International Talk Like a Pirate Day 2008

Well, the International Talk Like a Pirate day was rather a success. Dinner at sizzler, followed by a photo session. And here they are as promised.

Regency September Part 1

So far, so good. My dress is complete. The wretched hand stitching on the hem took a long time, but at least I am now finished. And best of all, it actually fits me. I am really happy with how it has turned out and am really looking forward to wearing it in couple weekends.
My dad's outfit is almost done. I only have some hand sewing and buttons on the pants, and as for the jacket, I need to fix up the collar (stupid seam did not catch), attach the tails and hand stitch that down and then do the buttons. With a bit of luck I should be able to get all this done on weeknights this week.

As for the rest of my outfit, my spencer is all but done, again, all it needs is the buttons put on. And I have even started work on my bonnet. Which I am also hoping to get done during this week. Thankfully that is all I really have to complete. I was hoping to get a reticule done, but it will not take long as it is just a rectangle piece with a drawstring.

After that, I am intending to get stuck into my other sewing. For example, the bits of fabric I have bought for Lolita and making a bit more of a head-start for the costumes that I will want to take up to Montville. I can tell now, that the end of October is going to be busy. Between Montville, Halloween and my outfit for Melbourne Cup, I am going to be busy. Who knows, I may decide to just wear my regency for Melbourne cup. At least it has a bonnet. : ) Hmmmmmm…

Regency Gentleman Part 1

I am now starting to feel a bit more secure about getting all of my regency pieces together. I have even managed to get quite a bit done on my dad's outfit. So far I have the vest.... Thanks to my mum for covering the buttons for me. I have never done it before and was at a bit of a loss as to where to begin. I guess one day I will need to cover some buttons myself, but for the moment : )
And the cravat...

Made of silk dupion and a sort of golden colour to help bring out the golden tones in the vest. I made it super long so that there is enough to go around the neck twice and then knot in front.And finally, the shirt....

I am very pleased with how this turned out. And I am very proud of my little thread button loops (another first for me). I used a nice heavy (but light) 100% cotton, so it should be nice and cool. And best of all, it fits.

Regency Undergarments Part 4

My corset is complete. And even better, it fits well. My dad even managed to sand all the numbers off the ruler that I am using as my busk. It probably helped that he used his electric one instead of good old hand power.

It's strange, after all the dramas and unpicking and frustration, I am really rather happy with it and I am glad that it gives me the right shape. Huge relief because it means that I can now move onto getting my dress put together. YAY!!!

Oh and I have had a thought about my first attempt that was too long. I was going to finish it and try and sell it on Ebay. Instead, I am thinking that I will cut it down to about waist height and use it as a set of short stays. they will still be laced up the back, but at least my hard work will not go to waste.

Regency Undergarments Part 3

I have made progress on my regency undergarments. In between working on my new (second go) stays, I decided that I needed a break. So we have pantalettes.I used the Mantua Maker pattern. They go together very quickly. The part that took me the longest was threading that wretched ribbon through the cotton tape and sewing on all the trims. But I really wanted them to be pretty. So my next step this evening is to get the eyelets into my corset. Fingers crossed that I get it done before I go to bed. (It could be a late night)...