eBay and I are becoming best friends this week! I had a quick browse for bloomers and petticoats, not expecting to find anything, and was instantly caught by these. The bloomers are in near mint condition and I think that the detailing at the bottom of the leg is just so pretty; delicate but not fussy, suits me nicely.
The petticoat caught my eye immediately with the its fantastically broad band of pleats. It is that level of detail, on even the simplest of undergarments, which draws me to Victorian clothing. It is so beautifully constructed. The waistband is too small, but the gather is so tight that I can easily adjust it if I need to. The fullness should work well under my skirt and will answer the horsehair braid issue. It is in need of a wash as it looks to be rust stained in places but I have experience of washing vintage clothing so I am hopeful of being able to work a little magic. Either way it was too beautiful a piece to turn down for a little staining.
So, all done. For almost exactly the same amount as patterns and fabric would have cost, I will soon be the proud owner to some original Victoriana. It was important from the outset to have at least one original piece as part of the whole outfit. I am making this costume as authentically as I can because part of the reasoning behind it is to be able to truly experience dressing as a Victorian lady would; I do not want to be responsible for a pastiche. This feels like a very good step in the right direction.
The Dobe decided to help me with my sewing today; "stupid dog!" was the least accurate thing I could have shouted as she had worked out that if my paw on the foot pedal made it work, then her paw would too! I'm just not very good with runaway sewing machines, especially when finishing a seam. Once we'd sorted whose paw was going to run the machine, Megs decided to first sit on my foot, before settling with her head on it instead. It's lovely to have company when I'm sewing...!
I have been trying not to do any more work on my skirt until my undergarments have arrived so that I can check the fit and hem. That said, today I really wanted to do some work on it, so I finished the last two seams and started the waistband. I have sewn the first side of the waistband on, the gather at the back is very tight so I wanted to take my time and get it right. I couldn't resist a quick fitting with my corset on and got a quick taste of what a Victorian woman would have felt like... I now know why they needed a ladies' maid; the corset was on quite loose, but between its restriction and the amount of fabric in the skirt, it was near impossible to get the skirt on, with petticoats and all the rest, you would need help! I do love how different it feels though.
Tonight the Appliance Whisperer, is with the 9 yr old and the Dobe, whispering them around an agility course and so I hoped to plough on with my skirt. Sadly, the iron has obviously heard of my attempt to replace it this afternoon and I have got no further than sewing the front panels to the back. I may be a lazy seamstress at times, but I have my principles; I will not sew an unpressed seam! It is so tantalisingly close to being finished... I couldn't resist and have pinned it back onto Miss G. What is evident is that it will need a petticoat and possibly a trim. Perhaps a narrow black ribbon an inch or two from the hem. I am also going to look at some horsehair braid; traditionally used to weight and form the hem.
