Evenstar Designs

New stays! I always say I'll never make another pair again, but then I do. This time I used American Duchess's Simplicity Pattern  with the accuracy "hacks" on the American Duchess blog. For example, I made hand sewn eyelets instead of grommets (did I ever mention I HATE grommets?), and I sewed the lining in after binding which is a more accurate 18th century construction method. I used off-white cotton for the outside and interlining, and linen for the lining. The entire garment is sewn by hand, but I did cheat and use plastic zip ties for boning. I love that these stays lace in the front and back which makes them much more adjustable and more comfy to wear. I also added some embroidery details just because I can. I successfully taught myself how to embroider the detached buttonhole stitch, which is great for making larger shapes on which you don't want to use the satin stitch.  This is the inside of the stays with pink satin ribbon lacing up the back:...

I made this dress rather quickly so as to have it done in time for our trip to Colonial Williamsburg. I pleated the back, and added the skirts and sides: One sleeve down: Two sleeves down: trying on a dress with that many pins in it is rather scary... But I survived. After stitching it all down, I added lacing hoops, and tried it on: I was a little worried about how visible the lacing hoops were, but the trim fixed the problem.  Next I made the sleeve ruffles. They are rather simple - just strips of pinked fabric and scalloped lace gathered on a piece of bias tape: I made box pleated trim from fabric that matched the petticoat and stomacher to go around the front of the gown, and around the sleeves. I wore this dress to the ball at the Governor's Palace in Williamsburg.  It served me quite well and was a joy to wear.

Almost done except for hemming!! :D