Historically Accurate

I realize it has been over a year since I have posted on this blog.

I finally finished making a historically accurate corset to go under my bustle gown bodice. I still haven't actually started the bustle gown, but because the corset I made works for civil war era gowns as well, I made a reproduction civil war gown that I wore to a re-enactment ball in April.

I hope to post pictures of these soon.

Speaking of historically accurate... I am writing a paper for a Shakespeare class about Elizabethan Theatre. I was fascinated to find out that, even in Shakespeare's era, there was no emphasis placed on historical accuracy. They used a mixture of both modern (for the time) and somewhat historical costumes. I thought it was similar to today. Even in the film industry, often costumes are not historically accurate. There may not have been that many references back then, but now there are plenty of museums and pictures we can use as references when making historical costumes.

Just something to think about.

Summer Sewing Projects

Recently, I have been slightly obsessed with the extravagantness and elaborateness of "bustle gowns." Particularly those in the early 1880s. In that period, (from 1875-1883) the bustle became very small, creating a much slimmer line. Although the bustle was not as large, the draping and trims made up for it. Last fall, I decided to try to draft a bodice pattern out of an authentic pattern, but it is difficult to size up historical patterns for modern sizes. Yesterday, my mom and I were looking at some antique clothing sites, and I was newly inspired. These are the websites: http://www.antiquedress.com/ and http://vintagetextile.com/

The details are so incredible, and I have never seen a reproduction gown that is costructed that well. I really would like to make one like this http://www.antiquedress.com/item6179.htm but perhaps in a different color.

Here is the second draft of my bodice - improved lines in the back from the one I made last fall.

The Back:

The Front:
I am really going about it backwards. In order to get the correct fit and period lines, the undergarments should be made first. Before I can go any farther, I will have to make an 1870s corset.

My other project has been to make a "robe à la française" Again - the undergarments must come first.

Here is the in-process pair of stays made out of dupioni silk, canvas interfacing, and cotton lining(pinned to the "Dresselda," my dress dummy):

This is the general look I'm going for.....

To Ameliorate

My new favorite word is "ameliorate." According to dictionary.com it means "to make or become better, more bearable, or more satisfactory; improve; meliorate." The first time I heard this word was in French class (the verb "ameliorer") and I fell in love with it, as "improving," and pursuing excellence is something I strive to do in my life. This is why I decided to call my blog "The Ameliorator."

This blog will be mostly for posting my latest projects (sewing, fashion, costumes, paintings, drawings, etc...), and whatever else I decide to put up here.