I’ve started the next portion of my Italian gown. Here is a quick preview:

The petticoat patterning for the silk fabric is 9 pieces and the linen lining 14 pieces! It was fun putting them all together. If you come by the Needle’s Eye at Livermore Scottish games this weekend I’ll be working on hemming the skirt if you want to see it in person. I’ll also be working on pulling & knotting tons of threads on my stays. I’m trying reed as boning this time around.

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I’m headed off to Dickens Fair workshops this weekend. Liz Martin, the costume director, was concerned with the lack of petticoats in the cast last year so I threw together some “bedskirt” petticoats with the help of my mother-in-law Ann and friend Rene. They will be available at a reasonable price at Liz’s booth this Saturday (tomorrow). I left them plain but people can buy them and order detailing to be done over the week. Pin-tucks, lace, and extra ruffles are all possible as your budget and tastes allow.

A gorgeous deep blue-green silk mid-bust Victorian corset:

This will become the foundation for a Victorian outfit for Dickens Christmas faire that is in the works.
Back view:
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Here is a photo of the petticoat/crinoline combo made to go under this gown:

A couple petticoats were used in a photoshoot this week. Full photos will be shared after the brides wedding date but until then here is a sneak peak:

This petticoat is worn by Queen Victoria during Dickens Christmas faire:

This petticoat was worn under my wedding gown:

The quilted petticoat I made for my wedding has a layer of blue silk, wool batting, and linen lining. I thought the linen side was too pretty not to show. Here it is all laid out prior to making up the skirt:

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My present corset is complete. It has been added to the gallery:

– Click on image to go to the gallery –

*The hat and pin-tucked burgundy & white striped petticoat were also made by me.