1810 Friendship Dress

Finally, a completed project post!  Whew! 

I've been so busy sewing things for others that I've completely neglected the blog.  My bad.

Behold!  My 1810 Friendship dress...

Challenge #9: Brown
What I call my friendship dress...
Fabric: brown synthetic shot with burgundy flower pattern. 
Pattern: Laughing Moon 126
Year: 1810-ish
Notions: thread and two straight pins
Accuracy: pattern is based on extant examples. Fabric pattern and style is appropriate, but it is a synthetic. Maybe 70%? 
Hours: about 8 
First worn: photo shoot on Sept 26, 2015
Total cost: $0! 

One day, a lovely friend brought this fabric to me and said, it's just so Meg.  You must wear it!  And so, I did.  As cheesy as it sounds, I feel truly blessed to have people in my life that sacrifice fabric in my honour.  Ok, maybe that was too cheesy...

In preparation for the Regency Sewing Guild's dressmaking class I figured maybe I should make the dress I was going to be teaching.  Probably a good call.  I completed this dress in under 8 hours.  I'm getting faster and more accurate.  Huzzah!

It's made from the Laughing Moon pattern #126, which I absolutely adore!  My heart belongs to Laughing Moon anyway, but this dress pattern is just divine!  It cuts and sews beautifully.  I also discovered that I am exactly a LM size 14.  No adjustments needed.  First time for everything.

I'm pleased to say it was ready in time for my photo shoot with the lovely Natalie D'Aoust photography.  We work together in our 9-5 lives, but have connected through our own creative endeavours.  She agreed to take photos of my outfits!  Yay!

A sneak peak:

How great is it that she travels with a step stool? 

Once the photos are done, I'm sure you'll enjoy them as much as I do.  Can't wait to share!

~M

The To Do List

Since I'm home sick with a cold I think today is an excellent day to take stock.  Between commissions and personal projects I have some many things to do!

I have four regency gowns on the go, with a fifth coming this weekend.  What fun!  I love building dresses for each client to suit their personality and use.

I'm also making some rompers and baby things for a local photographer.  Totally new market, but so nice to try something different!

And did I mention I'm coordinating and designing a friend's wedding?  Yeah, super fun!  A Frozen theme is the best way to start the holiday season.

For me, well...

- Net overlay for my gold silk ball gown.  Beaded, of course, because I can't make my life easy.
- Wool winter coat.
- Miss Fisher trousers
- 1780s Robe a l'Anglaise

That's doable, right?  Right...?

I'm also involved with the newly formed Regency Sewing Guild.  Beginning on October 16th you can join us for Regency stay-making classes complete with tea and scones.  Details here.  The fee includes all the materials and pattern so you just show up, sew, and eat scones.  Did I mention scones...?