· Foyle's War Party! ·

Last month, Kathryn and I hosted a Foyle's War party!  Or rather, Kathryn hosted the party, and I was the trusty sidekick. (personally, that's my favorite role anyway! :-) )

Foyle's War is a British TV show set in the Hastings home front during WWII.  It follows a police detective throughout the war years and covers many aspects of wartime life and crime.  My family have been big fans of the British show since we discovered it several years ago, and we've slowly recruited fellow mystery/history buffs to our Prestigious Fan Club.  Kathryn and I had talked about throwing a Foyle's War themed party for a long time, but we finally got around to it this winter!

The evening was filled with mystery solving, WWII food eating, movie-based trivia, photobooth posing, and general merriment! :-)

Each guest was given a "ration book" with trivia questions inside.  We had fun watching the show to get ideas for trivia questions, but consequently the trivia was not for the faint of heart.  But really- who doesn't know the names of all the Assistant Commissioners mentioned in the series?? ;-)

We tried to squeeze in several episode references throughout the evening, so if something seems... odd... that's probably the explanation. ;-)  Consider this your excuse to watch the show!

Drinks served:

Uncle Aubrey's Green Gage Wine

(or: sparkling pear juice)

Scotch

(or: sweet tea)

Kathryn and I had a blast going through old propaganda posters to choose some to print off.  We decided against the more, ahem, intense ones. ;-)

Even the prep was fun!  We made bouquet garnis for the Coq au Vin- I'm a fan.  If cooking involves cute little arrangements tied up with bows, count me in!!

We had a photobooth set up with props, and all had a blast goofing off!

I wore my "surprisingly pleasing" 1940s dress, and my friend Grace borrowed my very first 1940s dress!

The ration cakes (both strawberry and chocolate) were a fun challenge, and mostly successful. ;-)  It was very fun to follow historically accurate recipes, though!

Would you just take a whiff of that onion?!?  Scrumptious!

One of the Foyle's War episodes discusses the ration on onions.  I had no idea why until we researched it- apparently onions were rationed, not due to a shortage, but as a ruse to trick the Germans into thinking the British were using onions as a vital ingredient in making explosives.  The plan was codenamed Operation Omelette.  No kidding!  Personally, I think I'd be a bit unimpressed that the only reason I wasn't able to have onions was to trick the Germans....

My parents- aren't they cute?!

The resident maids.  Or at least they played maids in the murder mystery game we played at the beginning of the party. ;-)

Kathryn and I spent the entirety of a day (and a portion of the one previous!) constructing and assembling the patriotic bunting!  We didn't intend for the room to be so very decorated that it was reminiscent of the Police Station on the eve of VE Day, but once you start.... it's hard to stop. ;-)  And really, you can never have too much bunting.

This project was a wake-up call to me, though.  I love the way it turned out, and I'm glad we did it that way, but it was so. much. WORK.  Each of the pennants is cut from 2 pieces of fabric, sewn on 2.5 edges, turned out, pressed, and strung on a piece of string.  Oh, and did I mention that we made 100 feet of this?!  After we were 2 hours into the project, our insanity dawned upon us.  After 10 hours, it was inescapable.

As it is, we are now completely prepared for any red, white, and blue themed party.  Fourth of July- check!  Bastille Day- check!  Australia Day- check!  Norweigan/Icelandic/etc national celebrations- check!

Me and my partner in crime- thanks so much for making this happen!!  It was a blast to plan! (and attend!) (and relive through pictures!) :-)

I credit Foyle's War entirely with making me tolerant of the 1940s.  Previously I was decidedly unimpressed with the decade and particularly WWII.  I know, scandalous. ;-)

But at any rate, Foyle's War changed that for me.  Learning about the British home front during the war years was enlightening and opened up a much more interesting aspect of the war!  If anyone also has a distaste for WWII (or even if you already like it!), I'd highly, highly recommend the show. :-)

· Photos by Kathryn ·

Novelty Print Jacket · 1780s Style

Next up in my installments of 18th century garments: my Fabulously Colored 1780s Jacket!

I have such a hard time not being extremely critical about my 18th century clothing, and this one is no exception.  I love the jacket, but my accessories really need to step up a few notches!

So please- turn a lenient eye, and let me know if you have some ideas on improving the look! :-)

Why is it that I only remember my need for updated accessories when I actually put on the garment at the event?!  At any rate, here's the outfit in its current state.  Maybe at some point it will get a bit of a refurbishment. ;-)

I absolutely love this fabric (purchased from Colonial Williamsburg) and I knew it would be perfect as a jacket.  It happens to go with almost every single one of my petticoats, so the variety in colors definitely payed off!

I made this jacket 3 years ago, but this past December was the first time I was able to wear it in a seasonally appropriate setting!  So nice to be happy for the long sleeves, rather than gritting my teeth through an 85° day. ;-)

The jacket is trimmed around the sleeves and peplum with a gathered self-fabric trim.  This ended up being the most time-consuming method of trimming I've ever done, but the effect was worth it. :-)

The back seams release into box pleats at the waist and are accented by (ironically nearly-invisible) covered buttons.

You know how I was saying that I forget about all the fixes I need to make to my outfits until I'm wearing it?  Well, I completely forgot that I needed to pack my bum roll for our trip.  This jacket positively begs for a little extra "oomph", so I was desperate for a substitute.

Enter: socks.

They're perfect!  In fact, so perfect that all of us ended up safety-pinning socks inside our petticoats all week long. ;-)

Ahhh, the silly things you do for fashion.

Closing with pins down the front, like usual!

I used J.P. Ryan's jacket pattern as a base, lengthening the sleeves as referenced from period sources and changing the armhole shape so that it joined in at the intersection of the back/strap/side back seams.

That angle where the peplum starts and the front point begins is such a bear!  Too low and it runs into the skirt pleating and bunches up.  Too high and the skirt waistband shows!  It's just unforgiving!

I ended up getting it *almost* right, but it's still a tad short-waisted.  I've discovered the wonder of using straight pins to corral all my unruly bits, and a little pin at this point does wonders!  No more constant fiddling throughout the day!

My original inspiration came from this print, Cries of London: Knives, Scissors, and Razors to Grind.

The end result, however, took advantage of a little creative license and used other garments for additional inspiration, as you can see. :-)

· As always, lovely pictures by Kathryn! ·

· Shop My Closet! ·

It's that time of year- time to clean out my closet!  I have a pile of things to list on my Etsy shop within the next couple months, but before I listed a few of my "blog-featured" outfits I wanted to give my readers first dibs! :-)

All of these dresses are handmade by me.  They are all made to fit measurements of approx. 32"-34" bust, 25"-27" waist.  I'm 5'6", so all lengths will fit accordingly.  If you have questions regarding more specific measurements, please feel free to contact me at modedelis (at) gmail (dot) com. :-)

All of these dresses are marked down from what I would sell them on Etsy.  I will be listing them in the shop on Feb 26th- so make sure to reserve them before then!  Contact me by commenting or emailing me at modedelis (at) gmail (dot) com to claim a dress!

All payments will be through PayPal, shipping will be determined by your location- I'll give you a quote before billing.  First come, first served!

· Lemon Dress ·

ETA- Listing on Etsy here

You can read more about this dress on the outfit post.

Details:

- Cotton dress

- Button closure

- Ric-rac trim around collar and front edges

- Belt and accessories not included

- Gently worn- minimal visible wear

· Border-Print Regency Dress ·  SOLD!

More pictures on the main dress post.  

Details:

- Cotton/Linen dress

- Made to be worn over period undergarments, but can work with modern undergarments

- All visible stitching by hand

- Sleeve caps were altered and there is some piecing visible- but piecing is period, after all! :-)

- Closes with hooks and eyes at front

- Gently worn, some slight fading- otherwise no wear visible

· 1950s Green Dress ·  SOLD!

More pictures in post.

Details:

-SOLD

- Cotton dress

- Bias trim at neckline, hem, sleeves, and pockets

- Side zipper closure

- Faded overall and some slight wear- not bad, but enough that I'm marking this down a lot 

Happy shopping!

1950s Separates · Winter Sunset

Did anyone else get snow this weekend??  I'm reveling in the beauty of it all! :-)

It's kind of funny how my style changes though the seasons of the year!  I usually can't stand blouses and skirts (I hate how they shift around- give me a secure dress that doesn't need constant adjusting any day!), however I tend to be drawn towards them in the winter.

I'm slowly trying to build up a collection of blouses to wear with my sweaters, since my previous T-shirt default is just not cutting it for the vintage vibe. ;-)  This blouse was a quick project this fall, and has proved to be invaluable!  I really don't know how I got along without it!

Simplicity 2154 was the perfect candidate when I had this small piece of linen tucked away for a blouse.  I only had about 3/4 yd of this fabric, but it was just barely enough for this sleeveless blouse- in fact, it was such a close fit that I didn't even have enough for bias binding or collar facings!  Whew!

I didn't have enough fabric to cut the bow on the bias as instructed, but so far the straight-grain bow has behaved well enough. :-)  This was yet another back neck keyhole closure!  I've been making a habit of doing those lately, and have been rather pleased with them. :-)  They are the perfect way to use up the fun-yet-loner buttons I've accumulated!

Isn't this a cute little brooch?  We picked it up recently, and I love the way it complements the colors of this outfit. :-)

(Astute readers might notice that it is being worn on different sides of the collar in different shots.  Well, let's just say that our continuity-checking wasn't quite up to snuff during the 2 days we did this shoot.... ;-))

My new favorite shoes.

OK, so I have so many "favorite shoes" that the word favorite is starting to lose any value.... But really, these are my favorite!

For now. ;-)

I was so thrilled when mom found these discontinued Miss L Fire shoes- and in my size!  The cuffs can flip up to keep the ankles extra cozy, but even like this they're great! :-)

This cashmere sweater was a re-styling project a few years ago.  It is so soft and cozy and has been a great favorite!  I absolutely love this color of pink!  And the rhinestone buttons are perfect. :-)

The wool skirt was a quickie project for a "Briar Rose" costume years ago, but has turned into a staple!  It's super simple- double box pleats at each side and the centers- but goes so well with lots of my sweaters. :-)

I love how the colors of this outfit match the grey/white of snowy winter with the orange-pink of winter sunsets!  Bonus for our photoshoot was that we waited until last light to capture this outfit and the colors are mirrored in the landscape! ;-)

· Pictures by Kathryn ·

· A Regency Ballgown for Kathryn ·

With a fancy Regency Ball to be attended last December, my friend Kathryn needed a dress suitable for the occasion!

There was a lot of agonizing over what style to settle upon, but one thing was certain- she wanted silk.  She also wanted something very drapey, so we settled on a silk habotai.  The gold color was partially just a result of the fabric available, but I'm so glad that's what she chose!  The color is stunning on her, and is perfect for the style and the setting! :-)

The dress closes in the back with covered buttons.

And just act like you didn't see those machine-sewn buttonholes.  I probably should be so shamed by them that I learn how to make nice hand-sewn buttonholes, but I'm not. Yet.

Maybe that should be one of my New Year's Resolutions- perfect my hand-sewn buttonholes. ;-)

One of my favorite parts of regency dresses- all of those lovely skirt pleats! :-)

I just love this back view!!  So pretty.  I am in dire need of a silk regency dress now.  Like, right now.

The dress is very simple, so we decided that detailed sleeves were a "must".  The sleeves are lined in quilting-weight cotton to add more body and strips of fabric "bunch" the sleeve up.

The bodice is gathered in the front, and has a small drawstring in the neckline to ensure a perfect fit each time.  The waistline is trimmed with large piping, which adds just a touch of detail and makes the dress look more complete. :-)

· Photos by oh, wait... me.  With Kathryn's camera. ;-) ·

· 18th century Robe a l'Anglaise ·

Life has been a whirlwind for the past 6 weeks, and it's just finally starting to return to a more expected routine.  Just about the only constant has been my blog schedule!

I have no reason to complain, though- the reasons for my busyness have been of the Christmas Ball(s)-attending, Williamsburg-traipsing, Foyle's War Party-planning, Friend-visiting nature. :-)

We took a trip to Williamsburg for a week at the end of the year, and were joined by Kathryn, Tara, and their parents.

A wonderful time was had by all (unsurprisingly!). :-) This was my family's 13th visit to Williamsburg, and I'm beginning to think that this town truly *is* magical.  We have yet to experience an unenjoyable trip!

This was our first time to go in the winter, and we enjoyed all the festive wreaths ornamenting all the homes and shops.  The whole town felt festive, but in an understated and tasteful way.  It proved a great backdrop for outfit photos, so we took the opportunity to photographically document all of my 18th century projects from over the years.  Consequently, there will be some Christmas wreaths adorning the blog over the next few months- but they were so pretty that I don't think it's too much of an issue. ;-) 

This dress was one of my very first 18th century garments- I made it 8 years ago.  It has some aspects that aren't my favorite, and I feel like there are a few areas that need changing to accurately reflect the period.  But I'm having such a hard time putting my finger on what exactly it is that needs to be changed!  So, if you have any ideas or tips, please share!  I'd love to hear from an "outside" source- I feel like I'm so blinded that I can't look at it impartially!

I used J.P. Ryan's Robe a l'Anglaise pattern for the dress, and it went together rather well!  The ensemble is formed by a dress and a matching petticoat.  The dress is polonaised in the back with loops and ribbon inside.

I love how the apron adds just the right amount of interest!  Of all my accessories, I think this apron is one of my favorites!  I made it in April 2013 as a last-minute addition to my wardrobe, but it has turned out to be one of my best ideas!

The 18th century just had some of the most. amazing. ideas. ever!!  Those curving back seams that end in that wonderful pointed waistline that connects with those amazing pleats in the skirt.  Perfection.

Also, the 18th century had the most amazing shoes and stockings.  Period.

Shoes- "Kensington" by American Duchess

Buckles- "Valois" by American Duchess

Stockings- Jas. Townsend

The dress closes with pins down the front- another reason to love the 18th century!  No need for sewing in closures!! Yay!!

Also, I can't resist drawing attention to that pattern matching across the front.... isn't that great?!  When I first made the dress, it overlapped too much to allow that, but I guess increasing in girth does have a few advantages! ;-)

Maybe I'm just spoiled by a plethora of outfit choices for our trips to Williamsburg, but I will admit that this dress is one of my least favorite outfits.  It is lovely, but something just feels "off".

It does however, have wonderful connotations to go along with it!  Years ago when I first made it, my dad posted about it on his blog, and we got a random comment from a stranger asking where we purchased the fabric.  Well, that stranger kept in touch, and we started following her blog too.  Over the years, we've been able to meet up in Williamsburg several times, and have had the delightful pleasure of getting to know her and her sister!  Those strangers ended up being Rebecca and Ashley, of Fashionable Frolick fame and how very glad I am that they are no longer strangers! :-) 

Of all the wreaths around town, this was my definite favorite, so I knew I'd have to get pictures by it!

Isn't it lovely?!

· A big thank you to Kathryn for sorting through all the goofy poses I was giving her and coming up with a surprisingly demure-looking representation of how I was acting. ;-) ·

· A More Successful 1940s Dress! ·

As I mentioned a while ago, after previously being adamantly opposed to fashions of the decade, I decided to give the 1940s a fair chance in the last few months.

I half-way succeeded last fall, but after making that dress, I was inspired to try again and get closer to a complete success!  Well, I think I succeeded!  I am closer to liking this dress than I ever thought I'd be! ;-)

The number one change I knew I wanted to make was lengthening the skirt.  I feel like knee-length is definitely not my best length and I'm so much happier with this length- it feels much more natural!

The second change I knew I needed was to make, *gulp*, shoulder pads.  Ugh.

I've always had a major dislike for shoulder pads, and emphasized shoulders are one thing I've always hated about the 1940s.  However, I do have sloping shoulders, so just a little bit of padding really helps the whole look become more flattering!  What's up with that?! ;-)

I'm glad I've made peace with shoulder pads, but I still don't think I'll be making them a regular occurrence. ;-)

The final change I wanted to make in my 40s look was 3/4 length sleeves.  I don't think 1940s short sleeve styles are terribly flattering on me, plus it's nice to have a more "cold weather" dress. :-)

Even though Butterick 5951 isn't in their "retro" collection, it looked suspiciously 1940s to me, and I wanted to give it a try.  This fabric, with such a busy print, certainly isn't the most ideally suited fabric for showcasing the details, but I'm a bit hesitant about all the gathering anyway so I like how subtle it is. :-)

The shoulders have gathering and the front darts are gathered on the side.

I love the way the collar is formed by an extension of the front piece!

Rather than putting in the recommended back zipper, I made a back keyhole opening and used a side zipper (my favorite!).

I wasn't sure whether to go with a matching or contrasting belt, but I'm so glad I settled on matching!

These 4 vintage buttons hide in the dress a bit, but I kind of prefer them like that. :-)  There were exactly four of them, so it seemed meant to be!

This 1940s hat happened to be at a local antique shop (it's very unusual to find pre-1950s hats locally!), and I'm so glad that I picked it up even though I was in my anti-1940s phase!  It's just perfect. :-)

· Photos by Kathryn ·