1810s Working Class Separates (Part II)

When do you really call a project "finished?"  When do you simply step back and leave your creation be?  Admire what you've accomplished and challenge yourself to do better next time?  I've completed the main pieces I wanted to for my 1810s working class ensemble...and there are a bunch of other pieces that could really add to the overall project.  On the other hand, they could be saved for a later date (or maybe take two for next season).   Anyways, I'm honestly getting a little impatient with this project and am ready to move onto another!

In the mean time, here are the latest additions to my 1810s wardrobe:

Bodiced linen skirt:  ripped and seamed two panels of a sturdy linen for the skirt.  Bodice is fully lined and self drafted from cotton muslin.  Closes with four buttons and drawstring at the neck.  Three inch deep hem facing with navy blue cotton.

Front & back view.  Skirt has small pleats in the front and gathering in the back for a total circumference of 85".  (Please excuse the poor fit on Beatrice, it fits me much better, promise!)

Side view.  If you look closely, you will see that I had to fudge the bodice fitting a bit with two tucks in the front and back sides each.  I'm still learning...

Close up of back closures and spare button.

A peak at the navy blue hem facing.  Hand stitched.

My inspiration came from this c.1890-1800 block printed linen skirt and cotton bodice from the UK National Trust:

UK National Trust Inventory Number 1348737.1
(via: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/1115756652896466276/)

Next on my list were two more short gowns:  Made from dark blue striped and golden patterned reproduction cotton prints.   

Striped cotton short gown with careful piecing at the shoulder seams and sleeves
so that the design would match and go the right direction. 

 

Golden yellow short gown with a bright and cheery print!

Close up of the pleated trim, hand tacked to lay flat.

Hand-sewn regency apron with a bib and crossed straps.  Made use of the selvage edges for the sides and cut the bib on the bias, following the easy instructions for a regency apron found here:  http://acrosstheages.tripod.com/regencyapron.html

What's next?  Well, from here, I could work on more working clothes (like the pumpkin-colored skirt I started) or call my ensemble finished and start some new projects!  And venture into corded petticoat land...

Helpful links referenced:

• Directions for creating an easy Regency apron:  http://acrosstheages.tripod.com/regencyapron.html