A new purse

I finally sewed a thing!

I used this Portmanteau Fashions pattern for an 1831 pointed reticule.

I had received two really pretty cloth napkins as part of a subscription box. I didn't really have need for cloth napkins, but the fabric was so pretty, that I thought they'd be good for a purse. I decided to mix the colors up harlequin-style for fun.  I'm sure this makes it not historical but I didn't really care. I just wanted to try the pattern out.   I probably should have chosen a darker lining, but I wanted something strong enough that I wouldn't worry about. And I didn't have any black cotton on hand, but I probably should have used silk to be prettier. It is what it is.

Here's the result.

I ended up putting piping only on one of the two body pieces because putting piping on both ended up with too much piping and too much thickness. I did pipe the top of the other piece that I didn't pipe the whole way around.  I threaded the ribbon differently for easier gathering. And also I recommend sewing the triangles on the flat body pieces before sewing the front/back together - without doing that I wasn't sure what to do with the piping at the ends of the triangles. Catching them in the seams hides the edges. It makes the side seams a little bulky, but it was the only way to hide those edges. 

Overall, it's a cute purse and big enough to hold a wallet and cell phone, which is great! I have a lot of cute reticules that won't hold everything I need them to!

Georgian Rolled Gold Long Drop Pendant with Star c1830

I got this on ebay from Mary Fine on ebay for what I think was a good price! The pics and description are hers!  It may have been an earring, but I thought it might make cool pendant if I did 1830s again.

A long drop pendant with a textured background is set with a stem which has stars as blooms. It is made in rolled gold, which is like gold casing with a thick layer of gold over metal. It was most likely originally one earring. This is taken in to consideration in the asking price. Of English origin, please see below for further details. The design and craftsmanship date this pendant to the Georgian period, circa 1830. The pendant is 59mm long by 9mm at its widest diameter or 2 3/8 inches by 3/8 inch, not including the loop. Weight is 4.1g or 0.14oz. Tests as a thick layer of 9 carat gold over metal. A rolled gold, or gold cased long drop pendant dating to the Georgian, circa 1830. 

Vintage buckle

I bought this on Ruby Lane - I couldn't resist it.  What do you think, 1830s?

1830s gown

This was my first foray into 1830s costume. I'm not sure it's my era.  I don't love the poofy sleeves and the silhouette. I wanted to base my dress on this one from the Tasha Tudor collection:

But my neckline was kind of wonky. And it was hard to keep the sleeves up. So, not my favorite look.  I don't think it's very flattering.

Here is the web page for my costume construction details and more photos:
http://costumersguide.com/maggie_costumes/1830.html

Corded Petticoat

I started to try some 1830s and 40s costumes, so I needed a corded petticoat!

I used "Sugar 'n Cream" crochet yarn from Joanne's for the cording. And I used 2 widths of quilter's cotton for the petticoat. I sewed them together before I did the cording. Also, I was careful to start the rows of cording in different spots so that there wouldn't be one line where there was a break in the cording that might be a collapse point.

Here is the web page for my costume construction details and more photos:
http://costumersguide.com/maggie_costumes/1830.html