Regency drawstring gown and open robe

I just finished a new gown. I started with the open robe. I wanted something new for a pumpkin tea I'll be going to in November. I had some striped silk taffeta in the stash (thanks, Loren!), so I whipped up a quick robe.

Then I remembered I had some red embroidered sari trim that I thought would match it, and it did! And I just barely had enough! So I trimmed the arms and hem. I used antique abalone buttons on the front. Then I remembered I had a sari that had embroidery in the same tones. So I decided to put together a drawstring dress. I really like how it looks together.

As usual I made the skirt too long for fear of making it too short. But that's ok. I had to cut out and sew on trim on the back hem to match. Here are some photos and a few fashion plates that have similar things going on (stripes in the same tone, and short sleeves).

Also: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rpm-brighton-hove/5926332512/

Katherine as art...

I'm so behind on everything! But I wanted to post this painting my mom did of Katherine. My mom really loved Katherine's (aka Koshka-the-cat) outfit and pose here. :-)

Red & White Striped gown

I finally finished my red & white striped gown, which is modeled on (but not an exact replica of) this gown from the Met. (http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/80002250?img=3)

It was the first time I tried this style of bodice. (It fits me better than the dress form.)

The Return

The Return just posted this pic, which I stole, of them playing in Switzerland, wearing the Pepper suits my friends and I made for them. I always get a thrill seeing them! (The suits and the band both!)

If you can ever catch these guys playing, you should - they're awesome!

Progress post

How about something other than jewelry?  I hadn't been sewing much because I was busy doing some cleaning and organizing, but then I got to work on this striped zone front gown, modeled after a gown at the Met.  Everything has mostly been going well except the sleeves, which have been causing issues. Mostly because I tried something new that didn't work.  I hope to finish this gown this weekend!

Here are how it looks so far (though now I've got shoulder straps on).

1890s brooch

I got this for a really good (I think!) price on ebay.  ($38) It was described as a 1890s Lapis sterling pearl brooch.  It has a c-clasp and tube hinge, which were what was used to date it.  It looks like it's in good condition and really pretty!  Pics are from the ebay auction.

A pin

I wanted to post this - another handmade pin that was gifted to me. I loved this picture and my friend Kaithriona kindly surprised me with a pin of the image!

19th Century Diadem comb

 I have to credit Julia, from The Bohemian Belle, for this find.  She posted a link to it since she wasn't going to buy it, and I couldn't resist. I've always wanted a regency era comb like this!  This one is so pretty and in such good shape!  It also has an interesting ball joint connecting the diadem part to the comb so that it will sit properly on the head.

Here is the RubyLane listing description from FrenchFadedGrandeur:

Beautiful antique French pivoting silver and tortoiseshell comb or diadem with paste stones and FAUX seed pearls dating from the Napoleon III period. The comb has no hallmarks but has been confirmed by 2 dealers as being silver. The comb is in good overall condition save on close inspection several of the faux pearls are a little damaged. Please study the photos as these form part of the description. The diadem is marked "depose".