Just found failbooking.com – and I lol’d! XD
Archive for January, 2010
Failbooking
January 22, 2010Mitts
January 21, 2010I have this old piece of yellow silk (yes yes, pics coming! ;P) that I’ve kinda inherited. I’ve been a little scared of using it if I’d mess up. But I figured I’d have to get over it and soon I was thinking of what I might be able to do with such a small piece (or rather pieces, haven’t measured them yet either). Soon it came to me – mitts! And as far as I know silk actually was used for mitts – the MET has a few examples…
I was thinking something in the line of these:
18th century mitts, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
So a few days ago I inquired after a free simple pattern on the Historical Sewing Forum, the results weren’t as great as I had wished, so I started thinking of making an own pattern.
However, today I came upon a more modern pattern, all by chance! Have a glance at these:
By yoshimi @ BurdaStyle. Now I know that these propably are made for stretchy fabrics and son’t have the right cut aso. aso. aso. But It’s hell of a good start! ;D Go check out BurdaStyle! You have to be a member to get free patterns and stuff, but signing up is free too so it’s totally worth it! ^^
Crochet craze!
January 18, 2010I haven’t done chrochet since 4th grade, I made a pouch in black, purple, yellow and pink and since then I haven’t done any crochet at all! This christmas my sister Jennie gave me this book “Virka Amigurumi” (Crochet Amigurumi).
At first I had my doubts, would I be able to learn this fine complicated art again? But since I’m a total japanophile I had to give it a try… Turns out it actually isn’t very complicated at all and now I’m hooked! I’m not just making cute little japanese plushies – I’m making cupcakes and wrist warmers with all kinds of decorations. Now I see myself making simple lace, caps, shawls and fichus in the future!
Today I went through Jane of all trades… to see what I had missed during my dark ages of ignorance. Remember that reference book Encyclopedia of Needlework, by Thérèse Dillmont? The online version…? (Which now contains tutorial videos on YouTube, btw…) Well Clare of Jane of All Trades… found an online version of a book of the same character, namely Beeton’s Book of Needlework, by Isabella Beeton. And as far as I can see it’s even better than the Encyclopedia of Needlework!
I have tried to see what crochet work was made during the 18th century, I had a hard time finding anything and then I found this:
Both crochet and tatting are 19th century techniques. There are a few books around that talk about crochet and tatting dating back to the 15th century or earlier, but so far, those who have looked for or looked at the textiles in question either find that they’re nonexistent or are mislabled needle lace or knotting (which are not the same as tatting), or nalbinding (which can look a little like crochet but is really not the same thing). (http://www.marariley.net/knitting/knitting.htm)
Darn it… Oh well – I might cheat on that matter… ;P
More bloggin’ ahead and FREE corset patterns!
January 18, 2010On friday we turned in the degree thesis again, after a few changes, we are very pleased and eager to get a good grade in week 5. This means that I won’t have a whole lot to do until then… Which probably will mean a whole lotta sewin’ and bloggin’! ;D
This past week I have discovered two new blogs! And I must say, they may be two of the most interesting I’ve read on the subjects of history and costume making!
Just this morning I read the latest post on Jane of All Trades… and lo and behold! Thar be free stays patterns! =D The place described where the patterns should be, a certain Ralph Pink’s site, did not work for me though. However I found them on the blog linked form the site! So this is where I got 5 free corset patterns -> http://www.fashion-gorgeois.com/pattern-cutting/corsets . Just click the image of the corsets, don’t be fooled by the more modern corset in the image, the zip-file you download contains 5 different corset patterns, including two stays patterns! ALL FREE!!! (Yes, I am cheap, but I’m very generous too! ^^)
I also want to drop the blog name Two Nerdy History Girls (aren’t we all? ;P), that I found via 18th century blog. History, mostly 18th century, with amazing pictures!
A blessed birth, 26 years ago…
January 14, 2010The fourteenth of January in the year of our lord 1984, ’twas a snow whipped afternoon. And this afternoon, the world was blessed with the divine and glorious birth of our beloved Lady patron Maria Gibson!
Kinda…
New year – new energy
January 4, 2010During the holidays I’ve been taking up on my blog feeds, getting myself very inspired indeed! =)
I’ve finished those tricky front hems on the pet-en-l’air, only the bottom hem left and then I can start the trimming and the stomacher! =D
I’ve had some thinking to do on the front hemming thing, I haven’t done a lot of detailed research, but by looking at images of dresses from the time – I’ve concluded that there is a big variation in how they went about it. So I just did what I felt would work best with my knowledge and what would look ok. I don’t know if I dare show pictures of how I’ve solved the problem, tough… ^^;
So that’s where I’m at right now. I might continue with the shift for a change of “scenery”, maybe put on some lace. ^^
One thing that’s been bothering me though, is that I might have to make a hiproll or something. The pet-en-l’air to me seem to not look very good with the size of pocket hoops I have (and still am working on ^^;), they look too big and wide… =S Oh well, that’ll have to be a later problem. ^^
To top this year’s first post off, I have some pictures of an heirloom, related to the 18th century. It’s a clock, that my sister Cecilia laid her hands on while we were cleaning out my dad’s appartment when he went to a retirement home. I’m greeeeeeeeeeeen with envy and so mad at myself for not being there before her to take it into my own posession! ;P It’s probably from the 19th century, but I loooove the details on the girl’s clothes, even in the back! I love that apron and if it turns out it’s somewhat 18th century I think I might make one with this as a model! =) She’s supposed to have a parasol or something in her hand, but it’s lost… =/
Maria
Fuchsia's 18th century dress 