Projects galore!

I love Halloween, it's one of my most favorite holidays ever. Every year, my friends get together at my ex-neighbor's house, and we have a fun party.  We've been doing themes for the last few years; last year, we did Arabian Nights, which was super fun.  This year, the theme is Wild West.  And I have been sewing like crazy for months now!! In addition to my Halloween costume, I've been busy working on many projects:

1560 Venetian 2.0 - I tore the bodice off the skirt after deciding I hated how it fit. I re-did the interlining, so that now it no longer requires a corset underneath. I added a bit more boning for support, reset the new, longer shoulder straps, and have the fashion fabric pinned on and ready to sew.  I just need to tack on the front seams of the straps, stitch on the fashion fabric, add a lining, and re-attach it to the skirt.  Then add lacing strips for both the ladder lacing in the front and for sleeves. Then I need to make the sleeves, but I have the calculations for drafting the pattern, so that shouldn't be too scary.

1770's Frock Coat - I still need to pull the lining off the front right panel at the bottom hem and hope there is enough seam allowance to ease the fit. If not, I'm frankensteining that sucker and calling it good. : ) Then I need to sew buttonholes on one side, sew the trim over them, and add the trim to the cuffs and pockets. Then deal with the vents, tack the lining into the cuffs, and add buttons. This is on hold until I have a little more time, since it will be very time consuming, and require a lot of focus. In the meantime, the coat is on my dressmaker's dummy over my halloween costume, and the two do NOT go together. : )

1880's Victorian Walking Suit - I am so excited about this project, but just have not had time. All of the measurements and calculations are done; I just need to trace patterns and start the mockup. I picked up a gorgeous amethyst satin for the jacket; I love it so much I might do the whole suit in that color.  I also picked up a dove grey satin for the lining. So while I haven't had time to start this project, I did leave the fabric on my table so I can ogle the colors every time I walk by.  And, while perusing a collection of discovered photos dating back to this same time period, I found a picture with pieces of the suit I am making!

I am making a jacket similar to the one on the right; long over the hips, very tailored. The underskirt is like the one on the right; and the overskirt is like the one on the left. Hopefully, I won't be crying while making it or wearing it, like these ladies. : )

Finished Projects:

1880's Victorian Corset - Finally finished, the DAY I gave it as a birthday gift!!! It's a gorgeous rust colored taffeta, edged with black satin bias tape and Venetian lace.  After making yards and yards of bias tape, I finally perfected the processes, so while this was a painful project, I learned something very useful out of it. : )

Medieval Gown - This isn't at all historically accurate, which was a struggle for me, but it was quick and easy and fun. I hate how the neckline in the front came out, so I will do a re-do in the future, but here's picture of the back:

Pirate Garb - I was originally going to wear a white chemise under my red corset for Pyrate Faire, but then I decided I'd rather go to the dark side, so I picked up some black cotton gauze, and made a new basic chemise. I also trimmed a felt hat blank to go with my outfit. The skirt I had made a few years ago.

And soon, I'll be able to add my Halloween costume to the finished category, and get cracking on the Victorian! : )