A Finding of An Early 1900's Brassiere

Sorry I can't be more specific. Early 1900's is quite in general. But I cannot really get more specific than that due to my lack of knowledge. I'm not even totally sure this really *is* what I think it might be; but I really do think it is. A brassiere, from the 1900-1920 period. (again, sorry, I can't be more specific. If anyone can help me out, pleeeeaasseeee!! Do so!) Possible other things it could be: Corset cover (but it is not very long; it ends just below the bustline so would not really do much for covering a corset.) Camisole for under a blouse (but again, it ends right below the bustline). Any other ideas?

Anyway, on Saturday we took Judah to participate in some inter-church sporting competition for the Bible club he is part of. (His team got first place! So proud of my guy!) Then after that we went to a local site that makes and sells maple syrup. (They do not distribute it, and they make it in limited quantities and it's so. awesome.) Then after that we stopped by an antique mall on the way home and the boys had fun shrieking out "Mommy! Daddy! Look at this!" every few minutes whenever they found something that interested them. I didn't see much to interest me, and the baby was squirmy and over-tired and fussy, but then, I spotted this:

Doesn't it really look like a brassiere from this period? I mean, doesn't it?! And only $3. I got it and brought it home. I tried it on. (carefully.) It fits me perfectly and it definitely fits like a bra. The bottom band goes right below the bust, the shoulder straps and neckline fit perfectly and the whole garment contains the bust but does not offer anything by way of support. Just contain-ment.

I plan to take a pattern off of it and make a reproduction of it at some point. Soon. And when I do, I'll post about how I do it. But for now, here are some pictures to show it and how it was constructed. It is really a simple little thing. Almost all rectangles.

That's all for now. We had snow again a few days ago. Just when I thought the weather had turned permanently warm. But ah well. It was a very pretty snowfall and we did not have much of that this winter. 

Love,
Sarah

1840's Inspiration

I just came across this dress today and it is almost exactly what I want! And oh, the fabric is to die for. Gorgeousness!

It looks like the front bodice is cut on the bias with one dart on each side. The skirt looks like it is gathered to a round waist with the front bodice point floating over it. The way the sleeves are cut, it would be easy to make an upper sleeve with a detachable lower sleeve like the 1841-43 wool dress on page 175 of Costume in Detail. I do want to make a tight skinny sleeve though, with maybe a bias ruffle or two part way down the arm.

I did find this image today on the Truly Victorian website. It shows a 40's dress (although it looks like an evening dress) with princess seams on the front - no darts - which would be easier for me to fit since I already have a pattern just like this.

Right now my dilemma is my skirt supports. How does one get a long flat pointed waist to look right over full gathered round petticoats? I am trying to decide if I need to make a few new petticoats on V yoke waistbands or just work with what I have already.
Love,
Sarah

The Elusive Yoked Pleated Tunic?

I've been working myself up into grand irritability over the weekend, looking for that dumb picture I thought I had of a yoked tunic. I never found it, although I did find more documentation for war-era and just-post-war era pleated and yoked military blouses (in fact, in 1872 the military began to issue them as regulation instead of the sack coat). Of course there is the Kentucky Confederate yoked and pleated fatigue blouse in Echoes of Glory as I mentioned in my last post. On the federal side of things, during the War, Ambrose Burnside also had this style copied and given to his men. I also found a lot of reference to late 19th century pleated and yoked tunics for little boys called "Russian Blouses", but nothing applicable to my situation.

However, a fantastic lady on the Sewing Academy posted this picture today. Is this, at last, the long elusive yoked AND pleated tunic? It sure looks like it to me. I also really like this little boys white collar. I had been wondering if white collars were ever worn with tunics, so this helps with that. I have a few white collars I started making for the boys a while ago but never finished, due to uncertainty if they were worn. I have a use for them now! Here is the whole picture: (Shawnra, I hope it's okay if I post this here!) :)

And here is a cropped view of the little boy in question. Really, is there any doubt?!I'm sure happy this morning. :) Giggling. It's awesome.

Love,

Sarah

Original 1860's Quilted Silk Bonnet - Yum!

Just popping in for a minute to share this gorgeous silk bonnet I saw while browsing Vintage Textile, as is my customary habit to do once every few months or so. Isn't it beautiful?! It looks fairly easy to copy too. . .

I just love the perky little flat bows at the top! So adorable!
Malachi is stricken with croup at the moment, so I must return to my poor sick little guy, but wanted to share this with other antique-fashion-lovers. :) Love,

Sarah