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).