A Fractured Fairytale

I’m home from my annual pilgrimage to southern California. Not only did I spend a lovely weekend at Costume College, I also extended my vacation to explore some more around L.A. I have fun things to share from both the Getty Villa and the Getty Center, as well as the Huntington Library. Also, I may have bought more fabric. Oops. But first, Costume College! Read more...

Important note: I can't claim 100% accuracy with the construction of this dress. I havent done enough in-depth research to definitively say how this style would have been constructed. Since it is a transitional style, I felt comfortable enough to use my knowledge of 18th century techniques to experiment with the construction and make educated guesses as to what they might have done.
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If you've been following my instragram account, you may have noticed that my new print dress is nearly finished. It just needs sleeves and accessories and its ready to wear at Costume College. It turned out differently that I originally planned, but thats the price of experimenting. I miscalculated and the waist ended up sitting at my natural waist, not raised like I planned. Also, the fabric is really too heavy for this style of dress, but I've already invested enough time into the dress that I will make it work. With the right accessories, I can easily transition this dress into a slightly earlier look.

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Not much sewing has been going on around here lately. I’ve been busy with my garden and yard work (that time of year), as well as finally stripping some hideous wallpaper in my house. I also pushed myself too hard prepping for the Francaise Dinner and Williamsburg and have had to take a break from sewing to let my arm heal. But Costume College is just around the corner, and if I want something new to wear I’m going to have to get cracking!

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I feel I’ve reached a point in my costuming experience where I can safely trust my instincts. I certainly don’t know everything, but I feel like I’ve absorbed enough information that I when I imagine something in my head, I can usually find documentation for it after the fact.

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