Odds and ends

This weekend we attended the international vikingmarket at the Archeon. Two days earlier I finally finished a tunic for a little viking. The son of friends. It had been laying around nearly finished since the beginning of July.

The lovely tapewoven trim was a gift from Arda Sigibertsdottr from Sibbe Girbeson.

My Edwardian blouse is almost finished. I only need to sew the buttonholes and buttons on. I really dislike sewing buttonholes because often they don't turn out as nice as I would like.

Here are some pictures from the Vikingmarket at the Archeon. We had a lot of rain, but still had a great weekend.

Edwardian Bust Support

While thinking about my next project, an Edwardian underbust corset. I once again started wandering what did the Edwardian ladies wear for bust support. (I know I definitely need some.)

The answer is a Bust Bodice or a bust improver!

http://www.vam.ac.uk/images/image/11221-popup.html

Woman's Bust Bodice, 1895

Woman's Bust Bodice, 1902

http://www.flickr.com/photos/historika/5576043389/


More early bra's


French Bust Bodice, ca. 1905

Bridal corset. Silk and satin. Britain, 1905.

Bust bodice, by Spirella Corsets. Cotton batiste trimmed with machine lace trim. Britain, c.1908-14.


Edwardian Bust Bodice, ca 1913

A Turn Toward the Bust: Early Twentieth Century

History of brassieres (Wikipedia)

Flickr - Late Victorian Altered Bust Bodice

Bras and Girdles Fashion History


Next question; How do I make one?


I might try something like this:

"...In 1910, Mary Phelps Jacob (known later in life as Caresse Crosby), a 19-year-old New York socialite, purchased a sheer evening gown for a social event. At that time, the only acceptable undergarment was a corset stiffened with whalebone. Polly had large breasts and found that the whalebone visibly poked out around her plunging neckline and from under the sheer fabric. Dissatisfied with this arrangement, she worked with her maid to fashion two silk handkerchiefs together with some pink ribbon and cord.[40]:7 [41] Her innovation drew immediate attention that evening, and at the request of family and friends, she made more of her new device..." source wikipedia

Progress on Edwardian style shirtwaist/blouse

Front panel of the blouse with lace inserts. Hopoefully it will look better after it is washed, ironed and stiffened with starch.

The inside of the sleeve before the lace inserts are finished. These seams are less than half a centimeter!

Just because it makes me happy

Nothing really special. I just saw the beads and just have to have them. The two bracelets are made to be worn together. But also look nice when worn alone. I just love the little babooskha en geisha beads.
One I've made pink/purple and blue to match all my purple outfits, the other is multi-color.

Terra Maris, 12th century Motte-and-bailey castle reconstruction

During our vacation this year we visited Terra Maris, museum for the natural scenery of the province of Zeeland. Although we loved the museum and the surrounding gardens we mainly visited it for the 12th century Motte-and-bailey castle reconstruction they have. There are only three of these reconstructions in Europe. The other two are in France and in Germany. As these reconstructions are rare and the furniture inside is made by a good friend, Mark Beusen. We decided to visit it while on vacation in Zeeland.

Nice view on Castle Westhoven.

Here are some more pictures of Westhove Castle

A rare view a 12th century castle and a 17th century castle side by side.

Lace collar and insert.

Yesterday I worked on a lace collar and insert for an Edwardian shirtwaist. The lace I used is all cotton and vintage/antique. So it has flaws and some parts are quite fragile. But old lace is so much more delicate and elegant than most modern laces available in stores. I lined the insert with white chiffon silk to protect it a little from the strain of wearing.

Another day at the Archeon

Yesterday was another relaxed day in the Archeon. We where chatting with friends and enjoying the view of the kids playing together. I even finished a pair of white nalebound socks I started working on earlier.