1812 costumes continue

 

After the rush of going to Chicago and exhibiting at the Vogue Knitting Show, it's been back to my neglected studio this week.  No dolls. That means back to 1812. I have finished the yellow Spencer, with the help of my able assistant, Laura. The sleeve detail is exquisite, taken from a period source. The silk godet insert is the softest twill silk you can imagine. 

 

The front was taken from a period fashion plate. The military look was big back then. The braid was made form covering piping with yellow silk, then braiding it. The collar stands up to properly display the trim, which is ruched silk and floral trim.

 

The back has lovely little pleats which swing nicely and the buttons to finish them off. I loved making this beautiful jacket, even with the challenges presented by the sleeves fitting the armhole and the collar standing properly, which required several pattern drafts.

 

What's next? Well a pelisse (coat) is under construction. Then I have an idea for a dragon....

Making Faces

Sometimes you look at a doll you made ages ago and see it with new eyes. This is Catherine. She was created using my Emmeline cloth doll pattern. I am having a bookmark designed (because I'll be featured at the Vogue Knitting show in Chicago this October!!) and hers will be one of the faces featured on it. I needed to take a new photo, so took her down from the shelf. I was pleased with the pictures and sent them off to my friend, Choleena.

What struck me as new about this figure was her expression. She really has an attitude! She's dressed in 1812 costume and was based on a portrait I found. Don't ask me which one, it was a long time ago! The woman in the portrait had a faraway look of longing. Longing to escape her dull life, I thought. That's why I called her Catherine, thinking of Cathy from Wuthering Heights. Longing to run across the moors in search of freedom.

 Have you ever taken a second look and found something new? Have you ever run away in search of freedom?

By the way, please check out Choleena DiTullio's work. She's a fabulous artist!

If you want to create a Catherine yourself, the pattern is on my site: Emmeline Pattern