Dickens Fair 2011

As of Friday I turned in my thesis and have officially earned my M.A. in Public History!  No more school forever!  Yay!

As a reward, the whole gang went to the Dickens Fair this year after having to skip out last year due to school obligations. Ian knows Prince Albert, so we got complimentary ticket this year, which meant we could buy more drinks inside.  It was a win-win for everyone!

1860s and 1840s collide.

We were presented to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Albert and I forgot to bow.  FAIL.  I was so nervous!  We didn't get a chance to see the Saucy French Postcard show, but we might be going back in a few weeks. I disappointed Prince Albert by not dancing with him before we left, so I guess I have to learn to waltz before then.

1850s French Cantiniere Uniform

During my recent trip to Paris, my husband and I went to the Musee L'Arme TWICE.  They had a few women's uniforms from different eras, but I loved this 1854 Cantiniere uniform.

1854 Cantiniere Uniform

Ian has been talking about making one for me over the years and this one is just too perfect with its rounded collar, shaped waist and wonderful trim.  Even the back is covered with the braid!

Not too much going on the sewing front lately now that it's crunch time to get my thesis done.  The weekend after it is due we are going to the Dickens Fair in Daly City and I can't wait!  It is SO MUCH FUN.

1850s Ladies Shoes

Even though these shoes date to 1857, I thought it would be fun to share pictures of originals rather than my own reproduction.  This pair of shoes is located at the Sacramento Valley Museum in Williams, California, and has provenance as part of a wedding trousseau from a local woman.  I helped with an exhibit redesign and had the opportunity to take pictures of many of the clothing items that were on display and those in storage.  

Interior view

Side lacing

Eyelet detail

 

1840s Street Style

Due to the fact that I'm moving this coming weekend, I haven't had much time to post, let alone work on any projects.  In lieu of anything new, here is a group shot of myself, Ian, and my sister Heather in 2006 at Columbia State Historic Park.  We are all wearing clothing made from Past Patterns, except for Heather's bonnet, which is from Miller's Millinery.

Left to right: Me, Ian, Heather.

1840s Cooking Utensils

This is what I use to cook at events:

Originals:
Iron skillets
Rockingham bowl
Wine or Champagne bottles to roll out dough (this always gets a lot of attention, but it works!)
Black glass bottles to hold spices, jam, etc. (they were great recyclers back then...)
Iron trivet
Copper Tea Kettle
Bone handled forks and knives
Pewter spoons
Milk pan/gold pan
Salt glazed jug for water
English transferware bowls, plates, and tea cups

Modern/reproductions:
Wood spoons
Knitted pot holders
Salt glazed pottery for butter/lard
Hot tin dipped plate/cups
Dog River sauce bottles

Typical layout at Coloma

Cooking dehydrated apples to put in fried pies

1840s Pleated Bertha

 Inspired by this dress from the Tasha Tudor collection, I made a pleated bertha out of 100% silk duchess satin with a hard backing for my wedding dress:

Detail of pleated bertha.

 To make my life easier I used the Civil War Ballgown Simplicity 5724 bertha pattern pieces.

Simplicity 5724 

I attached piped lozenges at the berth front and shoulder seams (like the original dress) and the back closed with hooks and eyes.

Bertha back, note lozenges over shoulder seam.

Laughing Moon #114 Ladies Round Dress 1840s-1852

Late 1840s bodices are usually either darted or fan front, with variations of course.   

Darted 1840s Dress

Fan Front 1840s Dress

Most of the dresses that I made for Gold Rush had been the fan front style using the Past Patterns dress, until Laughing Moon Mercantile published their Ladies Round Dress Pattern. A variety of styles can be achieved with the pattern with a darted or fan front bodice, sleeve variations, etc.  I made the darted version with a tighter sleeve and sleeve caps.

I used an 1840s reproduction cotton print with vines and bubbles, (hence the dress has been dubbed “The Bubble Dress”), 100% silk satin to cover wood discs for the buttons, and 100% silk satin ribbon trim.  The bodice lining is boned at the darts that extend up to the bust line and the dress has functional cuffs.

1840s Round Dress Pattern

Sleeve cap ribbon detail.

 Overall, I really like this pattern.  The armscyes were a bit too small for me, but other than that it went together great.  I think I will be using the bodice pattern as a base for a new 1853 dress I have in the works. .