Tiger Lily's Threads

I swear, this is the last time I augment this gown.  When I first created this gown for the Braddock's Day Ball in 2014, it had a high neckline and red bows on either side of the sleeves and in the center. Then I augmented it by changing out the bows for green ones and adding a matching stomacher. Needless to say, the outcome was horrible. Then I changed the front part of the bodice using the J.P.Ryan Robe Anglaise pattern which lowered the neckline, and it seemed to work wonderfully…but then, the perfectionist in me had to take it a step further. . . .  I cut off at least 6 inches of the train so it wouldn't track dirt when i walked, and created trim to put all over the gown to create a zone front (well to give the illusion of one) as well as the sides of the gown for symmetry.  In retrospect, I absolutely love this 1780's style more than anything else I've done with this gown and have no regrets with its final form.  Wasn't 100...

When I last left off, I explained the construction of my new linen gown and its inspiration. Because the fabric was still a bit stiff, I decided to test its durability by spending a day helping out one of my favorite vendors, at the market fair at George Washington's Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia. Coincidentally, I was also there celebrating my 30th birthday with my husband, who was free from his military duties that weekend, to accompany me! So that was a pretty awesome experience to say the most! I had the opportunity to assist Ms. Kim Walters at her jewelry store K.Walters At The Sign of The Gray Horse, which was a lot of fun. We were constantly swamped with customers for several hours that it was nearly impossible to take a break (Seriously want to thank my husband for bringing me lunch). When we did have some downtime, Kim showed me all of the new additions that will be on her online Etsy store, as well as bounced off some new ideas here and there.  M...

For those who may or may not know, back in late February/early March I did a program for Black History Month where I portrayed Sally Hemings. I performed in front of an audience and gave a narrative about her life in Paris and at Monticello. Since then I have been networking with several people, doing collaborations, and working on doing performances at certain events. When I did my first performance, I portrayed her during the time of the early 1820's (this was during the late regency period). But this time, I've decided to scale back on the time period. . . Thus the pink linen gown. I wanted the character I portray to emulate the late 1780's fashion. So I did a LOT of homework. What would a domestic servant, or a maid wear around that time, what fabrics would be used, etc. I also had to think about dressed up or dressed down I wanted the gown to be? I watched two movies based off of Sally Hemings, "Jefferson in Paris" with Thandie Newton, and "Sally Hemin...