Almost done skirt

[mala_14]

In-progress pictures of the skirt for my 1895 ensemble. Right now it's on the dressform so the bias can hang out. All that's left are the hem and the closure, probably hooks and eyes. It could probably use a hem facing of something stiff to make it look really 1890s, but I kind of like the idea of having versatility with it because I think it will also make a great Edwardian skirt.

I really like this pattern. The back has a lovely drape. But it's also super heavy. I hope my petticoats are up to the task of supporting this skirt! I am hoping to get a flounce on the poplin one and then starch them this week. Do you think my shirtwaist/blouse will also need starching?

Comments

[mrs_maupin]

It drapes beautifully ! No idea on the shirt starching, I'd probably starch the collar, and see how things go in the sleeve department.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I might do a light starch on the whole thing, but heavier on the collar. I figure it can't hurt.

[theladyrebecca.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I love those pleats in back! It has a really nice shape. And I agree with mrsmaupin - probably collar and cuffs? I wouldn't think you'd need much else starched, unless it's a very soft cotton.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I just don't want limp sleeves. I'm thinking a light starching might be good. Definitely collar and cuffs, though.

[quincy134.livejournal.com]

Super cute shape!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks Gloria! :)

[jenthompson.livejournal.com]

OMG that has a beautiful shape! I love the skirts from this era so much!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Me too! All the circular/bias-y pieces make for beautiful draping.

[atherleisure.livejournal.com]

Beautiful shape! This is exactly what I want for my 1897 dress.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thank you! This pattern actually is 1897, coincidentally. It's this one: http://dressmakingresearch.com/tailor_gown_with_moire.htm

[atherleisure.livejournal.com]

I wonder if it would be accurate for sports wear c. 1907...

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Maybe. I think it has a very Edwardian look to it. And circular skirts seems sort of a thing for the time. Isn't one of the Truly Victorian Edwardian patterns a circular cut skirt?

[atherleisure.livejournal.com]

TV has a 1905 circular skirt, and there are definitely images of skirts from 1907/1908 that look much like it. I looked around for sporting images yesterday, and it looks like fashion plates at least had the normal lines for tennis and croquet so I can probably do a skirt like this and be reasonably accurate.

[ashleylaurent.livejournal.com]

Beautiful!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :)

[nuranar.livejournal.com]

I do love how those skirts hang! Heavy spray starch does pretty well for things that you want crisp, without being board-like. It won't work at all for things under real stress or weight, like petticoats or a waistband that wants to crease, but it's great for the rest.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Me too! I was checking out the Sewing Academy thread on starching and was planning on making up a solution using corn starch. I was thinking of doing some serious heavy starching on the petticoats and then a medium-light starch on the shirtwaist. Thanks for the starch words of wisdom!

[tigerweave.livejournal.com]

Oh that skirt! I'm in love with it, I might have to make one for myself. It hangs so nicely but pleats so sweetly too! I imagine when you wear it it will swirl nicely.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! It's a pretty simple pattern, so it's nice to put together. Just three pieces!

[tigerweave.livejournal.com]

Yeah I was having another look at the pattern. It would look best in nice drapey fabric? Your fabric looks soft and drapey.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Mine is a wool suiting lined with a medium weight cotton. I think it depends on what sort of look you're going for. But if you want swirly, then yeah, something drapey. Also, consider a thinner fabric. Those pleats at the back can get pretty thick.

[tigerweave.livejournal.com]

Ok, thanks for that :-)

[sadievale.livejournal.com]

Gorgeous, I love the drape!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :)

[wanda-victorian.livejournal.com]

Lovely! I am so bad about not starching my stuff. Collars and petticoats are the most tragic victims of this crime. I never thought about my big poofy sleeves. I always hated how they wouldn't stand up! The starch might be the thing. I only have gallons of the stuff left over from a kids craft at church (over estimated how much I would need by literally gallons) so I have no excuse for not doing it!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I've never starched anything, but my research tells me that it is a wonderful thing. All that starch, it's fate!