Avoid toxic chemicals and make a simple homemade lotion with just 2 ingredients: rosewater & glycerin. Rosewater glycerin lotion has been popular since the Victorian era.
Victorian and Edwardian ladies used rosewater glycerin lotion as everyday lotion before applying face powder and as mild face toner after washing their face. Continue reading Victorian Rosewater Glycerin Lotion
Edwardian women often wore combination underwear instead of a separate chemise and drawers to reduce the bulk at the waist.
‘Combinations combine the slip bodice and drawers type, and are certainly more economical than two separate garments.’ (Educational Needlecraft, 1911)
Edwardian combinations combined the chemise (or corset cover) and drawers in one, and were worn under the corset. Continue reading Edwardian Combination
Some years ago, I made two simple Edwardian petticoats. Called plain petticoats in the Edwardian era, they were intended for everyday wear.
When you think of Edwardian lingerie, you probably think of sheer, white cotton petticoats trimmed with rows and rows of lace. But there were also plain everyday petticoats. Edwardian petticoats for everyday wear were often made with sturdy, white cotton fabric, a simple cotton ruffle forming the only trimming.
‘Petticoats are not so elaborate as formerly’. (The Delineator, 1902) ‘Plain petticoats are necessary for everyday wear’. (School Sewing Based On Home Problems, 1906)
An easy and genius way to turn handkerchiefs into an airy lace top – the Edwardian handkerchief camisole is perfect for hot summer days!
In the Edwardian era, the handkerchief camisole was of course part of the lingerie, but today you can wear it as pretty lace top! The Edwardian handkerchief camisole is easy and fast to make – no pattern (or fitting) needed. And another bonus point: Because the handkerchiefs are already hemmed, there’s only minimal sewing required! Continue reading Handkerchief To Top Refashion – Edwardian Handkerchief Camisole
This antique Edwardian lace petticoat is so airy and pretty with lace insertions, pintucks and a wide Valenciennes lace flounce!
This antique lace petticoat is from the Edwardian era. Like my antique Edwardian lace chemise, my antique 1920s marcel wave iron and my antique Victorian linen chemise, I found it on ebay! Continue reading Antique Edwardian Lace Petticoat
Nightcaps or sleeping caps were worn while sleeping to keep the hair tangle-free and – especially silk nightcaps – to make the hair glossy. Nightcaps have a long history and even today silk caps are recommended for long or curly hair. Read on to find out why and how Edwardian and WW1 women wore nightcaps and how to make a vintage silk sleeping cap for yourself!
In the Victorian era, nightcaps were worn by all women, young and old. Continue reading History Of The Nightcap – Victorian And Edwardian Hair Care
Make an easy Edwardian ribbon fuchsia with gold and silver ribbon!
‘Charming and novel effects can be obtained in “hoar frost” embroidery, a work that will appeal very strongly to all lovers of the dainty and delicate. The materials required are simple and inexpensive. Silver gauze ribbon in half and quarter inch widths […] and net’ (Every Woman’s Encyclopaedia, 1910-2a).
This authentic Edwardian ribbon fuchsia flower is easy and fast to make. All you need is a piece of gold and silver ribbon! In the Edwardian era, “hoar frost” fuchsia flowers were worn as headdress. Continue reading Edwardian Ribbon Fuchsia – Ribbon Flower Tutorial
This Edwardian peach pie tastes fruity, sweet and sour – it just tastes of summer!
This recipe for homemade peach pie from scratch is from the Edwardian era, it was published in ‘Best Recipes For Baking. A Book For The Home’ in 1907. Like most old recipes from the Victorian and Edwardian era, it’s not very specific! Old recipes usually are like: Make a pie crust, add enough fruit or custard and bake in a moderately warm oven! 😉 Continue reading Edwardian Peach Pie
In the Victorian era, hay was made by hand with a scythe. But even today, a scythe is often used to cut grass and make hay. I love making hay with a scythe – it’s the best full body workout! Every summer, I make hay for our rabbits by hand with a scythe. Besides haymaking, the scythe is also perfect to cut grass on a hill in our garden that is too steep for a lawn mower.
‘Now, whilst the mowers are whetting their scythes, and the fragrant smell of the hay fills the summer air, let us sit on the haycock, and glance at the flowers around us.’ (English Wild Flowers, 1868)
Continue reading How To Make Hay With A Scythe – History Of Haymaking
Doesn’t everybody want beautiful hair? How to make your hair grow … in the Victorian and Edwardian era!
Victorian and Edwardian women prided themselves on their long, luxuriant hair. But not all women (and men) had beautiful hair. Read on to find out what was recommended in the Edwardian era to make your hair grow! Continue reading How To Make Your Hair Grow – Victorian And Edwardian Hair Care