Victorian 1890 Cotton Walking Skirt And Blouse

My dear friends, 

I am up bright and early once again today, happy as a clam and excited to begin sewing on my newly favoured wardrobe. Do you recall that I told you that once I started packing for our move that I was going to donate the rest of my 'modern' clothing? And what better time to do that than when you are moving, no? Well, that's what I did, and It's made me have to sew more clothing. No more putting it off, or I'll be walking around in my delicates, eeekkk. {smile}

Now, I decided on a black cotton blouse, because let's face it ya'll I am a cotton wearing kind of gal, and I had a black king size sheet leftover from last years Halloween costume. So, I thought it only reasonable to use what I had on hand. I  have a tendency to hoard fabric like a squirrel would a pile of acorns. Do you do that, too? I have spoken to several women that sew and also like to buy and save materials. I decided that after my boy Sawyer passed that I am living every day like it's my last, and that means using that darn fabric that I have squirrelled away for far too long. We must live life to It's fullest, yes?

Remember last year, I went as Beatrix Potter for Halloween? Well, this skirt is from a pattern that I purchased from Folkwear, called Victorian Walking Skirt, 1890. Once again, I used this pattern because I had the design stored away for several years. 

The most delightful thing about sewing my own clothing, and I have continued the same philosophy since all my children were tiny is that I like to find a type of pattern that I can use repeatedly. I am all for simple living, so what I've always thought was a great idea, and that is to buy different patterned fabrics; however, I use the same pattern and make a load of the same style. It worked quite well for my children's hand-sewn clothing, and for me, too. Some habits never die, do they?

In the image at the top, you can clearly see that I am wearing my corset, and I just love how tight and perfect it makes an outfit look, don't you? Or do you find the clothing more restrictive? I was talkin' to my Momma the other day, and she said, "I don't know how you wear those ol' tight fittin' clothes." I said, "I love them so much! They make me feel like a real Victorian lady!" 

I thought that I'd add this sepia photo into the mix, just for the simple fact that it really looks great with the old clothing, yes? 

The blouse I made from scratch. I realised, and you can't notice too much unless I point it out, but, the sleeves and the shoulder area needs a few more inches added in. I went ahead and added it to the final piece, but must remember to make the future blouses with the extra inches. I love ruffles, so I added a ruffled cuff and neckline. Do you like ruffled clothing? I am bonkers about anything with gathers. {smile}

The straw hat is from the thrift store {$1.50} and came with the black grosgrain ribbon stitched to it, so I just took off about a half an inch of the brim and added a fabric covered button to coordinate with the skirt print. When you find a straw hat at the goodwill or craft store, you can use a seam ripper and carefully remove the brim. You can even remove the top of the crown portion to make It flatter {In the Victorian era, the hats were round and a tiny bit flatter than, say, the Edwardian hats}.

All in all, I am so pleased with this outfit, and I have been wearing it several times a week. It's a design that I wear more for going to town, whereas the Tasha Tudor work dress will be more for daily wear and working around the house.

How are your sewing projects going? Have a Victorian-era kind of day, friends!

Most affably yours til my next swim, Raquelxxx