I used an old, long, two-piece knit fabric nightgown in dark gray and light gray and refashioned it into a 1920s bathing suit. I thought the fabric would be perfect for a 1920s bathing suit because the fabric is warm, thick cotton knit jersey, and gray and black was often used for 1920s bathing suits. Continue reading 1920s Bathing Suit
‘Today […] men and women […] ride from the first day of spring to the last privileged days of frosty winter. They ride from morning to high noon, and their lanterned wheels purr by with the gleam of a cat’s eye through the dark.’ (The Out Of Door Library: Athletic Sports, 1897)
A couple of years ago I sewed an Edwardian bicycle costume. It consists of a tailored Edwardian brown wool jacket with DIY black fabric soutache, a knee-length blue wool skirt, a refashioned white blouse, black stockings, brown leather boots and an Edwardian staw boater hat trimmed with velvet ribbon. Continue reading Edwardian Bicycle Costume
‘ I am sure she was well dressed […] for I cannot remember what she had on.’ (Household Companion, 1909)
Edwardian women were advised not to neglect the importance of dress: ‘Suit your dresses to the occasions upon which they are to be used’ (Household Companion, 1909). ‘A trailing gown of velvet and lace is not adapted for shopping or travelling, any more than a tweed skirt and flannel blouse is appropriate to an afternoon reception.’ (Every Woman’s Encyclopaedia, 1910-2) Continue reading How To Dress In The Edwardian Era
In the Victorian era, especially in the 1860s, walking skirts were sometimes drawn-up or looped-up: This made the long, voluminous Victorian skirts shorter and therefore more practical. It also protected the hem of the skirts from mud and dirt. Continue reading Victorian Porte Jupe Skirt Lifter – 1860s Looped-Up Walking Skirts