Tudor exhibition in Paris.. and Anne Boleyn's book of hours.

Last month my boyfriend surprised me by taking me to a current exhibition in the Musée du Luxembourg in Paris. Tudor times is what brought my love for historical costuming and history, it's an era that facsinated me and still does.

The exhibit was wonderful, there were a lot of pieces brought for the occasion such as the book of hours of Anne Boleyn, it was a dream of mine to once see it with my own eyes and it's finally done! I can't describe the feeling I had standing in from of this beautiful piece of art!
There were also the coronation gown from the movie Elizabeth, so beautiful in person !

 

Henry VIII jousting armor.

Anne Boleyn's book of hours. On this page you can read, written by the hand of the king Henry VIII : "If you remember my love in your prayers as strongly as I adore you, I shall hardly be forgotten, for I am yours. Henry R. forever.”

 

A present from the King to Anne. This object was used to clean the ears, teeth and nails of its owner.

 Ring of Elizabeth I. Inside is a portrait of her mother Anne Boleyn and also her own portrait.

Coronation costume from the movie "Elizabeth". Gorgeous. 

 I'd like to go once again before the exhibition ends, it was one of the best ones I have ever seen ! 

Sewing a cotton ribbon on a Regency straw hat

I finally received after a year a cotton ribbon to place on my straw hat, for more safety during windy days on reenactment field.
I opted for grosgrain (which is less rich than satin for a working class woman) in the color white for a summery feeling. 
I secured the ribbon with oversewing stitches, very discreet to the eye. 

Some quick pictures now !

Here's the final result, I admit at this state I didn't finish sewing it but you can see how the final result looks like ! I hope you all liked it :)

Until next time ;)

1940s striped dress - PART 2 : Almost finished

Yes, the 1940s striped dess is almost done ! I am very pleased over all with how it looks and how it falls when I'm wearing it, I think using period pattern makes all the difference ! And I also made a second one from a cotton coupon I used for my regency day gown you can see here .

I just have now to find some beautiful 1940s buttons and also zippers for closure.

This dress was very easy to make, the pattern instructions were very clear and what I like that most is that it is from 1940 so the shape of the dress can't be more accurate. I recommand using period patterns for a total accuracy.

I'll rather be wearing the first one to stay at home, on lazy days. I forgot to take pictures of the belt, but new ones will be done once buttons and zippers are placed.

 A good iron is required but I didn't have the time yet to do so.. that's bad !!!

And my favourite one !! 

That's all so far, hope you all like it ! ;)

Making a 1800 Short Gown

My dress wouldn't be complete without a short gown of the period, so here it is !

I've done research as usual before starting anything, first of all searching for authentic pieces for inspiration. I found these ones I liked :

 Shortgown, 1790s - 1810s.

Amsterdam Museum, 1800s.

 Netherlands, 1800s.

For pattern I sticked with Janet Arnold's "Morning dress c.1798 - 1805", I already used it on my previous gowns which can be seen here  and I modified the front pieces using this pattern found on pinterest : 

I used white heavy cotton fabric, and opted for a front opening tied under the bust and also up the breast. The sleeves are simple and straight, I first wanted to go for curved ones like spencer sleeves, but I admit it I was too lazy to figure out how to make them fit onto this bodice.
Everything is handsewn as always, I didn't get the chance to take my sewing machine with me to Paris so I do it the old way, and it's historically accurate so that's fine for me!

I didn't take pictures of the process, I did this short gown in a hurry because I have less than 20 days to make a French Napoleonic uniform to my boyfriend, and entirely handsewn so I apologize for the lack of "under progress" photos.

Overall I hope you all liked it, I did my best and experienced at the same time, taking risks since it's the first one I ever made.

Until next time !

1795s - 1800s coif

A quick post to update on my 1800s working outfit, today I finish the coif !

It is in thin cotton, and I have used this wondeful tutorial by Art beauty and well-ordered chaos, it has been so helpful and it worked right away! I am very pleased with how the coif turned out.
I now have to add a ribbon, and it's ready for reenacting.

Until next time :)

1940s striped dress - PART 1 : Pattern and fabric.

Spring is here and I have envies of 1940s clothing. I found a pretty coupon of striped fabric in Paris for only 5€ and when I've seen it I instantly imagined an early 40s dress made of it.

I did some research about striped dresses of that period,  to have an idea of how it will look and I found pretty things!

Here are my 3 favourites :

I will be using an authentic pattern I bought on etsy a year ago, I've never used it before so I don't know how it looks in real once the dress is finished.

On this picture you can see the true color of the fabric I bought, as a redhead green is my color to go with!

And here is the pattern I will be using.

Tomorrow I will be cutting into the fabric and maybe start sewing if time allows me to. 

That's all for now :)