I’m currently on holiday, so a little scheduled prettiness for this post!
Although I’m still working on the stays, I’ve also been brainstorming about my next project, because I’m going to a ball next May with 1890-1902 as theme! I have a ca. day 1905 ensemble, but nothing 1890’s, so it’s time for a new dress.
I have some plans already, which mostly center around year & fabric. I have some emerald green dupioni I’ve been trying to find a project for. The main problem is that it’s dupioni, so not quite historical. My ‘fix’ for this is to overlay it with black silk organza, which I also have in my stash. It will disguise the slubs a bit, and should create a nice overlay effect! (I’m also very partial to black-green combinations, as people familiar with my regular wardrobe will know). The slubs will still show a bit, but this will allow me to finally use this fabric I’ve had in my stash for a couple of years. I’d really hate to ‘waste’ this fabric by not using it, and I think this is a nice compromise.
It’s hard to get the color right on screen, but this comes close. Beautiful color, but quite slubby.
The other plan so far is to go full out, crazy 1895. The 1890’s saw quite a lot of change, with sleeves being slim at the beginning and end of the decade, but growing to huge in-between. 1895 is the height of crazy-big sleeve period. I didn’t use to love it, but it’s grown on me, and doing these extreme’s is just so much fun!
So for this post, some big-sleeved inspirations from contemporary plates and portraits!
Some with the lovely green color:
Some working with overlays and extra ruffles:
And some because they’re just too fun and quirky to skip:
Atelier Nostalgia 
Such wonderful dresses – I especially like the lavender with the draping on top.
Your fabric is a really nice color – it will be stunning with the black. Looking forward to seeing your design.
Sheila
Thank you!
Hooray! Imagine that you will have such fun with this costume! Such neat designs to work from, and yes, it was a flamboyant time…
Am still not done with my posts on 1890s skirt supports: I have the research for the last ones done, but haven’t written them up fully. However, if you haven’t found the info already, do know that the French were placing wires at the base of their skirts in 1895, and in the US, anyhow, inserting a cord at the bottom, or a bit above the bottom, was also recommended to achieve the flare wanted.
Very best,
Natalie in the US
That sounds very interesting! I’ve been reading a 1896 dressmaking book and it’s fascinating. I’m looking forward to reading your article!
Have you ever read ” Anne of Green Gables”? There is a chapter devoted to Anne getting big sleeves.
I haven’t, but it’s on my reading list! I’ll look out for the reference when I do!
Haha, I love the giant 1890s sleeves! Looking forward to seeing what you create!
Best,
Quinn
Me too! They definitely had to grow on me, but there’s just something about the over the top silhouette which is so much fun!