Friday, May 27, 2016

rewear and refresh

Soooo... it's been 6 months since my last blog post, and I thought I'd drop in and let you all know what I've been up to. I had a big push of productivity last spring and summer, but then I crashed after Costume College and desperately needed some time to hibernate and recuperate. It's been good. I really needed a break from sewing to recharge my batteries a bit. But I haven't stopped going to costume events during this past year - I've just been rewearing older pieces from my wardrobe and giving each outfit a few tweaks to make them feel more fun.


I started off last January by wearing my mourning calico to a exhibition of artwork by Gustave Caillebotte. I took this opportunity to make a new set of white collar and cuffs to finish off the dress. The inner collar and cuffs are items that you almost always see in original Victorian fashion plates and photographs, but as modern costumers, we tend to leave them off - probably because they were separate items and aren't typically included in the display of surviving Victorian garments in museums, so our eyes aren't as accustomed to seeing them there. But 19th century women used the inner collar and cuffs to protect the dress from dirt and body oils, and they could be easily removed and laundered, so it makes sense that they were essential finishing touches during the period. I ran out of time and didn't get to finish my own collar and cuffs for the first wearing of this dress at Costume College, but the dress feels SO much more complete now that I have them.


You can see the difference between the dress with and without the collar/cuffs in these pictures, and I also wore a new bow at the neckline to change things up a bit more. It's a subtle change, but I like it a lot better this way. The cuffs are just rectangular strips of cotton edged with eyelet that I tacked to the inside of the sleeves. The collar came from a mysterious little pattern on page 294 of Fashions of the Gilded Age, Vol. 2. The diagram is not labeled and there's no illustration showing what the pattern piece looks like when made up, but I suspected that it was one of those jaunty winged collars that you see so often during the natural form years. Sure enough - it worked perfectly!  


My next event was a trip to the Cowgirl Museum, so I decided to restyle my Victorian cycling outfit with some new accessories to give it more of an Old West look. This one didn't require any sewing at all, which was a wonderful treat. I just wore a different hat, a bandanna, some leather gloves, and an old belt and pouch with a turquoise brooch in the place of a buckle. I wish I could claim that the holster was mine too, but this piece was just on loan from my friend Christy for this picture.  


I found it amusing that Christy had also restyled one of her old dresses to give it a cowgirl vibe, and we happened to have worn these outfits together at another event 4 years ago. Even when we were supposed to be proper ladies, we still couldn't resist pretending to be outlaws! I guess it just runs in our Texas blood.


Finally, the local costume guild organized an 18th c. dinner party, so I decided to wear my black chemise once again. To change this one up, I wore my big embroidered kerchief, a new purple striped sash, and I rewound my turban with some purplish-grey silk. But most importantly, I styled a new wig that matches my natural haircolor, which was a HUGE improvement! (Good lord! What was I thinking with that crazy blond mess on my head?!)  


I have a bad habit of wanting to make new costumes for EVERY event that I go to, but this year has made me grateful to have some good pieces in my wardrobe that I can rework and rewear in different ways. Plus, I've really enjoyed focusing on the stress-free fun of wearing costumes vs. the often exhausting process of making them. I have to admit that I'm itching to make some new things again, and I've already started one big project that I'll be sharing here soon. But hopefully I'll be able to stay a little more balanced with my work load in the future, and I think this sewing hiatus has taught me to appreciate my older costumes a lot more than I used to.

BTW - if you'd like to see more pics from my recent costumed adventures, feel free to check out my flickr. Even when I'm not blogging, flickr is one place that always stays updated because I like to share my pics with my wonderful friends in the DFWCG. And if you happen to be in the area - come out and join us! We'll be adding a bunch of new events to our calendar over the next week!

52 comments:

Lenelein said...

Love to hear from you again! And there is nothing bad about rewearing, actually most clothes are intended to be worn several times! The Cowgirl outfit is especially amazing for me!

Cathy Raymond said...

Good to hear from you again. I love the look of your mourning calico with the white cuffs! and the photos are all clever and amazing.

Cathy Raymond said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Black Tulip said...

Good to have you back. Love the idea of the collar and cuffs, it's little details like that which make all the difference

Cathy Raymond said...

The cowgirl outfit actually looks a lot like an outfit Annie Oakley wore for her professional shooting performances. Ah, good; Wikipedia has reproduced one of the relevant photos, here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Oakley#/media/File:Annie_Oakley_-_Full_length_photograph_circa_1899.jpg

silvermedusa said...

Welcome back. I really love your blog and I also admire your wonderful dresses. They are so pretty and elegant on you so it is hard for me to decide which one I like more. :-)

Caroline said...

I love the cowgirl outfit! Well, I love all of them :) I've been on quite a sewing hiatus myself, so this inspires me to get back stitching. And it's nice to see other costumer take time off, too, sometimes. I feel less guilty! Thanks for sharing!

Caroline

Magdalena said...

It's so good to see you back here. I'm still in love with your calico dress, it's soo pretty. And, to be honest, I actually really like that crazy blond wig on you :)

Vincent Briggs said...

The mourning dress looks so different with the collar and bow. It's lovely! I love the black chemise too.

kathiquilts said...

Oh Jen! I LOVED "the crazy blonde mess" and I bet Marie Antoinette would have also!

Unknown said...

ارقام شركات العزل

شركة عزل اسطح بالدمام

ahmed said...

إذا سكبت كأس من عصير الرمان على السجاد، فلا تفركي البقعة لأن العقد سوف تتشابك وتسبب ضرر دائم لشكل السجادة، إضافة إلى ذلك البقعة نحو سكب العصير أو أى سائل على السجاد، فعليك أن تحضري قماشة بيضاء نقية ونشفى السائل على الإطلاقً، مع تحويل القماشة حتى يذهب أثر السائل كلياً، وعندما تتأكدي من جفاف البقعة، تَستطيع معالجتها باستعمال واحدة من أساليب تطهير السجاد المعروفة.
شركة النجوم لخدمات التنظيف
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالطائف
شركة تنظيف بالطائف
شركة تنظيف شقق بالطائف

hunn said...




Where to order welsh corgi puppies?
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are good with children as long as they're respected; some tend to nip at the heels. Pembrokes can get along well with cats and other pets if socialized when young, but might not be keen on other dogs. The Pembroke corgi is somewhat suspicious around strangers and must be trained to not growl. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are often domineering over each other .









Where to order hyacinth macaw?
We guarantee that there are no symptoms of disease or parasites at the time of sale and that our birds are completely healthy. This means that our birds are free of viral infections, pathogenic bacterial infections, fungal infections, and congenital defects.

spakingindia said...

Welcome to Our Bengali Call Girls in Chanakyapuri offers a wide range of sexual offerings to everyone looking for the best Dating Call Girls in Faridabad.
Carnal pleasure with Dating Call Girls in Faridabad who know the most unforgettable arts of loving like no one else does.
Arousing women with a lot of experience who will enjoy seeing you fulfil all those desires you’ve been repressing for so long, even the most daring and kinky ones.
Beautiful Agra Model Escorts Services, sought after by demanding men who want to enjoy aunties, housewives or a bhabhi for the best sex session of their lives, and let their kisses and caresses explore the most sensitive parts of their bodies.
Without a doubt, at Agra Model Escorts Services you’ll enjoy the most involving, friendly with Ajmer Model Escorts Services in all of India and you won’t hesitate to come back for more.

Mark Spencer said...

This is a really decent site post. Not very numerous individuals would really, the way you simply did. I am truly inspired that there is such a great amount of data about this subject have been revealed and you've put forth a valiant effort, with so much class. On the off chance that needed to know hnd assignment uk more about green smoke surveys, than by all methods come in and check our stuff.

hameedudhaaam said...

If we are going to talk about murals, it is a harsh reality that there are people who do not appreciate artworks like this. I fell bad, but there is less that I can do; I want them to realize that murals are beautiful and worth appreciating. But I simply don't know where to start. Sometimes, I think of writing as my way to influence people to appraiser things that should be appreciated. I don't know if that is going to be effective, do my paper for me but I want to give it a try.

Sara Grace said...

The global Sports and Energy Drinks Market size reached US$ 93.3 Billion in 2020. Looking forward, the market expects to exhibit moderate growth during 2021-2026.Sports drinks refer to beverages containing carbohydrates, electrolytes, proteins, vitamins, and caffeine which help in building muscles and replenishing the fluid lost during exercise or any other physical activity. On the other hand, energy drinks consist of a higher amount of sugar and caffeine. These drinks improve mental alertness and relieve fatigue, as opposed to sports drinks which are intended to help athletes rehydrate after exercise.They are also introducing sports drinks fortified with antioxidants, and soy and whey proteins. Apart from this, energy and sports drinks are gaining popularity, especially among the young generation, as the manufacturers are adopting aggressive marketing and branding strategies by associating with popular sports events.













Hence, We would like you to read more of other business reports. Kindly check these also : Asia Pacific Vaccine Market, Micro Inverter Market, Albumin Market, Middle East and Africa Cybersecurity Market, United States Flooring Market, Vegetable Concentrates Market,Learning Management System Market, States Flooring Market, Sterilisation Services Market, Brazil Healthcare, Sports and Energy Drinks Market, Media Monitoring Tools Market

Catherine Tolbert said...

Great Platform. Are you also searching for nursing essay writers ? we are the best solution for you. We are best known for offering the best nursing essay writing services

ESLAM UWK said...

شركات قطع غيار مصاعد بسبب الاستخدام المتكرر للمصاعد مؤخرًا ، تحتاج المصاعد إلى صيانة مستمرة. أصبحت صيانة أنواع المصاعد المختلفة ضرورية للغاية. تحتوي شركة قطع غيار المصاعد على مجموعة كبيرة من قطع غيار المصاعد بما في ذلك (أبواب المصاعد ، سائل الفرامل

dry bulk trucking said...

For such materials, pneumatic trucking is the best option. Hasten Contracting pneumaticEarthwork service texas in USA trucking delivers lime, fly ash, cement powder, bulk plastics, and bulk dry chemical products in a dependable and timely manner

hellatwinkle said...

Using flow fans, air current can be created between the fan and front cover to stop dust from collecting on the electra kdk exhaust fan uaeblades. Cleaning the fan only requires taking off the front cover and metal plate.

John Hardy said...

I am very happy to read this one. You fashion sense is to good and amazing for us. You look so good and beautiful in this article. Thanks for sharing this article. Now it's time to avail luxury airport transfer for more information.

envirosteam said...

It's great to hear that you took the time to rest and recharge, especially after such a productive season. Just like taking care of your mental health, taking care of your car's appearance is important too! If you're looking for a professional Auto Detailing Ottawa, be sure to check out our services.

strongnomads said...

It's amazing how a few simple changes can completely transform an outfit! The Victorian cycling outfit with the Old West accessories sounds like a really fun and creative idea. And sometimes, taking a break from sewing can be just what we need to come back even stronger. Perhaps some Simple and Sinister Dubai workouts can help with that too!

Malaysia Translators said...

Nice post
Are you looking for reliable and affordable translation service malaysia price? Look no further than Malaysia Translators! Our team of certified translators specializes in providing accurate translations of documents, including birth certificates, at competitive prices. We also offer email translation services for businesses looking to expand their reach. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we ensure that every translation is completed with precision and attention to detail. Contact us today to learn more about our pricing and how we can help you with your translation needs.

Angel17 said...

You look really good. Thanks for sharing this one! bushwacker fender flares

myassignmenthelp21 said...

If you are struggling to complete your assignments on time, let Myassignmenthelp.sg help you out. It has excellent assignment writers in Singapore who are skilled at working under tight deadlines and can deliver quality work within the given time frame.

Wilson said...

More applause to your great efforts to share an amazing blog. I read this content, this post is really a well defined information. I am more eager to read at last. Thanks for sharing this to all. Keep publishing a good post.
división de propiedad de las leyes de divorcio de nueva jersey

Acemyonlineclasses.com said...

Great effort from the author and I really enjoy the blog which is very useful to take my classes for me

Combined Pumps said...

Embrace sustainability with the concept of rewear and refresh, much like the reliable efficiency ofhydrocarbon pumps Aberdeen Both bring new life and vitality to what might otherwise be discarded or overlooked.

hastencatering said...

Six months since my last blog post, and the anticipation is palpable! The wait promises a wealth of insights and updates. Just as anticipation builds, savor a flavorful return with Oil and gas catering services in Houston Texas—where each dish fuels not just appetites but also the success of your industry events. Welcome back to the blogging scene

harperpaul said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
harperpaul said...

Festive AttyreThat's a fascinating combination of interests! Fashion history is a rich and diverse field that can inspire and inform your work as an artist and seamstress.
virginia uncontested divorce procedure

Tara said...

"FestiveAttire" is a stylish and curated fashion blog dedicated to providing inspiration for special occasions and celebrations. From elegant party outfits to chic holiday looks, it offers fashion-savvy readers a go-to resource for dressing with flair and confidence during festive events and gatherings.
Mecklenburg DUI Lawyer Virginia




menzonee said...

Elevate your style ethos with 'Rewear and Refresh,' a mantra for those who believe in the enduring power of timeless fashion. Just as your wardrobe deserves a revival, trust the Best Barber Shop in Canada to breathe new life into your look. With expert precision and contemporary flair, redefine your personal style and make a statement that stands the test of time.

charloteequeen said...

divorce new york no fault

"Rewear-and-refresh is a fantastic concept that not only promotes sustainability but also encourages us to appreciate the value of what we already have. It's a reminder that a little creativity and care can breathe new life into our belongings, reducing waste and our environmental footprint. Embracing rewear-and-refresh is not just a choice; it's a positive lifestyle change that benefits us, our planet, and future generations. Kudos to the initiative for making a difference!" 👏🌍♻️

Tara said...

Festive attire embodies the spirit of celebration with vibrant colors, intricate designs, and luxurious fabrics. It's clothing tailored for special occasions, like weddings or festivals, often adorned with embellishments, embroidery, and sequins. Festive attire captures cultural heritage and modern elegance, adding a touch of glamour and joy to memorable events and gatherings.
Abogado DUI Emporia VA




glen said...

Amazing, Your blogs are really good and informative. I got a lots of useful information in your blogs. It is very great and useful to all. The diagram is not labeled and there's no illustration showing what the pattern piece looks like when made up, but I suspected that it was one of those truck accident law firm, Keeps sharing more useful blogs...

elitefencingsystems said...

Welcome back to the blogging sphere after 6 months! Just as you refresh your blog, consider revitalizing your outdoor spaces with the expertise of the wood fencing contractor in EdmontonLet your virtual and physical environments both flourish with renewed creativity and precision. Here's to a fresh start and stylish surroundings!

kevinjones said...

Rewear and refresh—a brilliant mantra for sustainable fashion! Your insights on breathing new life into wardrobe staples not only promote eco-consciousness but also redefine style with a purpose.
Traffic Ticket lawyer Bergen County New Jersey
Traffic Ticket Lawyer New Jersey

abigailuna said...

"Rewear and Refresh" is a fashion guide that promotes sustainability and versatility. It encourages individuals to reimagine and restylish existing pieces, reducing environmental impact while expressing their unique style, and promoting a conscious wardrobe. Pensión Alimenticia por Divorcio del Estado de Nueva York

george said...


"Rewear and Refresh sparks a fashion revolution, inspiring a sustainable approach to style by encouraging the mindful reimagining and repurposing of clothing. This initiative breathes new life into wardrobes, promoting creativity and eco-conscious choices in the world of fashion."||Domestic Violence Charges New Jersey||divorce in new york state cost






elitefencingsystems said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
cardetailingottawa said...

Welcome back to the blogging world! "Rewear and refresh" is not just a fashion mantra; it applies perfectly to rejuvenating your online space. As you give your blog a fresh start, consider giving your vehicle the same treatment with Ottawa Car Wash services – because just like content, a polished car makes a lasting impression.

Anna Thomas said...

Welcome back! Six months in the making, your latest blog post is a much-anticipated update. Just as you've been busy crafting your narrative, discover how fit-out contractors in Dubai shape spaces, creating stories that evolve with time and precision.

Lewis said...

Embark on your divorce journey with confidence. Our seasoned new jersey divorce attorneys bring expertise and compassion to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition and personalized support tailored to your unique needs.

hastenclease said...

Welcome back to the blogosphere after a hiatus! Sometimes, life takes over, but the return is always refreshing. Just as you rewear and refresh your content, consider the power of Industry Leading Degassing Solutionto breathe new life into spaces and stories alike. Here's to a vibrant comeback and the power of a fresh start! #BlogRevival #FreshStart #HeavyDetergentCleaning

HelanHelan said...

Rewear and refresh" – a wonderful mantra for breathing new life into your blog after a hiatus. Welcome back after six months, and what better way to rejuvenate your creativity than with the invigorating aroma of coffee roasters dubai Let the rich flavors inspire your writing journey, turning each post into a fresh and delightful experience. Here's to a renewed zest for blogging and the aromatic companionship of Dubai's finest coffee beans!

deepa997 said...

Soooo... it's been a half year since my last blog entry, and I thought I'd drop in and allowed you all to understand what I've been doing. I had a major push of efficiency the previous spring and summer, however at that point I crashed after Ensemble School and frantically required an opportunity to sleep and recover. It's been great. I truly required a break from sewing to re-energize my batteries a piece. However, I haven't quit going to ensemble occasions during this previous year - I've recently been rewearing more seasoned pieces from my closet and giving each outfit a couple of changes to cause them to feel more tomfoolery. truck accident law

antantony said...

I am grateful for your support and encouragement during challenging times. Your kindness means a lot to me. abogados divorcio locales

cicilla said...

County criminal defence attorney on your side can make all the difference during these trying times. These legal experts act as pillars of support, providing crucial direction, steadfast advocacy, and knowledgeable representation to help clients negotiate the complex subtleties of the criminal justice system.Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer

larryjoe said...

The blogger's commitment to reusing and revitalizing clothing not only promotes eco-friendly practices but also showcases a keen sense of style. The creative ideas and fashion-forward approach make this post an inspiring guide for those looking to make mindful wardrobe choices. Festive Attire's dedication to merging fashion with sustainability is commendable, encouraging readers to embrace a more conscious and stylish lifestyle.
Domestic Violence in New Jersey

Post a Comment