Category Archives: 1850s

Just in time for Viennese Ball tomorrow, I have completed the finishing touches on my bertha. Lace, and what I believe are technically known as “big-ass bows”. (Note, these are not to be confused with “big ass-bows”, which I believe … Continue reading →

Just wore the dress for the first time in rehearsal! There are things that aren’t perfect – mostly 5 feet issues (aka, you won’t notice them if you are 5 feet away). Even the 1 foot issues probably aren’t noticeable … Continue reading →

Finally have the bodice in a completely wearable state. I won’t consider it done until it has a bertha (and maybe tucker), but I could wear this to a performance if necessary. The sleeves were pretty straightforward. I used the … Continue reading →

I finally finished the bodice mockup, and got to sewing! The bodice is silk taffeta, interlined with silk organza, and flatlined with plain white muslin. The silk organza adds crispness and body, without adding bulk. Took a while to cut … Continue reading →

Quick interlude on how I did the scallops on the skirt flounces. First, finding a scallop-on-scallop pattern is not easy. I finally got the idea of image searching for scalloped doilies. Found one that was round, cropped off the piece … Continue reading →

Holidays are good for making progress. I finished tracing all the scallops on the flounces, cut them all out with pinking shears (my wrist still hurts today), gathered one flounce over a cord and have it pinned to the dress: … Continue reading →

Sometimes getting a mockup to fit is like this: I ended up throwing out the mockup from Peling’s bodice, and starting over with my Truly Victorian pattern. So far it seems to be the right move, but the TV still … Continue reading →

First template traced: 460 inches to go. At least the cats are helping.

Time for everyone’s favorite subject! So, I plan for my skirt to have 3 flounces. How much fabric does each need? My waist – floor measurement is 38 inches. The petticoat will add a bit more and the back is … Continue reading →

No photos, since I’ve been too lazy to take them. I got bored (re: annoyed, procrastinate-y) fitting the bodice, so I swapped to skirt construction since that’s pretty straightforward. What I’ve done since last time: Chemise (done. Not sure that … Continue reading →