Mom's Dress

     So, my mother and I were browsing around Discount Fabrics a while ago when she came across the most gorgeous red silk taffeta. I told her I'd make her a ballgown out of it and we bought several yards.

Here's sort of what it looks like, but I do need to post a real swatch of it later. This image isn't very vibrant...



     I assumed she wanted an 1850s style, since that's what's she's seen me wear, but turns out not. I asked for a better idea of what she had in mind and it sounded like 1870s. Then I asked her to try to find some images online or draw something out. What she came up with was 1890s, sorta. I want to keep it mostly historical for some reason, but she seems to be leaning towards conservative fantasy. She'll probably win in the end. It's her dress afterall...

So, this is the closest thing to what she's been describing.

And this is a popular image that was close as well.

   

 That's just the start, probably won't start working on it till mid-summer.

Purple Tartan Dress

     Not long ago I watched the BBC mini-series Wives &Daughters, originally written by Elizabeth Gaskell, and fell in love with it. It's a fun little series, but definitely superior in Romantic-era fashion (late Regency to early Victorian).  One dress really caught my eye. It is a purple tartan day dress that our main character Molly Gibson wears to dinner while staying with another family.
     Many people think the dress is hideous, but I'd wear it in an instant. My goal is to re-create this dress (with a few style adjustments) this summer. I hope to wear it to the 2012 Charles Dickens Christmas Fair which I volunteer at as a Fezziwig's Warehouse dancer. It's a wonderful event and I recommend checking it out (five weekends this year! Yay!).
      Unfortunately for my dress, there are few pics on the internet, but I'm looking for more.

The colors are a lot more vibrant that these pictures show, especially the purple, but it's the best I've got for now! Must find a tartan in some silk or polished cotton that's a close fit...