Costume College Part 3 - Saturday/Gala

On Saturday, I wore my old 1903 Edwardian. Somehow, it seems to have gotten shorter since I last wore it, but despite the hem and the copious amounts of poly chiffon, I think I still love this outfit.

My limited class was on Saturday morning. I wish it was a longer class, because we had only just started cutting out the fabric by the time we had to go, but 1860s and Still Handsewn was still a good class. It was taught by Janea Whitacre and Emma Cross, who are both great teachers. We got to examine an 1860s bodice, did a handsewing sampler with all the techniques we need to complete the dress, and then we draped muslins on each other to get the right fit. I wound up starting mine on the plane home, but besides cutting out all the bodice and sleeve pieces, all I've accomplished is about 1.5 ft of a sleeve seam. I really hope to stick with the handsewing, though.

I also took another class from Janea later in the day - The Good Milliner. I had no idea that millinery encompassed so much! It was also great watching Abby do Emma's hair up with actual period methods. Certainly easier than Kendra's more modern take, but I have to admit, I like look of the modern version better.

And then it was time for the gala! This was the first time I had actually worn the full wig with the full court gown, but it went fine at first. Kendra had to help me secure the wig, because I was having so much trouble pinning it.But then I headed down to the red carpet, took some pictures, and our group of 10 headed over to Maggianos for what has become our gala-night tradition. Dinner was delicious (and cheap!), and then we went back to the gala. I didn't last for very long - I think my stays shifted up while I was seated at dinner, and between that and the giant wig on my head, I think I stayed for about 30 mins before changing. Next year, I plan to make something more comfortable. But anyway, here's some pictures!

The court gown ladies, Elizabeth, me, and Katherine

I feel like a missed half the people at the gala since I was there such a short time, but here are a few lovely ones I did manage to catch on camera:

Amanda and Samantha's 30s gowns                   Emily's gorgeous mid-Victorian


bellamissella's amazing Elsa                 fairegoddess's awesome bustle gown                     

Costume College Part 3 - Sunday

Sunday I wore my white Regency dress from last year, paired with the blue spencer and bonnet I made last winter. I did the Regency corset for Sunday undies, since I didn't have time to make any sort of robe or dressing gown.

I made out like a bandit at the bargain basement, which has always been one of my favorite CosCol events. Here's what I got:

I went to a few classes on Sunday, too. I attended Embroidery Machine & Historical Dress, Covering Shoes with Fabric, and my favorite - Wire Hat Construction. And now I want to make all the hats! I was going to go to a couple more classes, too, but then I was gifted with a free tea ticket by Rise! So exciting! This was the first year I hadn't bought a tea ticket, because they raised the price, but I'm so glad I got to go. I always enjoy it, and this year was no different. We may or may not have had a tong war, knocked over a glass of water, and been labeled "the rowdy table." But we had fun doing it!

I got to see lots of lovely costumes, too. Here's a few:

mlsdesigns                                  Diane                             the_aristocat                           Emma

And my favorite, Vivian's adorable 20s dress:



I don't want to have to wait a whole other year for Costume College!

Upcoming Projects

So now that CosCol is over, it's time to finish unpacking and start on new projects.

I was able to find the fabrics I needed for the Rapunzel commission in the fabric district, so that is first on the docket. Yesterday, I dye tested the white brocade I got, and it seemed to come out okay. I'll probably start testing the embroidery this afternoon, if I can clear out space around my sewing machine.

I've also been approved to be a pattern tester for Laughing Moon's new men's mid-Victorian vest. That means my dad will finally get his vest made! I might wind up making one for the bf at some point, too.

And I've planned a Regency tea for mid-Sept, so if I have time after those two projects, I might try to make my bf a Regency outfit.

In the beginning of Oct, vanessa_lynne has planned a deco museum excursion, and since I have nothing deco, I've decided I need to make something. I think it's the perfect chance to make Delysia's blue dress from Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.


Other than that, I think it's mostly CosCol planning. This is what I want to do for next year:

1831 bathing suit. Because it is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen, I naturally need to make it. I already bought the red plaid and black wool, plus I got some really wide red fishnets to try to get the stocking look.


1833 ballgown. Which means I will also need a corded petticoat, and most likely, a new corset.


1830s day dress. I love the shape of this one, not sure about the fabric:


I'm also thinking about the riding habit from Daniel Deronda:


And then beyond that, I'm going to do the Trelawney bustle gown, and make my 1860s handsewn dress. Which reminds me that I still owe you pictures of my 1860s antique dress. I'll get on that.

Here are all the fabrics/trims I got in the fabric district to get me started: