August flapper

I didn't think I would be sewing anything big until I move, but when the urge to sew comes on, it comes on very strong.

 And this is probably the last photo shoot I'll ever have in my house.... sad sad sad.

An old family friend gifted me her lovely vintage silk sari as a graduation present, and I thought for several days about what kind of dress I would make out of it, and how.  I had settled, reluctantly, on a regency dress, despite disliking most regency/sari remakes, when I stumbled upon Festive Attyre's free 1920s dress pattern.  Bam!  Quick, easy, good opportunity to use the fabric's natural placement.

Era:  Mid to late 20s, judging by waistline.

Fabric: Lovely silk sari, washed silk taffeta lining, 1000000 different kinds of thread.

Time: Less than 10 hours.  Hollaaaaa!

Pattern: Festive Attyre

Verdict:  Very unflattering (the style, not the make) but comfortable and quick, and it gives a good shape for the period.  Next time I'll make the bodice a bit more fitting (I did this without any muslin because I like to live life on the edge.)  Still not a big fan of the color, but I wanted to use the fabric for its sentimental value.  Would make again!

I am a discredit to my community.

Actually, girls in my community in the 1920s were known for being such vamps that a law was passed that allowed the police to arrest their parents for their daughter's indescretions.

Anyway, I'm going to Highland this weekend as my last event and then I'm flying to VA next week.  I will probably be taking a sewing break for a month or so depending on my schedule.

A small bergere hat

I've always been vaguely dissatisfied with the wide straw hat that I bought at colonial Williamsburg, so I decided to take my critiques of it and make a hat of my own just how I liked it, with the straw braid I wanted to make into a leghorn hat for 1860s.

The brim is so small because I was lazy and didn't want to work on this hat anymore.  The decorations and ties are both vintage rayon ribbon that looks and feels like silk.  The hat is all hand sewn using cotton and silk thread, and it took about a week and a half working on and off.  I really enjoyed working with straw, even though it does take a long time.

Also, note that the ruffly cap is for sale.  Buy please? (a steal at $35)

And I have been redoing several old dresses and making new petticoats:

 Which hopefully explains my recent silence.