My sewing has stalled of late. I'm working on a gaggle of projects for a Regency ball in May, but stopped to make a lovely Spring dress for myself for a fundraiser I was volunteering for. It's a beautiful
SpoonFlower fabric I bought last year. It's a buttery yellow with a pink and turquoise flower border. What could be better for a springtime-themed event?
Of course I was still sewing the day of the event. Of course. I just finished the zipper and tried it when I realized that I've somehow changed shape since I padded out my mannequin in January. The dress was 3" too big! All that work for naught.
Blast and damn!
I won't lie, this set me back a few weeks. I was planning to make a new set of Regency stays since I've had so many issues with my February set plus make a new ball gown for May, but it's a tad tricky when you don't have an appropriately sized mannequin. (Note: I drape as many patterns as I can because I don't particularly like drafting. Draping cuts out the first round of fitting which saves time when I'm making things for me.)
Last weekend I decided to tackle my stays. I was debating whether I should stick with the pattern I have or buy a new and start from scratch. When I get in these indecisive moods it can take quite a bit of time to sort myself out. I usually spend my time 'researching' on Pinterest and convincing myself of several different things at once affectionately known as procrasti-pinteresting (not a word, just a Meg-ism; note variations as procrasti-sewing, procrasti-cleaning, and procrasti-shopping). I was also trying to find buttons for B's 1932 housecoat, his frockcoat and vest, and figure out if the silk I bought for my gown was even appropriate or it pogey bait. For a description on pogey bait, see the Dreamstress' posts
here.
Anyway, I decided to stick with my current stays. I'm trying to limit the amount of UFOs and miscellania I keep around. Truns out, I only needed to add a busk pocket, tie the ties higher, and take in one hip gusset. Victory! I will spare you the photos of my Regency 'shelf' until I have a proper chemise.
Since I'm starting from scratch for B's outfit I've decided to put his sewing first. As much as I wanted to sew his shirt entirely by hand I just don't have time. Yesterday I finished the shirt.
Historical Sew Monthly Info
The Challenge: #4 War & Peace. Though I'm also counting this a #1 Foundations since this is the first time I've strayed into men's clothing and done these type of hand stitches.
Fabric: Hankerchief linen
Pattern: Kannik's Korner Man's shirt, 1790-1830
Year: 1790-1830, will be worn for a Regency ball
Notions: Cotton thread, buttons (eventually)
How historically accurate is it? I'd say 70%. Accurate fabric and pattern, but mostly machine sewn. Edges are finished by hand so you can't see the machine stitches.
Hours to complete: 7
First worn: Will be worn May 16 to a ball. Fingers crossed there's a frock coat to go with this or madness will ensue!
Total cost: $32
The vest is cut and ready to be sewn. Maybe done by tomorrow...? Then frock coat mock-up. And I suppose I should make him breeches...
~M
