Update on the Anne Girl Wedding Gown

I have the skirt completed (overskirt that is... still have to make the under one which will be attached with the overskirt at the waist), the bodice completed (except for ruffles around the neck, and cuffs need to be done)

The skirt has over 540 inches of ruffles on it gathered into 180"... I've sewn everything by hand. Needless to say, it was a blast! I watched the Civil War series by Ken Burns while I did it :)

So there you have that. Then, I'm also sewing two Christmas gifts :) One's almost finished. The other will be done extremely quickly because it won't take very long.

Hope you have a great Christmas!

Merry Christmas!
Ruth Torrijos

The Anne Shirley Highwayman/Wedding Dress

"Strange title."

"I know."

"What's up?"

"Well, it's pretty much Anne Shirley's dress she quotes the Highwayman in, but its also a little different."

That pretty much describes my project! :D But I'll go into more detail for the benefit of prettiness and fluffiness minded readers! Here is one little idea which it is going to be hugely based off of!

This is a doll pattern but... I can make my own patterns.

This is basically Anne Shirley's Highwayman dress! Except that Anne's has a round waistline, and is a gathered to fit bodice. I think mine will be as Anne's in regard to the fittedness (I know that is not a word) of the bodice. However, I may end up changing my mind and doing it as this gown is done. It will have the ruffle, it will have the train, it will have the PUFFED SLEEVES! (come on Anne Shirley fans!) and I think I will do the neckline the same as this neckline is :) 

I have the material, 9 and 5/8 yards of white Swiss Dot!!!!!!!! and 9 and 1/2 yards of a tighter weave white cotton to line it (Swiss Dot is extremely sheer!) 

My progress on this project? I've actually made my corset pattern already and it works! I've made the pattern and tried it and it's a winner, folks! It's an 1890's princess seamed corset (no gussets works for me!) 

I'll keep you updated! :D Totally excited!

P.S. the wedding dress part is called... afternoon tea wedding reception anyone? Most defs! This gown would be gorgeous for an afternoon tea wedding!

The Homeschool Historic Ball!

So... the secret the girls and I have been keeping for SOOO many months is finally out! We went 1700's to the annual Charlotte Historic Ball! It was so awesome! This will be mostly a picture post ;)

The Jacques! Beautiful Bascha on the left sewed their clothes! Such talent!

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson! Theresa outfitted them! She is sooo talented!

From left to right is: my brother Ben (I made his jacket, his sash, his stock, and his waistcoat) T's Grandmom, Mr. Wilson, Mrs. Wilson, Care, Ann Marie, Joshua, Theresa!, Joel, Bascha, Stephen, Me, Mrs. Jacques, Abe

Ann Marie, Care, Theresa, Bascha, Me

Theresa was positively gorgeous! I loved the ship in her hair, too!

Caroline and Ann Marie! So gorgeous and cute!

Me and my bro Ben :) I made our costumes :D Sorry I don't have a very good picture of my dress!

What's up, Doc?

So.. I am still alive... I have been semi-busy with my costume for the historic ball next year. But then I have also been busy repairing an old uniform coat of my late granddad's. Navy, if you're interested. Chief Petty Officer, too :) I think gunner. USS Little Rock. :D There ya go.. look the ship up and you'll know a bit about his Mediterranean cruise.

Really, I can't think of anything else except I've been practicing singing a lot lately. Going to start my "Christmas Tour" to retirement homes hopefully next week :) My brother and I are going to be singing some oldies dressed up old school style! :D

That's all, folks!

Love you!
Ruth

Epic Gift/ Stays Completed

Before I begin today's program, I would like for you to join me in a moment of silence for a dearly departed. This good friend of mine left us while I was working on the eyelets of my stays. It was very hard to go on knowing they would not be there, and a little confusing knowing what direction to surge ahead in. I miss my embroidery needle very much.

Okay, now that the solemnities are over with... let us all let out a huge scream because... I AM DONE MY STAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hehehe so now on to the pictures shall we? :D

here we have it folded in half :) ALL that extra lacing is extremely necessary for slipping it over my head and shoulders :O

The lacing in the back :)

lacing hanging over the front

Then we went for some artsy pictures :D ;) I have never done these before so don't kill me if you're like... whaaaaaaaaaaaaa?!?!

Bottom edge binding

Top edge  binding

Lacing :)

Laces along with the lining

seam in the lining

And one more artsy one of the laces

What do you think? :) Let me know! :D

Love,
Ruth

Epic Gift/ Good Start?

So... the first part of my Epic Gift series which shall run until I have all my 1700's underthings made up :D I have completely sewn my fashion fabric and interfacing together. Now I am working on the boning :D

Inside of the channels :D

Another shot of the inside :D

Here is the outside of the stays... you can see the deep channels (I love it!)

Here is before I had gotten so far :) 

One half smooth and the other channeled

One half smooth and the other channeled! :D

I love these stays already! I can feel how comfy they're going to be! (and they're already giving me a 1700's shape! I'm soooo excited!)  This was such an awesome gift! ALL the materials! YAY haha

So there's an update ;)

Love,
Ruth

New Project

For sure this time!!! WOOPEEEE!!!!!!!! HURRAY (that's an English phrase btw so call me tory if you want :D) I have just received in the mail... for my sixteenth birthday, supplies from Theresa and Bascha and Caroline and Ann Marie, for making all the rev war undergarments I will need for the Homeschool Historical Ball in Charlotte next April! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!

stuffing for bum rolls.. THE PATTERN FOR THE STAYS

Linen for bum rolls and look at that beautiful blue for my stays! :D

And two sweet cards they sent! They brought tears into my mom's eyes... literally! You girls are so wonderful! I LOVE YOU!

This is so awesome because... I got everything I need for the underthings for free! :D You girls are soooo sweet! I am soo blessed to know you!  I love all four of you! (HUGS)

So, readers, you will be having some posts soon (hopefully haha) I shall watch epic movies (Anne of Green Gables probably) and sew away :D

Love,

Ruth