The Duster Jacket

A couple years ago I came across this wonderful pattern from Simplicity for an automobile duster. I had to have it of course, especially since I have been volunteering at a car museum for my whole life (my dad works at one). So I tackled the full length duster. The pockets were the worst part, but I eventually figured them out (sort of) and it all turned out quite well.
I put the pattern away, thinking that I was finished with it for a long time, until I went to a musical. I saw my coat, done in pink and green, and it was short! Brilliant! So for the last year, I have been thinking about making a second, shorter jacket from my duster pattern. And finally, I found a plain green/brown coloured canvas type fabric that I thought would make a very nice jacket.

Pocket and cuff trimmings.

Front of duster.

Back of duster.

For my second go at the duster, I decided to for-go all the fancying trims and decided to purchase some nice metal buttons. For some reason I decided not to make it a size or two smaller for a more fitted jacket (which was probably a silly idea now that I am done). I did however use the back tab to pull the fabric to the back for the sake of simple tailoring, and it was the first time that I actually got to use my dress form! (To whom I lovingly refer to as Dora the Dress Form.) The thing works like a charm. I think that it turned out quite well again, and will perhaps make a nice coat to wear on a chilly day to work (with the approval of the costuming department of course). It has a sort of military look to it with the colour and brass buttons, but I enjoy it.

Pre-finishing touches on new jacket.

After finishing touches. Probably should iron it...

The back with the tab.

Very pretty buttons!

Everyday 1910s

My absolute favourite period of history is from 1890-1920.  So much happened in those years.  I also greatly enjoy the clothing of that time, particularly from the 1910s.  So, I have been browsing the net to see what is out there for costume patterns and such, and came across this:


http://www.vintagedancer.com/how-to-make-a-titanic-swim-dress-on-a-budget/

I also realised that my style of dress in everyday can in some ways mirror the fashions of my favourite decade.  (Vintage/Retro is super easy right now, but the whole Edwardian Era doesn't translate to modern day as well)
So today I tried to imitate the "Kimono Style" of the early Teens, but in a modern way.  Here is how it turned out:

It was terribly difficult to get a clear picture of the entire outfit, I may try again sometime.

I tried this pretty tunic over top of one of my long dark brown skirts, and it turned out to look pretty good.

 So basically, I have been wearing dresses (or tops) with Empire waists, with belts, and layer things either over or underneath.  They still look pretty modern, especially when the dresses aren't too long.  I also wear stockings, my oxford shoes or button up boots to add to the look and accessorise with my watch necklaces and vintage looking necklaces and wear vintage hair accessories too.  It is great fun trying to find ways to bring in historic style into my everyday clothing!

Pondering Titanic and Tea

So, I am currently working on a paper for a the History of Canadian Popular Culture from 1850.  I am writing about tea and its implications on Canadian society.  It is proving to be interesting, as I am drawing from etiquette and respectability as well as imperialism and the popular notion of Canada as being "British Canada."  Hopefully I get a coherent paper and an thesis that makes sense - and perhaps I will drink more tea, as it seems that writing about tea fuels the desire to drink tea.

Also, my parents sent me reproduction newspapers about the sinking of the Titanic.  I got them last night and have not had the opportunity to look intently at them.  I did notice in my skimming though, the disparity between the different newspapers and their reports on the same incident - one paper claims that everyone on the ship was safe, and that other ships will be coming to the passenger's aid.  More papers proclaim the number of dead, although the numbers vary greatly from 800 to 1800.  I find this altogether very intriguing.

Edwardian Inspiration

I was watching a show on the Edwardian manor houses yesterday.  They showed some fabulous period footage and, of course, the people's clothing gave me inspiration.  I am typically not that great at drawing my ideas for costumes (or lets face it, anything), but it happened to work out for me last night.   So, here are my costume inspirations, that I would love to one day have the time and resources to create.

Desiring to Sew

I dislike that University offers so little time to do much else besides study (although friends and facebook and tv can be a distraction, bad Kesia).  I really want to sew right now, but I have to study and pack because I have finals and I move tomorrow.  I also don't have my sewing machine or any fabric here, so that kind of stops me too.

So here are a couple of pictures I have found for inspiration when I do happen to have the time to create:

I have been in love with this Worth dress forever.

This said it was from 1910 - Something like this would be wonderful for work.

I have been having a mild obsession with peacocks recently - and then I found this!

So lovely.  Can't wait!