Dressing The Victorian Bride

Well, the big event that I have been planning for and sewing for is over.  Yesterday, The House of Whyte did a fund raiser for The Bishops House in Boise, entitled, "Dressing the Victorian Bride" and it was incredible!  I have done many, many underwear shows in a variety places, but I must say that doing it here was the best experience ever!!!  TBH was build in 1889 and Elizabeth Yates, executive director, has kept it looking very much like I would imagine it did back then.  All the charm and beauty and awesomeness of the Victorian Era can be seen and felt in every room.  I must be honest with you, I covet this house.  We wants it precious!!!  It was the PERFECT place to do a Victorian Underwear Program and I am so happy that Mom and I were able to give them a helping hand!!

After the program was over and everyone had taken their leave, Mom and I did a short photo shoot in the yard.  I am not a lover of heat by any means, so this day had been hard on me so the shoot was a super short one and for some reason Mom's camera did not live up to it's lauded praises...but that's ok, I have the memories of how the dress and hair piece looked on me and that will keep me smiling for months to come!

As said in the previous post, this project has been the most expensive, time consuming, all encompassing, involved project I have subjected myself to.  In all, I made 17 items, and I am totally counting the bodice, skirt and belt for this separate as they were uber involved (the skirt had many layers and took about 3 days to complete!)

Orange Blossom Flowers and Veil

(Links Here and Here)

1. Headpiece

2. Corsage

3. belt cluster

4. bouquet

5. Veil

Underwear

(Links Here and Here)

6. Stockings Belt and Supporter

7.  French Drawers

8.  Petticoat Chemise

9.  Corset

10.  Small Bustle Pad

11.  Lacy Petticoat

12.  Corset Cover

Wedding Gown

(Links Here, Here and Here)

13.  Bodice

14.  Skirt

15.  Belt

Mama's "Mother of the Bride" Dress

(Links Here and Here)

16  Bodice

17.  Hat

I know that many costumers keep track of their time on a project and the cost of all the things used on their project and I probably should do the same.  I just can't bring myself do to it.  It may be that it would take the joy out of what I do...or it may just cause me to cry. Whatever the case, I have no idea how much I spent it time or money, I just know that I am thrilled that it is over!!

Because I have already posted pictures of both Mom's and my dresses in color, I chose to edit most of our photo shoot in sepia tone to give it that Victorian Wedding look...I hope you enjoy them!  Mom refused to let me take any pictures of her stating that I already had some of her in her dress...Next time I shall twist her arm a wee bit harder!

The Artifacts from our Traveling Wedding Museum

Mom and I have been collecting antiques for as long as I can remember and one of the pleasures we have is sharing our findings and family heirlooms with others.  We had the opportunity to do just that yesterday.  It was truly a delight!

I can honestly say that I am happy to be done with this project. When it is so all encompassing for such a long time (I have been working on this since April) it can get taxing on the creative juices and when that is all I have been blogging about and thinking about, I could have gotten really tired of it.  I think, personally that the time is just right that I don't hate the whole thing entirely.  I still love the dress in all its fluffiness and all the things that go along with it.  Now it's time to tackle something else.  The 1860s croquet dress that's been on my "to make" list for a long time?  The hunting dress that I just re-discovered?  Who knows!  All I know is that for today, I shall not think about sewing...

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Yaaaaaaa riiiiiiiight!!

Be Blessed my friends!

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