To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3

Thursday, February 4, 2016

TBT: 1888 Purple Racetrack Dress


Good Thursday to you all!!  Thank you so much to those of you who responded and commented on my last post about my feeling down.  Things are much better now and I am feeling quite like myself!  Huzzah!  I am a bit tired because I have been HULU binging on "Blindspot"...stupid I know, but there you have it!!  Again, I so appreciate all your lovely and very kind words of encouragement and compassion!

For today's dress, I am sharing a very old dress!  I made this when I was living in the mountains of Robie Creek, Idaho, about 10 years ago!  I had in my collection, a most gorgeous fashion plate with a fabulous purple dress.  I HAD to make it!  So, I did!  My 8 year old Cody took the pictures!  I think he did a great job for as young as he was.  The photo shoot took place in the back yard by the creek, Robie Creek, that ran through the property!  I must say that I do miss the fresh air and beauty that is the mountains, but I love the convenience of living in town!


Hello tabs, buttons and pleating!  These are a few of my favorite things!


Wonderful inspiration photo!  I decided to not go with the weird, swoopy lace thing that goes from the left hip to the right thigh...


I totally didn't put the buttons on the overskirt like the fashion plate.  When I remake this dress, I will add them!


I found some great, wide, new-made lace that I thought would work great for the dress from a seller on ebay!  I don't think the shop is around any more though...




I LOVE this parasol, but it has since acquired many holes and slits in the cover...so sad!!
 



Fabrics Used:

-Purple Polyester Crepe Back Satin (a pain to work with, but it was the only fabric I could find in the right color!)
-Off White Cotton Moire
-Off White lace from eBay
-Carved Shell buttons from JoAnn's

Patterns Used:

Bodice:  TV463 1884 French Vest Bodice
Underskirt:  TV261-R 1885 Four-Gore Underskirt
Overskirt Apron:  TV832 1886 Asymmetrical Drapery Add-On
Overskirt Bustling:  Bustling from the 1885 Four-Gore Underskirt


Oh how I miss this dress!! Sadly, I sold this dress as well.  It is on my list to re-create at a future date!  I also have since lost the antique mother-of-pearl hand brooch that I wore with it...Where oh where are you hand brooch!  I miss you!!!

I hope you all have a most splendid Thursday!  Talk with you next week!

Blessings!

g









14 comments:

  1. Oh wow, I love that you used tabs on the French Vest pattern!
    Val

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    1. Thank you Val! That French Vest pattern is so very versatile!
      Blessings!
      g

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  2. So graceful! What a lovely ensemble and how well it compliments your complexion! That colour is stunning on you. I'm curious to see the recreation. But with so many lovely costumes and hats you've made, I'm starting to wonder how do you store them all - is it very space-consuming?
    Have a lovely weekend, love, Rosa

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    1. Thank you so much Rosa! I so love "sherbet"/ice cream shop colors that the Victorians used! I need to set about finding some new fabric so I can remake the dress! My husband made me a room in our garage where I store a lot of my stuff. The underwear and shoes are in the house as is the jewelry. The dresses, fabrics, patterns, feathers, hats and props (and much more) are stored in the room in the garage! I keep threatening to take over our caravanning trailer!
      Blessings!
      g

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  3. Good to know you are doing better! Those tabs are cute; I think of you when I see tabs (and sailor dresses!)

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    1. Yes, much better, thank you Vivien! I love being known for tabs and sailor dresses! They are some of my favorite things! That's why my first ever sailor dress is my all time favorite...it has tabs!!!
      Blessings!
      g

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  4. Hi! Such a beautiful dress you made, again :) So mature and still girl-y with the light lace ruffles and pleats! Did I love purple and every shade of it. Definitely, when you re-make this dress it will be even more fascinating (and just for fun, I would add the funky lace drapery on it too) :D Have a nice day!

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    1. Thank you so much Melinda! It was super fun to make and wear. I may just add the odd lace drapers...we shall see!
      Blessings!
      g

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  5. That is the coolest bodice! We have always wanted to live in Robie Creek.

    Are you planning on going to Costume College this year?

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    1. Thank you so much Michaela! And if you ever get to Robie Creek, let me know! I would love to come for a visit! There is a part of me that really misses it. I am not going to Coco this year...are you going?
      Blessings!
      g

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  6. Yes, I am! Really looking forward to it, any advice on how to pack a hoopskirt?

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    1. Oh I am so excited for you!! As for the hoops, I have heard that you can fold them up like you would the car shades where you twist them in a figure 8.... I hope that makes sense...

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  7. Oh the memories!!! It has not been ten years?!? I refuse to believe it! I am sure is was merely last month! (the boys can't be more than nine can they?!?) this has always been one od my most favorite gowns the purple is such a dreamy shade and the pleaty-taby bits make me smile.

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    1. Ten years it has been!! Crazy right? The boys are indeed still nine! Plus some! Hahaha!! I do miss this dress....grrrrrrrrr.....
      Blessings my dear!
      g

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