Monthly Archives: July 2015

Edwardian Dressing Gown

edwardian hair braid silk ribbon

My Edwardian dressing gown is inspired by the pretty lace peignoirs of the Edwardian era. I used off-white striped cotton sateen fabric, cotton lace and some scraps of the pink fabric for the facings and ties. The waist is slightly raised which is usual for the late Edwardian era. The dressing gown is closed with ties, and a button and loop. And under the peignoir I wear my Edwardian nightgown.

Here’s a lace peignoir with V-neckline, a dressing gown with pink ribbon tie, another less lacy peignoir with V-neckline and pink ribbon, a dressing gown with 3/4-sleeves and a very pretty lace peignoir.

For the photos I braided my hair as recommended in the Edwardian Night-Time Hair Routine of my Victorian And Edwardian Hair Care series. The hair is tied with a 100% silk ribbon.

20 Tips For A Healthy, Happy Life – Victorian And Edwardian Beauty Routine

Sleep, Sun, Diet & Be Optimistic - Victorian And Edwardian Beauty Routine And Recipes
Making the best of it. Enthusiast. “This is really admirable! — I get my swim — and a Shower Bath in!” Punch. (11 October 1856): 148. (George P. Landow, The Victorian Web)

In the Edwardian era, women strived to get beautiful skin and a good figure naturally. Enough sleep and rest, exercise in the fresh air, protecting the skin in the sun, and a healthy diet with plenty of water, were all regarded as important for beauty. A woman should also try to be positive and avoid anger and sadness. Continue reading 20 Tips For A Healthy, Happy Life – Victorian And Edwardian Beauty Routine

Wrinkles And Facial Massage – Victorian And Edwardian Beauty Routine And Recipes

Wrinkles And Facial Massage - Victorian And Edwardian Beauty Routine And Recipes

‘It has been said by a famous French beauty doctor […] that paralysis is a woman’s best friend. The sensitive face, showing all the feelings which a sensitive person endures for good or evil, very quickly wrinkles, and the nervous temperament, making big demands upon the vitality of the system, shows age long before the phlegmatic temperament, which floats on the waters of life serenely, blow the winds ever so fiercely.’ Continue reading Wrinkles And Facial Massage – Victorian And Edwardian Beauty Routine And Recipes

Edwardian Haymaking With The Scythe

Edwardian Haymaking With The Scythe

‘No part of the business of farming is more pleasant than hay-making.’ (Merry’s Museum, 1843)

I love haymaking with the scythe! Besides being the best full body workout, mowing with the scythe is eco-friendly, quiet – unlike lawn mowers and string trimmers, and with the scythe it’s possible to cut the grass on a steep hill in our garden.

Every May or June I make hay for our rabbits. When the weather is good, it takes two or three days until the hay is dry: from cutting the grass, turning the hay to gathering the dry hay. Usually, I wear everyday clothes but for these pictures I tried making hay while wearing my Edwardian working woman outfit. Continue reading Edwardian Haymaking With The Scythe

Resist Printing Trials

indian resist print

I tried some resist printing with different pastes using flour, starch, wax and oil. I was inpired from the following articles: Indian resist printing with wax, African mud cloth (bogolanfini) made with starch resist, soy wax printing, different wax resist instructions, and flour paste resist printing. All, except the starch-water-solution, couldn’t be applied with my Indian wooden print stamps. Continue reading Resist Printing Trials

Night-Time Hair Routine – Victorian And Edwardian Hair Care

To get beautiful and luxuriant hair, Victorian and Edwardian ladies followed a night-time hair routine: After brushing out tangles and massaging the scalp with oil or hair tonic, they braided their long hair to protect it at night.

Night-Time Hair Routine - Victorian And Edwardian Hair Care

‘I believe it is impossible for a woman who does not brush and braid her tresses every night to have as luxuriant locks as one who regards this routine’ (Health And Beauty Hints, 1910, p. 14).

Continue reading Night-Time Hair Routine – Victorian And Edwardian Hair Care