2013 Roundup, Part 1

[nuranar]

A few weeks ago, I was whining to suededsilk about how I haven't managed to blog all that I sew, and as a I result I can't remember what I actually did accomplish in a year.  She wisely mentioned that she blogs mostly for her own benefit, so she won't have to remember how she did things or what tweaks she made.  And I was stunned - because, smart me, I've been keeping an actual notebook of projects ever since I took jennylafleur's awesome class at Costume College.  I've actually been disciplined about it, too.

I start a fresh page for each project, with the following info:
1. What it is
2. Month and year of starting
3. Pattern and/or inspiration
4. Materials
5. Construction notes and changes, including sequential fitting notes if applicable

For some projects, I have lots of notes on multiple mockups, describing the issues and how I fix them for the next version. It's helped a lot with fitting, because I force myself to write clearly and completely, and summarize in a few bullet points. The focus has been very good.  Often I re-think an approach as I'm writing it; or since I write down the obvious things, I don't forget them if I have to leave a project for a few weeks.


Thanks to my notebook, I have a list of projects Some simpler/modern things weren't chronicled, but going through the notebook jogged my memory.  It's a long post, so I'm breaking it into three parts. (I need to upload pictures for the remaining two segments.)  I even remembered two more projects while writing this post!


Beneath the cut, a list of new projects I started in 2013 and existing UFOs I completed in 2013.

1.  1790s/1800s Transitional Stays - completed



By a stretch, this is my HSF #1, Year 13 entry. They are transitional stays, probably from the 1790s and easily worn into the 1800s; possibly passe by the 1810s, but I could have worn them! More importantly, I needed them badly. They are not hand sewn, but I really love them. I feel I've got a very good late 18th/early to mid Regency silhouette now, and don't feel an obligation to do long stays.  They've had a fair amount of use already.

2. Barred Muslin Ruffled Handkerchief - completed



This was my finished UFO for HSF #2. It was very close to completion; all I had to do was roll hem the straight and notched edges. Of course that was bias, which made it tedious; but it was not hard.

3. 1700s Printed Pockets - completed



Filling my need for useable pockets happened to fit a challenge very well: #3, Under It All. All materials came out of my stash. They are machine sewn, but SO nice to have two actual roomy pockets.

4. Red Wool Regency Gown - completed


Picture by Jennifer Thompson

This is something else I'm very pleased with. I combined all of my favorite elements (except sheerness) into one dress, so I'm in love!  I can't wait to wear it again. I used it to fulfill HSF #4 - Embellish, due to the self-fabric fringe.

5. Paisley Feather Wings - completed


Picture by Jennifer Thompson

These were not quite as big a success, mostly because of some uneven results with various kinds of fabric glue. But I think they turned out pretty decent.

6. 1860s Chemise Trimmed with Wavy Braid - completed



I technically cut this one out in December, as a duplicate of one I made for my sister-in-law. But all of the construction happened in the spring. This fulfilled the HSF #5 Peasants and Pioneers challenge.


7. Red Wool Reticule - completed



I needed a reticule, so the rows of fringe fit the HSF #6 Stripes challenge. I think it turned out pretty cute. The shape ended up being more round instead of long, despite the angles, but that's okay. That just means I can make another that has the same geometric shapes but looks totally different.

8. 1860s Shirred Undersleeves with Ribbon and Lace Insertion - unfinished

inspiration and mockup:


current state:


This project is the first UFO of the 2013 HSF, intended for the #07 Accessorize challenge. The design was a pretty lengthy project alone; construction is time-consuming, fine, and completely by hand. I simply had to move on. I wish I had had these to wear with the Plaid Project gown at Costume College.

9. 1860s Whitework Collar - completed



This collar was a replacement project for the Accessorize challenge, when it became clear that I hadn't a prayer of completing the undersleeves in time. This collar worked beautifully and was very simple to do. When the undersleeves are finished, they will be a set, since they're made from the same embroidered sheer curtains.

10. 1860s Pink Flowered Sheer Gown - unfinished





The coupe de grace of my attempt at the full HSF. This was to be my #9 Flora & Fauna entry, but it took much longer to construct than I had anticipated.  I finally abandoned it for two reasons: (1) the decision to not go to Gettysburg, so I no longer had a "need" for it, and (2) the realization that I really disliked the trim I'd spent many hours working on. After that, the need to get on with Costume College sewing took over and I had no energy for correlating what I was doing with the challenges. This is still very close to completion, needing only sleeve hemming and some minimal trim.

11. 1860s Black Spotted Net Veil - completed



My final completed HSF challenge, #8 By the Sea. Surprisingly, the blog post for this one has gotten a moderate amount of very kind attention. I admit I was super happy that the Dreamstress chose it as one of her three favorites for that challenge. When she started that feature I had an immediate, strong, and totally vainglorious want to be picked. I did my best to squash that - because really, of all motivations that's a pretty poor one! - but it still makes me ridiculously happy. :)