Edwardian Aqua Tea Dress

So, since starting this blog less than a week ago, I have already gone through a long thought process as to "Ooooh, what project should I finish next?"  Having many projects in the works, I started work on one, only to find out about two events coming up that require me to make a new outfit (which will fit for both).  And so, back to the project list!

Confession time: like many costumers, I tend to run on two costume speeds: sewing to a deadline, and bored.  :)  When I have events coming up, I am better spurred on to actually finish projects, so I don't mind this so much, as long as I know about them far enough in advance.

Thanks to the Costumers Guild West class of the Truly Victorian Edwardian Teens Corset in February 2016, I was able to make (and finish!) an Edwardian 1910s corset.  (Whoohoo!)  Costuming note: if you ever get the chance to be fitted by professional costumers, take the opportunity.  It is well worth it!

(No pictures of me in the Edwardian corset yet.  For that, I need to actually put it on, and lace it up.  Maybe next week.)

While I have Victorian outfits up to my ears (Victorian = 1837-1900, which includes the American Civil War, First Bustle, Natural Form, Second Bustle, and Belle Epoch eras), I have only started Edwardian.  As in, I have yummy Edwardian hats, and one pair of Edwardian shoes, and plenty of fabric for planned outfits, but no Edwardian dresses yet.  But now that I have a corset, it's full speed ahead!

Next step: Edwardian underthings.  I have a finished chemise, and partly finished French Drawers and Corset Cover.  Which should hopefully (!) take about 8 more hours of sewing time total to finish.  And then, DRESS!

This is the fabric I am going to use, to match the yummy Mela Hoyt-Heydon hat!  I have the hardest time color matching with Mela's hats, but I do the best I can.  :)  Thanks to Heather C. for helping me pick out fabric!

 The fabric I am using is from a brand called "Radiance" designed by Robert Kaufman.  I absolutely ADORE this fabric, which is a blend of cotton and silk.  To my eye, it has the sheen and drape of charmeuse silk, but is thinner and lightweight, less expensive than dupioni, and available in a wide variety of colors.  You can find it at Michael Levine's online store or Fabric.com.  I love it!

My pattern!  Yes, it's the Titanic tea dress.  But it will be lovely!

Of the many Edwardian dresses (with matching hats!) I have yet to make, I chose this one because: a) it's a tea dress (and one of the events is a tea), and the underwear I have closest to finishing will work underneath (i.e. I don't need a black petticoat).

Staring at the pattern, I am reminded: jewelry!  Hmmm, what necklace/earrings to make/wear?  This may require some book flipping, Downton Abbey watching, and semi-precious jewel pondering to decide.  Mother of pearl?  Aquamarine?  Coral?  Decisions!

Check back later for project updates!