Musings of a Lady

Thursday, January 2, 2014

News! News! News! 18th Century Hairstyling

I am really excited about this announcement and just had to share!  Kendra Van Cleave of Demode (http://demodecouture.com) is branching out and preparing a book of her techniques on how to style your hair or wigs for 18th century fashions.


What is really exciting for me is that Kendra is getting the opportunity to make her project come to fruition and she has graciously asked me to be one of her models!  As the advert says, the book is open for pre-orders.  If you want to know more about the book there are 3 places you can find out what is going on:
http://demodecouture.com/2014/01/18th-c-hair-wig-styling-book-pre-orders-are-live  This is her blog site.  Having that link is valuable in and of itself!

Another place to go is: http://18thcenturyhair.com  This is the book's website where you can place your order.

If you would like to keep up with the progress of the book, you can join the 18th Century Hair & Wig Styling at:  https://www.facebook.com/18thCenturyHairstyling

I hope you will take a peep and consider purchasing this resource to add to your collection.  Cheers!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year!


2014 is here!  I hope that this new year's day has found you healthy, happy and ready to begin the next chapter in your creative journey.  I am ready!  With the holiday celebrations behind me I am turning my eyes and mind to the year to come.  I have the Bath, England trip to think about and get garments ready by September.  There are a couple of minor events here California that I am planning to go to but at this point I don't think I have to make anything new for those...now that is a concept! I have a wardrobe to draw from!  Hurrah!  

As usual, I was sewing up to the last minute to get the day bodice for the 1885 bustle dress ready for the Christmas Tea at the Palace Hotel.  (See previous post).  Sigh, one day I will be able to not be sewing up to the last minute for an event!  Anyway, in fits and starts I have been working on the embroidery for my chemisette started, oh, way back in November?  Here are some updates:



Add caption

I am using a fern stitch, satin stitch and French knots.  The design is a simple trellis of leaf and 4 petal flower sprigs along the center front opening, up and around the neck.  The linen for the chemisette is not a bright white, so I had to go with an ivory embroidery floss.  I like the slight difference in the whites.

Next up on my sewing is to finish a Regency boned bodice petticoat, and continue the embroidery on the chemisette.  However, I am set to make an 18th century riding habit by hand.  Yes, by hand.  I am working with friends to learn how to drape the jacket and vest.  I am excited about this and hope to share later on in February.  In the meantime, I will continue to work on the Regency wardrobe.

Again, to all my lovelies, please have a wonderful start to this new year.  Best wishes on your projects - come by often, say hello and I will be peeping in on you, too!  Cheers.