🙂

So in the spirit of looking through some oldies but goodies, I thought I would share some of my favorite blog posts from the past few years. If they are new to you, I hope you enjoy them, and if they have been ones you have seen before, maybe some little part of them will re-inspire you!

Click on each title above the image to be taken to each specific post!

My Top Ten Vacation Themed Musicals

Visiting Your Local Farmer’s Market

Give Yourself a Manicure: 1940’s Style

Intro to Sewing Video Series: Paper Patterns

Inspiration Board: Traveling Outfits

Fingers crossed I go into labor soon!!! 😉

1940’s Blouse Pattern and Tutorial

6 Comments June 2, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

This blouse is such a quick and easy way to take an extra yard of fabric and turn it into something special! Add some pizzaz with different fabrics, contrasting colors, and trims!! The possibilities are endless!

What you will need:

1 yard of fabric*
12″ of 1/2″ wide elastic
Thread

* To create a larger size, simply create a larger square – 40″ x 40″, 42″ x 42″, etc

This pattern can be created by simply measuring and cutting the actual fabric, however the pictures below are shown on a large piece of craft paper.

Historical Patterns I’m Excited to Try!

3 Comments May 25, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

I think I have drained my current pool of patterns. I mean, I love many of them and will always use them…but, I’m am definitely feeling a little bored. Especially with my due date coming closer and closer, I am trying to stay occupied with sewing…it’s sort of working! 🙂

So yesterday, with the warm sun on my face, I spent a little time looking up some new and different patterns to try.

Here are a few of my favorites!!!

Links to the patterns are below each image!

I love the unique and various caps in this particular pattern. Especially the Round Eared Cap with double ruffle!!

1740-1820 Women and Girls Caps from Amazon Dry Goods

I am sure anyone wearing this amazingly beautiful, pleated mantle would feel elegant and very summery! The only thing I’m not sure of is what fabric I would use…..

1863 Summer Mantle from Amazon Dry Goods

With a yardage requirement of 16 yards, this gown would definitely be a commitment, but I love all the ruffles and draping! I would also want to use a polka dot fabric just like the sample photo below!

1873 Dress Pattern from Patterns of Time

One should have just as pretty undergarments as outwear, and this pattern has a wonderful range of options!!!

1912 Women’s Linen Collection from Patterns of Time

The front draping on this 1930’s dress is amazing! I’m pretty sure I will have to redo it several times until it hangs just right, but its all in a day’s work! 🙂

1930’s Dress pattern from Pattern Treasury

Have you found any new historical patterns that you just adore?

I would love to hear from you!

On My Inspiration Board: Patterned Gowns

3 Comments May 16, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

I decided to bring back an old post favorite which I haven’t done in a while: On My Inspiration Board! For this post, I choose either a color, pattern, shape, or type of gown and collect my favorites to share from the years 1800-1950. For today’s version, I decided to choose gowns made out a of patterned fabric. Whether geometric, floral, or striped, these gowns are wonderful examples of fabric design and gown creation!

In my daily wardrobe, I don’t really wear a whole lot of patterns. Yet when it comes to my sewing, I adore using patterns. Any type of pattern using any type of colors. I simply love it. And based on all my research, I am not alone! From morning gowns, to tea gowns, to evening gowns, patterns have been a favorite for decades.

This particular painting shows how embroidery create a lovely pattern on this elegant 1810’s court dress. Perhaps not a gown to be worn by the average woman, bust still stunning!

Duchess Talleyrand-Périgord, Princess Dorothea by Joseph Chabord

This gown from the late 1800’s is a wonderful example of the striking impact a good pattern can create! Not only does the cut of the gown highlight the pattern, but the black and white stripe is absolutely eye catching!

While there are so many options out there, I did my best to select a variety of gowns from a variety of time periods. So, without further ado, here is this month’s Inspiration Board!

To see more gowns, feel free to visit my Pinterest Board!

Happy Tuesday!

My May Favorites

2 Comments May 1, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

Summer is almost here!! How do I know? Well, apart from the increased sound of lawn mowers up and down the neighborhood, I can now leave the house without a jacket! A wonderful change if you ask me!!

And since it is almost summer, and a new month, it is time to share with you my favorite list of things I am loving or wishing to try!

All links are below each image.

To start this month’s favorites list off, I have chosen the sweetest little romper. With my own little girl due next month, I am all about sweet, simple clothes to dress her in!! 🙂

Bailey Blossoms – Blueberry Pie Romper

Not only am I in love with the soft green of this gown, I am also on a 1890’s kick! I love the 1700’s influence seen in the back fabric drape.

1890’s Tea Gown from the John Bright Collection

Even though I am still rocking maternity clothes, I thought this jacket from Modcloth would still be a wonderful addition to both my maternity and regular wardrobe. Pair it with skinny jeans and a pair of flats…and maybe a mocha latte! Perfect!!