Saturday, August 2, 2014

A bright copper penny, or: HSF challenge #14: Paisley or Plaid

Since I'm not attending Costume College this year (except for a quick turn about the marketplace,) I find myself at leisure to write about my newest challenge entry. I've been working on some non-HSF related projects and given my utter ambivalence towards paisley, there was really only one thing I could do. But first a little back story:
The "Bright Copper Penny Dress" (so nicknamed because my friend saw the fabric and said I'd look like a bright copper penny in it) was originally made to wear to my reenactment group's Hogmanay celebration earlier this year. I trimmed it with lace and piping and added a pair of sheer silk under-sleeves, which work well for evenings, but I wanted to wear the dress to day events as well.


I had bought the last four yards on the roll and I didn't have enough for a separate day bodice, but fortunately I came across some extant 1850's convertible dresses in my ramblings on pinterest. I adore the idea that with a pair of detachable sleeves and a pelerine you can go from day to evening with the greatest of ease, To my astonishment and very good luck, there was just enough left of this beautiful silk to make a pair of over-sleeves:
                            They'll eventually be basted in under the cap sleeve of the bodice, although I've also seen versions that tie.
                                                                          The lining

                      The sleeve is piped around the edge with brown cotton bias piping.

  • Historical Sew Fortnightly 2014 thedreamstress.com

The Challenge: Paisley or Plaid
Fabric: Plaid silk dupioni, cranberry cotton
Pattern: Drafted by me
Year: Late 1850's
Notions: Thread, bias piping, green buttons, cranberry bias tape
How historically accurate is it? Machine and hand sewn
Hours to complete: about a day
First worn: Not yet, probably in December
Total cost: ??

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