A portion of the painting Portrait of M. and Mme Lavoisier, by Jacques-Louis David, 1788 (Metropolitan Museum)
I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with online stuff lately, and have even started cleaning some places like Twitter and possibly some blogs I follow.
I didn’t realize how overwhelmed I was until I noticed a few days of not reading even one tweet, or clearing out the rest of the blog entries I wasn’t even skimming.
The sad thing is, I do like many of the blogs and people I follow, but I’m starting to hate going anywhere near my computer because it’s a struggle to keep up.
I have been sewing, and I even finished a foundation garment. I don’t remember when I finished it, but I guess it’s time to finally post it on my costumes page.
I’m working on a chemise a la reine (CalR), and instead of wearing my usual pocket hoops, I made a false rump to go with that outfit.
I didn’t really care about too much accuracy, and I made it in a day. The funniest part is, it was actually my second version. I tried a bum roll style the day before, and it was too big and full (with my fear of under stuffing things, I think I’m over stuffing them heh!).
So far, I think this false rump will work fine, and I can always make another version if it turns out to have more flaws than I expected.
My CalR is in progress at the moment, and will be based off the painting at the top of this entry, with a few changes. Since this may be my only chance to make one, I’m deciding what little features and details I prefer over the inspiration version.
Unfortunately, it may be some time before I show the CalR here even when it’s finished because I need to make some other garments to wear with it (a new shift, and two new petticoats), and I have to admit the temptation is strong to also wait until I get the wig!
The reason I chose this particular painting for my inspiration? Her hair (and my favorite color is blue). I have very long hair, past my knees, so doing anything more than just putting it in a bun won’t happen with me sadly! I’m all thumbs with anything more than a plain braid, and that’s a lot of hair to fight with while learning. I’m also very careful with my hair to keep it from damage. The thing I noticed about this painting is that I could wear my real hair in a ponytail gently curled, and plop a wig on top for the rest of it. Everything about this outfit seems like a nice change of pace, even though it still involves stays and long skirts!
I’m hoping to wear this to the next Georgian Picnic in November, so I don’t know why I’m obsessing about it this early. I lucked out and found the fabric on sale, so I guess that’s why I’m working on it. You know how it can be with costume distractions. I do need to find a stopping point so I can get to work on garments with deadlines coming up first!
I also hope to make some other accessories, like a hat. It just depends on what inspires me.
Click the link below to go to the False Rump page and read more about it:
False rump.
Wooooo!
I still think about dropping Facebook and other online time sucks, but–like you–I just go through times when I’m not as active online. The cool thing it you’re sewing 🙂
I chatted with a friend, and for the moment I’m just going to try to use it differently. I still have a lot of organizing and cutting to do, but although I love to keep in touch with people (and quick replies online take up less time than things like phone calls), I need to spend less time chatting and more time working! 🙂
I completely get the hair thing. Mine is not nearly as long as yours (a little past tail bone) but I already struggle with anything else than simple victorian styles. Especially as I want to avoid teasing and curling too. Wigs are the way to go.
I can’t wait to see your chemise à la Reine, but I’ll try to be patient until you have everything from petticoats to a wig.
Thank you very much for the reply, Merja! I’ve been following your blog and you do amazing work!
Have you seen http://www.rapunzelsdelight.com/ ? I love to look at the photos because of the historical clothing, as well as the hairstyles (there is a section for updos). It’s interesting to see the variants of styles for those with longer hair. I’m sure many of them still use extra hairpieces as well, but I think it’s an interesting study that might be helpful for any length to get a feel for different eras and looks.
Thank you so much! I only recently found your blog, but I’ve seen and admired your beautiful outfits for some time in the pictures Jen has shown from events you have attended together.
I haven’t seen that site before. Thank you for the tip!