I have had some lovely silk brocade in my stash for several years and it was time to use it instead of letting it languish. During the initial Covid shutdown my retail job became non existent so I used some free time to make things I normally would put off because, lazy.  Mill Farm casaque is a pattern I have had for awhile. My plan was to camp during the Colonial Festival 2020 so I knew I would need 18th century "casual" wear. I had a well loved IKEA comforter cover I knew would work, Since the fabric wasn't expensive if the casaque didn't work out I would not shed tears over wasted ..read more

 Back to my Victorian natural form journey. This outfit was to be worn for the Victorian Festival fashion show but with all events cancelled it now hangs in my closet. I used 3 different colors of silk taffeta. The main gown is Mandrake (deep eggplant), contrast is Mandragora (golden olive green) and a small accent of warm grey lavender. The first two fabrics were bought from Silk Baron and the accent fabric was from my stash. I decided to push my skills a bit and added a back accent based on a gown at the MET, The Mrs. F.M. Carroll dress. It's lovely gown and the back of the bodice is ve ..read more

I have already reviewed Simplicity 8758 that I made for an event last year. This year I decided just for fun to make a version from four IKEA cotton ramie curtain panels. It is one of their historic prints and the fabric looks and feel like linen. Each panel was 2.5 yards long by about 60 something wide. I was very careful in my laying out the pattern and making sure I would have enough fabric. I was left with nothing but scraps by the end. This time around I lengthened the gown skirt so it was longer than the petticoat by about one inch in the front and that gave me a nice small train in the ..read more

Well since I have more free time these days I decided to do some hand sewing. I have had this pattern since 2019 and it's been on my hit list. I have only made one other pattern by this designer and it was a simple Regency short gown (basically rectangles). I was feeling fearless and had some lovely IKEA cotton fabric!! Well, actually a comforter cover but..... ;-) Pattern: Fig Leaf 112 1780s Italian Gown. Pattern is created using an extant example in the DAR collection. Fig Leaf patterns are like a fashion history lesson in a package and certainly well worth the pattern price. A lot of gown ..read more

My natural form journey continues. This was my outfit for Saturday day at VicFest 2020. The underskirt is the same one I wore with the previous gown. FYI I'm still hanging at home but hopefully our state (Washington) will start to open up and I can see some of my friends (responsibly). :-) Let's go! :-) Pattern: TV423 Two Toned Bodice. Fabric: Cotton poplin shirting, black with grey pinstripe from Fabric Mart. Contrast was grey silk taffeta that matched the underskirt. Alterations: I had to shorten the waist length considerably on this one.  Once I did that I had to add some length on ..read more

I was going to wear this to the Friday night event at the Victorian Festival in Port Townsend (cancelled). Patterns are: TV442---Natural Form evening bodice TV 328---Split pannier overskirt TV225---Fantail underskirt (this actually goes with another outfit as well, YAY!!!) Here we go: TV442 Evening bodice:  Fabric used-silk brocade (thrift store find!) This brocade has a light crisp hand and it was a delight to work with. Cotton twill underlining. Size: my usual size G back and size I front. Alterations: This style era is apparently longer waisted than some others. I have a very sh ..read more

I made three natural form outfits plus one tea gown for the 2020 Port Townsend Victorian Festival. Sadly it was cancelled. :-( I'm going to start with the undergarments and then the actual dresses will be on a separate post. Undergarments: TV125---Petticoat, no train Mantua Maker 1880-10 princess petticoat Self drafted bustle pad (gotta add some subtle curves and a bit of skirt support) *I also wear hip and bum pads under my corset since my hip/waist ratio is lacking and I need some help. Bustle pad: Self drafted based on a museum garment. I used ticking and horsehair canvas bound with ..read more

I'm still super neglectful BUT the video from Vanessa's Wagner House event is up and going! My previous post reviewed the Simplicity 8578 and talked about the party. :-) I'm still thankful for my friend taking the time to plan such a fun event. I know it was a lot of work but it is so appreciated! 18th Century Wagner House event Thanks again for visiting my little corner of the world! xoxo Madame Mimi ..read more

It was a success! I have been wanting to make a sacque back gown since watching Dangerous Liaisons when it first hit the theaters wayyyyyy back in my youth. I tried unsuccessfully to make one almost 3 years ago and I screwed it up amazingly. I used the JP Ryan pattern (I love JP Ryan patterns!) but this style did not work for me. On her pattern the front of the gown is essentially draped and I could not get it to work at all. About a year after that I was reading Period Costume for Stage and Screen. The author mentioned the easiest style sacque to make was one with a separate front bodice piec ..read more

Oooooooooo I have been SO LAZY regarding this blog. However, I'm here now so I may as well post something. :-) I'm not really in a rut but I have been on a slight break with my costume sewing. I also sew modern clothing and my summer wardrobe was looking pretty sad. So I set aside some time to make new tops. I still have some additional items to make but I started to get bored with modern clothing, as you do. It's always a challenge keeping myself focused on current projects. My mind starts to wander. Lately it's been wandering to the 18th century. Tailor's Guide gown, again: I have attende ..read more