The Vintage Nerd Sews

1790s, Colonial Williamsburg Collection I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that I continue to be inspired by Felicity Merriman's wardrobe. I think most (if not all) historical costumers of a certain age owe a large portion of their passion to The Pleasant Company, and I am no exception. When Virgil's Fine Goods announced the return of their fabric, "Cait's Flowers," the original 18th century print that inspired the one used by American Girl, I had to have it. I was very kindly gifted 5 yards of it for Christmas by my parents, and spent my time waiting on the pre-order to arrive by deciding what to make with it.  I didn't want to go full cosplay, in part because that's not quite me. Another reason was that I already have a calico round gown, so another felt...excessive. What did catch my eye during the research process were the many chintz petticoat and jacket combinations. This struck me as something a grown-up Felicity might wear. I began to do my res...

We spent the weekend visiting the place I've dreamed of visiting since I was ten years old and first read an American Girl book: Colonial Williamsburg. Friday night, we walked around the campus of William & Mary and the main street of Colonial Williamsburg while the sun set. Even though it was excruciatingly hot on Saturday, we made it all day walking around and seeing almost all of the historical village. The buildings were beautiful, the interpreters were knowledgeable, and the food was excellent. Wren Hall at the College of William & Mary  The Governor's Palace at night       I was a little worried as we drove down to Virginia that I had built up this experience in my mind over the last 20 years, and that it wouldn't be that interesting after all. I was also worried, looking at the weather, that if I didn't wear my 18th century garments on the day we planned to tour things, it wouldn't be the same if I got photos another day. Both worries were truly silly...

For my second gown, a working class gown for summer, I went with the Angelica gown pattern by Scroop and Virgil's Fine Goods again. The fabric is a gorgeous striped linen from Burnley and Trowbridge. This was my big splurge for spring, and 100% worth it. I got just enough to cut out the gown, and I'm not joking when I say I had ribbons left over. I did my best to balance economy of cut and match the stripes, and somehow I was successful. I have enough room in the hem that if I decide to dress this up for a more middle class impression, I can easily bring the hem down to achieve that look. The first step in assembling the gown, and my favorite. I love the elegant lines of the center back pieces.   Bodice assembly underway! Trying to pleat the skirt and do justice to the stripes was the most difficult and time consuming part. I did this two times before I called it good. I have the most helpful assistants. I mean, just look at how helpful.   The initial finished product   ...

  It's been over a year since I really got this project underway. Due to my project funk from struggles with the JP Ryan English gown pattern, I didn't get any sort of gown, long or short, finished for summer. I've decided to move forward with working on the winter needs for my ensemble. The chocolate wool gown, was my starting point. However, that's not enough to keep a body warm in the winter out here! According to my research, red cloaks were ubiquitous in the mid to late 18th century, and worn even into the early 19th century, although they had generally fallen somewhat out of fashion toward the end of the time we see them referenced. They were most common in the country, and could be plain or dressed up with trims. They were first worn by the "landed gentry" in England but their easy importability to the colonies made them popular and common in the US by the late 18th century. Looking through the list of extant examples (many with images) on  Larsdatter...