Navy Blue Anglaise

The silk charmeuse is gorgeous, and moves beautifully. However, I used a really crappy inter-lining, and the fit is awful at the shoulder and neckline. I think the white stomacher is a little too much white, and I will re-cut the bodice entirely with a cotton interlining.

I think it is time for me to say goodbye to the JP Ryan Anglaise pattern. The damned thing just never fits quite right at the shoulders and neckline. My next attempt will be with the "Period Impressions" pattern.

This thing also needs some serious sleeve flounces and about a mile of venise lace.

Costumes for Sale AND Taking New Commissions

A costume closet clean-out featuring Goth boots, a steel boned black corset, a pirate coat, a Chinese-inspired ballgown, and a sewing machine.

http://shop.ebay.com/jeriquan/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

Also, I am taking commissions for costumes for this year's convention season (and beyond). I specialize in the 18th-19th centuries, but I can do a lot of things. Go take a look at arachneattire.com for a few ideas.

Essex Regency Ball

Me and my mom at the Essex, CT Regency Ball. I made mine out of an "art silk" sari, and hers out of a scandalously little amount of sage green silk charmeuse. The pattern is a mish mosh of the JP Ryan Anglaise pattern I have used many times, and the sleeves from an 1870s ballgown bodice. The rest is loosely based on an illustration in Janet Arnold.

Both gowns went together quickly, and were easy to wear. My mom is so skinny, I didn't even bother with stays for her, and she has good enough posture and carriage that I don't think anyone really noticed. I wore 1770s stays, but really wished I hadn't. If we end up doing another Regency event, I can maybe justify making pair of stays from the period.

It's amazing how much easier it is to move your arms in a puffed sleeve. Trying to do the waltz in a fitted 1880s long sleeve was less fun.