Current Projects

This is my new 'project suitcase' and as you can see it is practically overflowing with fabric. At the beginning of summer I came to the realisation that I had far too much (three large boxes and about six large carrier bags) to fit in my small bedroom. 

I decided to make a list of 'small' projects that would use up some of the fabric and have promised myself I wont buy anymore until the suitcase is empty.

Some of the things that I plan to make include:

• An 18th century cape
• 1790's 'short' stays
• A regency chemisette
• An 18th century Muff and arm warmers
• A Tudor Kirtle
• And a 1939 Tea Gown

Most of the fabric in the suitcase has been earmarked for projects though I am unsure what to do with the polka dot green wool. It's vintage, meaning I have a cat in hell's chance of ever finding any more of it, and there's only about half a meter. I might try to make a skirt...

Hello!

Hello and welcome to my blog! I'm a recently graduated Historical Costume student with a great love for sewing and plan to use this blog as a place to document my creations. I especially love the Eighteenth and early Nineteenth Centuries so expect lots of posts from those time periods though other eras will crop up from time to time.

To start with here are some photos of a few of the costumes I made during the three years of my degree. To see more visit my Facebook page Isabel Innes Costume.

 My third Year Historical project was a polonaise gown from 1780 reproduced from this fashion plate. I also created all of the underwear to go with it including a quilted petticoat and embroidered pockets. I will make another post on this costume going into more detail.

 For my second year historical project we had to make 1890's walking dresses. It is based on a dress from the Hull Museums Collections that was designed by Madame Clapham (below). She was widely known as Hull's most famous dressmaker and her clientele included Queen Maud of Norway.

I found it very difficult to find striped fabric in the colours of the original dress so I compromised with plain blue taffeta with diamond tucks that I found at the Harrogate Knitting and Stitching Show (If you haven't been, and can get there, go! It's amazing!).

Then because I didn't have enough work I decided to make the lace for the sleeve cuffs. I know... I'm completely crazy this thing had an actual deadline and I'm sat there weaving threads together like a madwoman. I'm just happy it all turned out ok in the end.

 In first Year we were given the challenge of creating a regency dress and underpinnings. This was the first time that I had ever made a corset and I found it to be a very enjoyable challenge with all the quilting and cording. The dress itself was based on one from The Snowshill Collection though I simplified the embroidery on the sleeves, neckline and waistline due to time constraints. The dress was made from white muslin and lined with cotton lawn and the bonnet was covered with the same stuff.