All You Birds Beneath the Sky - Cinderella Photoshoot

"In the evening when she had worked till she was weary 

she had no bed to go to, but had to sleep by the hearth in the cinders.

And as on that account she always looked dusty and dirty, 

they called her Cinderella." ~ Grimm Brothers (1857)

"You tame pigeons, you turtle-doves, and all you birds beneath the sky."
Photograph courtesy of Maria M.

I hope that everyone had a Happy Halloween!  As one of my favorite holidays of the year, despite the current demands of school, I just had to throw together a new costume as tradition dictates.  So together with the pieces that I made last year (read the details here:  Cinderella Dress Diary - Day One,  Day Two & Day Three), various 19th century wardrobe elements, and a new blouse and little bird friend, I was Cinderella!  

Before wearing my costume to our village's Trick or Treat event, were I had the pleasure of roasting marshmallows with over a thousand visitors on the village square, Maria, sister and photographer extraordinaire, and I went to Ellison Park to document this fun costume.  It was barely 50 degrees, overcast and threatening rain, but Maria once again worked her magic with the camera before the storm.  And, as our arrangement works, I am so proud to share Maria's results - enjoy!

Completed Project Shots: 

*All of the photographs presented in this post are the original creations of Maria M., photographer, and The Young Sewphisticate.  Copying our photographs without obtaining permission and/or leaving proper credit is prohibited.*

From skin out, this ensemble includes striped wool stockings, a shift, corset, cotton petticoat, gauged flannel petticoat for warmth, corded petticoat for texture, patched "Cinderella" over-skirt and black cotton blouse.  The accessories, including patched "Cinderella" apron, linen cap, paisley shawl and pointed shoes, further the transformation.

Series I - Tread lightly through the silent marsh.

"Every day the maiden went out to her mother's grave, 

and wept, and she remained pious and good. 

When winter came the snow spread a white sheet over the grave, 

and by the time the spring sun had drawn it off again, 

the man had taken another wife."

It's still so green out there for being the start of November!  Even though the following photograph doesn't blend with the marsh series, I had to include it... I absolutely love how Maria captured those autumnal golds! 

Series II - Stick to the path through the deep, dark woods.

"Thrice a day Cinderella went and sat beneath it, and wept and prayed, 

and a little white bird always came on the tree, 

and if Cinderella expressed a wish, 

the bird threw down to her what she had wished for."

Series III - Contemplation along the long forgotten bridge.

"Turn and peep, turn and peep,

no blood is in the shoe,

the shoe is not too small for her,

the true bride rides with you."

All excerpts came from Margaret Hunt's 1884 translation of "Cinderella," originally collected by the Grimm Brothers.  You can access the digital copy through the Virginia Commonwealth University here: Cinderella.

"No matter how your heart is grieving,

If you keep on believing,

The dream that you wish will come true..."

~ Walt Disney Company