White after labor day. Shh don't tell!

Today I went out to Spring Mountain Ranch for Pioneer Days. The Southern Nevada Living History Association set up a tent and promoted for the upcoming reenactment. I can't believe it's been a year already. 

I had a moment of trepidation, wearing such a summery dress, with fall around the corner, but it was in the 90's today - hot! - so I didn't feel bad for very long. And, big and pouffy as it is, this dress is such a hit with all the little girls, I like wearing it. I was totally one of them when I was that age - haha I still am! 

Obviously, I still get excited about playing dress up...

Today I accessorized with a black silk belt, buckle, brooch at the neck and a sheer paisley shall... from Target! I love it. It's so nice and flowy and sheer. It was perfect for the weather.

And after disrobing (skillfully) in the car, it came with me to lunch at Bonnie Springs, right around the corner from the ranch.

It was a good outfit day, 1860's-wise. My only regret: I found out about the event after getting a manicure... in black. Oopsie. Special thanks to gloves today!

And an interesting first for me... I threw this dress in the washer. The last time I wore it, it was for the Helldorado Parade, and the hem and parts of the skirt were downright black from the greasy asphalt. I shot the spots with Shout Advanced (amazing stuff!), let it sit a day or so, and then threw the whole thing in the wash. Cold water, soak, low spin. I hung it to dry, smoothing out the tucks and wrinkles as best I could. Then yesterday, when I decided to wear it today, I ironed out the skirt and used the steam to work out the wrinkles in the bodice and sleeves. The hem braid shrank a bit, but it was easily stretched back with a little steam iron and stretching it by hand.

It worked out really well. It's really not as scary as I assumed, putting a whole dress in the wash. It looked good today.

Ironing!

Helldorado Parade

Yesterday, for walking in a parade, I brought out the sheer white dress for the first time. Sorry for the oh-so-atmospheric, parking lot pic :)

I accessorized with an antique turquoise bracelet and pin to western it up a bit, for the parade. The pin was actually a tie pin I pinched from my husband at the last minute. It got more compliments than anything else! 

I almost wore the Gibson girl cowgirl outfit, which would have been fab, but honestly, I didn't know if I could duplicate the hair again! And it's always fun to wear something new.

It was hot, hot, hot out and the dress was actually nice and cool. Try explaining that to every other person that said something to us like, "ooo you must be so hot in that!" Actually, since I was completely covered, the sun didn't bother me at all. I also wore my, admittedly boring, sun hat. But hey, I would have fried in a bonnet.  I did change the ribbon, though!

Now I'm off to clean the hem. Yikes asphalt.

Have a good Sunday, all!

HSF #4: Embellish - Tucks

The Challenge: #4: Embellish

Fabric: 15+ yards of striped, white on white, sheer cotton for the fashion fabric. The lining used under a yard of pima cotton broadcloth and the hem used a yard or two of plain ol white calico.

Pattern: Truly Victorian TV447. The 1863 Sheer dress (modified).

Year: The pattern says 1863, so I'm thinking give or take a few years.

Notions: I used thin, cotton cord for piping, cotton twill for the hem, cotton thread for everything, little buttons on the inner bodice and reed for boning the darts.

How historically accurate is it? To the best of my knowledge, pretty darn. It is machine sewn, and I shortened the thread length to better represent the small stitches present on extant examples. The dress is based on examples from the era, most notably this dress, which obviously inspired the tucks on the skirt. Check out more examples here. The dress is hand finished. The main, glaring inaccuracy is I used plastic buttons on the inside, since that's what I had (I also used my sewing machine for the button holes and I am so bummed I did that. It was fast, but it doesn't come with the same satisfaction and beauty as hand sewn. Boo pout). Also, the twill used on the hem is probably not the exact same as what was used, but the use and application of it is consistent with originals.

Hours to complete: On and off sewing since January.

First worn: Not yet. Just for fitting. Hopefully soon... like when it warms up...

Total cost: Stash project! So I consider it a freebie. Yay! But the fabric cost like $15 a yard a year or two ago when I originally purchased it.

So, on to the notes and pictures...