2015 Year in Review

[mala_14]

Overall, a very productive year for historical sewing because of Costume College, at least for the first half of the year. Sadly, no modern makes and not much done lately.
1880s Undergarments: Chemise, Corset, Bust Pad, Ruffled Bustle Pad, and Petticoat

Felt very accomplished in making all of these. Not pictured is the little ruffled panel that I made to button on my Edwardian petticoat that I wore underneath. This corset is pretty and kinda fancy (gives a very curvy shape) and fits almost just right, but I still need to finish the flossing on it and want to make a new corset this year that is more comfortable and fits exactly right.

1882 Printed Polonaise and Skirt

I got a lot of wear out of this outfit this year, probably wore it 3-4 times. It's currently on display in the exhibit I was working on this year about 19th century books for the blind. Adds atmosphere. And I'm kind of tired of wearing it. ;p Also, it needs a hat. Dropped the ball on the accessories with this one.

1882 Little Mermaid Evening Gown (bodice, skirt, and train)

I also made the corsage and hairpiece. The overskirt/train piece on this one is a little too small in the waist (makes me have to lace too tightly). I want to take it off the waistband and repleat it so it's bigger. I also want a new skirt that is less um mermaid-y. But no rush on any of this since I don't really have anywhere to wear an evening gown like this. Still I was pleased with how this one turned out, particularly the little ruffly trim on the bodice. I also nailed it on the accessories with this one, but stupid me is not wearing my gloves in this pic.

Quick 'n' Dirty Regency Stays (no finished picture, but here's an in-progress one)

I really wanted to finish my handsewn Regency stays, but they were just too much. So these happened. And they work. 'Nuff said.

Lost Hope Fairy Night (not many pics of this either, or progress info) with wrapped turban

(I also made a shitty reticule to go with this, but no pics of that because it was lame and just for hauling my stuff around in.) I had fun stamping the black chiffon with gold stars for this. Although this probably won't get much wear since it's so synthetic and fancy, I now sort of have a Regency bodice pattern and I learned how to do a blind hem on the machine, so some pluses there. And it was fun dressing up with everyone!

Lastly, I made a peach 1890s petticoat, which still technically could use a flounce. I've also got my corset cover mostly put together and needing finishing. No pictures of either of these things.

Altogether about 12 individual items. Not too shabby and definitely a productive year for me. My 2015 goals were to:

1. Make clothes to wear over historical undergarments


2. Focus on fit


3. Make accessories


4. Use the stash


5. Figure out hair

I definitely made clothes, 3 outfits/dresses! I am pretty happy with the fit on all of the things I made, although there are a couple of small tweaks that I can and will make in the future. Did better on accessories for some things, although still weak in the hat department. All 3 outifts used stash fabrics (print cotton, green silk, purple synthetic, black chiffon). Hair was OK, but nothing to brag about. Mostly curling and some braids. Having bangs was definitely key with all the bustle stuff I was doing.

My goals for 2016 are looking pretty similar. I want more clothes, especially since I have so many undergarments now, although some more are on the list. Fit will always be a priority with me and something that can always be worked on. I want more comfort (range of movement in arms, waist placement) and I know how to do that, so I can put it into work this year. More accessories, for sure, especially hats but also a couple of other things that are on the docket. I got a bunch of straw hats for Christmas that I can cut up and take apart to make new hats! I bought a lot of fabric this year, so next year needs to be about using them! (A problem you can all sympathise with, I know.) Hair, well mine's getting longer, so some styles should be easier. Also, I have Kendra's 18th Hairstyling book, so that may come into play some time.

Whew! So that was sewing in 2015!

Comments

[vanessa-lynne.livejournal.com]

Wow, that corset is divine!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I think it will look even better with flossing on both sides. ;p

[wanda-victorian.livejournal.com]

Excellent line up...especially knowing how hard you work with school! I look forward to seeing how your plans for next year work out. I personally have more plans and dreams than I have time. Dang job is getting in the way of my leisure time!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I think a lot of stuff got done after school ended and I had a few months before Costume College. My wishlist for sewing is about 3 miles long! There are always so many things I want to make. You do pretty well, I think. You've made so many cool things this past year!

[ashamanja-babu.livejournal.com]

That corset is just dreamy! And I loved your Little House dress! We made a pretty cute group I think.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! We were an awesome group! It was so much fun.

[sadievale.livejournal.com]

Yay, great work in 2015, lots of pretties! I look forward to seeing what you do in 2016!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Me too. Hoping for a productive year!

[starlightmasque.livejournal.com]

<3 love <3 love <3 love <3

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Aw shucks! Thanks Angela!

[tigerweave.livejournal.com]

Oooh love all the photos. The finished works look great too. So much work in constuming isn't there. I'd never have dreamed how much until started following historical sewing blogs etc.

Purple satin corset *swoon*

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! It's all the layers! And the handwork needed. But it's really interesting learning about the period methods and wearing different kinds of clothes.

[tigerweave.livejournal.com]

It is isn't it :-) And yep that's what has me caught even though I'm not sewing anything, coz nowhere to wear it and omg the cost O_O But so fascinating I'm hooked.

[girliegirl32786.livejournal.com]

Beautiful work this past year, as always! I loved your little mermaid bustle and that corset is just stunning! I'm so happy I could see some of these in person this year. :)

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Aw thanks Aubry! It was so great to meet you in person! :)

[m-of-disguise.livejournal.com]

I absolutely love the shape of that corset. So perfect and curvy!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! That was my intention. It was fun to figure out.

[totchipanda.livejournal.com]

Oh my, everything is so lovely, but that corset especially! WOW!! I've got a yard of teal blue satin I'm suddenly inspired to use in corsetry ;)

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Pretty corsets are fun, even though they don't really get shown off as much as outerwear.