Sporty blouses

 Looks like a knit polo, doesn't it?

SURPRISE

It is woven.

Those sneaky 1930s people.

I'm not even going to add buttons. I love a woven pullover.

I use these shirts for work - quilting cotton (Sew Classic from Joann) that is cheap and lasts well for about 2-3 years of constant washing and wearing and assault from glitter and cardboard boxes and so on.

I added width to the bottom of the yoke by splitting the yoke on either side of the center and adding a wedge. Since I did not have enough black fabric left over to recut the yoke (or collar, to which I added a little bit) I just stuck strips of fabric in there.

The added width makes the sleeves fit better (already had to make them quite a bit bigger around) and there is less pulling across the back. 

I have two black ones and one white one. The other white one was finished before I figured out the yoke problem even existed so it will just go for scraps.

An Ike-style jacket

 I made this trial version in a horrible itchy cheap wool blend. I don't even want to touch it.

But the price was right.

I'll probably make the final version in linen or denim, Or a nice tropical wool or gabardine if I can afford it.

Pattern from Eva Dress, one of the many companies out there taking out-of-copyright patterns and digitizing them or making print versions and offering them for sale. This is a printed pattern. The directions seem to be the usual minimal vintage style: just enough to go on with if you know what you are doing.

Yes, I write all over my repro patterns.

I made the sleeves longer and bigger around, and made the waistband longer and eliminated the gathering that should have happened at the bottom of the jacket. I don't have a huge bust, so I did not need to make any changes there.

I might make the final version a zip front but keep the nice button at the waistband. I'm also not too sure about the rounded points on the collar: I'm more used to pointy points.

I'll probably make the waist of the jacket a little bigger, so I can get the nice gathering at the bottom. Which I will turn into pleats, of course. The straps and buckles at the sides are a nice touch. I like that the cuffs, the straps, and the end of the waistband are all points. I might make a button flap for the pocket also. Or two pockets.

I saw a jacket like this in a movie, the Guernsey Potato something or other and liked it.

Return of Ramblings!/Edwardian Excitement!

 I was trying for a cheesy movie title: like "Death from Above" "Return of Death from Abov... you get the idea.

Anyway, I've cut WAY back on social media like Instagram (totally bailed on it) and I basically post once a month to Facebook. Pinterest is just an excuse to doomscroll. USE-less. (but I do keep a visual record of my pattern collection on there).

So why not breathe new life into this blog?

I do love sharing stuff with the wider world.

In the past, I've had a great deal of difficulty with photo management on this site. I can't imagine it is much better after all this time. So there will be more text and less pictures. You all know how to google, so you'll be fine, darlings. Just fine!

I decided, even though I don't go to events (my life post-pandemic is just the same as during the 'demic: home, work, grocery shopping) there is no reason why I cannot make random outfits Because They Induce The HAPPY. And we all (still) need some extra happy in our lives.

In other words, if you ask, "But where are you going to WEAR that?" I'll just stare blankly at you. Really, really blankly. Unnervingly like Wednesday Addams. Yep.

I started with Wearing History's #R112 Circa 1917 Combination Underwear & Chemise pattern for my chemise.

Then I went for Scroop's Rilla Edwardian corset (pattern #1703).

Then Truly Victorian's corset cover (pattern TVE02 (not really a success - too wide in the shoulders by far)).

Then their petticoat (TVE14 - a great pattern, and rather giggle-inducing in red and white windowpane seersucker fabric (what I had on hand)).

Then I splurged and bought Memry Shoes's wonderful Ruth boots (everyday working boots, 1915-1920).

I made a plain blouse from Silk and Thimbles' "Luella 1914-1915 Waist" pattern.

I even made a hat that resembles an attempt to contact extra-terrestrial life. (Repeated Originals' B00626). I will not wear this hat. Nope, but it was fun to make. I still giggle every time I see it.

The Fashion Archaeologist on Etsy is responsible for me losing my mind with two patterns (blouse and skirt): a tucked blouse, with fancy fancy lace, from History House Antique Patterns, the "1912 Ladies Fancy Batiste Blouse #1912-A-003" and really nice tailored skirt pattern "Edwardian Rose Antique Patterns #1911-A-023"

Then I made a shorter skirt and a simpler blouse from those same to FA patterns.

Why make still more obscure historical clothing?

Because I'm going to use the simpler versions of this Edwardian Excuse for Extravagance as my Halloween costume (even though it is not clear yet that we will be allowed to do that at work this year).

Because what is truly awesomely frightening? A marching, protesting female with an AGENDA (aka. a Suffragette).

It took me ages to decide on a slogan for my sash: I finally went with Deeds Not Words because it is universally applicable even today, and also it is from the more active (ie. window-smashing) side of the movement. But only students of the Votes For Women movement might catch that. Don't worry, I'll leave the bricks at home. 

I followed Susanna French's excellent tutorial for the sash and used my Cricut Joy to make the iron on vinyl letters.

How's that for a catch-up?