Here are two different shots of the mantelet I'm currently working on. It need ribbon for tying and endless meters of trim at the bottom edge (sigh!).
I think it's cotton whit a shiny effect. The burn test confirmed this, to my bief knowing, but even if it's polyester I don't care because the colour is so gorgeous (and, as usual, the pictures can't do it justice).
It's not as shiny as in the first picture, but not as dull as in the other, either. Think somewhere in between. It kinda shimmers when the fabric moves... Ah, sweet thrift store find!
Remember this post, where I mentioned a pair of embroidered pockets in the making? You don't? Good, 'cos they ain't gonna happen. Sorry, but embroidery really isn't my thing. I wish it was because the possibilities for a skilled embroiderer are endless, but such is the sad truth. I have great hopes for my stepdaughter, who now have inherited one half-finished pocket. I'll whip her until she is good enough to take commissions for me. It'll keep her from drugs and gangs too!
No, my pair of embroidered pockets will instead be made from this machine embroidered silk remnant i bought this Tuesday. It'll not be quite the same, but just the feeling of not having a sad, neglected embroidery project staring at you anymore is well worth it.
The silk is a little goldish, which doesn't translate very well in the photo, and quite lovely in its own right.
I also bought this lace fichu thing on the same day. It's not even very old, and probably not very period correct but it just screamed: "BUY ME!" so what else was there to do?
The shop where I bought it is the best place in this town. They mostly carry early to mid-20th century garments but also older dresses and accessories, antiques, trinkets, porcelain et c. They have lots of old embroidered tulle lace that I will buy tons of when I acquire the wealth that rightfully should accompany such divine beauty as mine. Vintage ostrich feathers to die for! OMG shoes! And guess what? The prices are quite affordable, considering the usual over-prices that one normally sees in shops like this one.
So, if you come to Stockholm, don't miss out on Old Touch or you'll regret it forever and probably longer. Yeah, free advertising FTW, but I like them so much so I do it gladly.
I'll be occupied with non-sewing related things this weekend, but whenever I can I'll continue the work on my regency bodiced petticoat.
The mantelet is gorgeous - and I also totally dig the black and white artwork on the wall in your house :-).
ReplyDeleteThat fichu looks pretty darn correct to me. Seems to me I've seen both paintings and KCI displays with almost the exact same thing.
Wow, your mantelet is really, really pretty! The colour is very nice, because I absolutly love blue! The silk and the lace fichu are also very nice, ofcourse.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the tip! I shall visit that shop one day.
I agree with Lauren, I think the fichu looks rather accurate. In fact, I wish I had one like it. Must make it out to that shop.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy all of your lovely projects!
The fichu is absolutely adorable, so lovely!!
ReplyDeleteCaroline
Thank you for your kind comments. So maybe the fichu really was a hit after all? Ha, I'm so clueless.
ReplyDeleteLauren: My husband is a big The Who fan and the artwork is basically a group photo blown up to beyond life-like size! They have become fore black-and-yellow through the years, though.
My mouth is actually watering at how gorgeous your mantelet is - the ruffling and the colour are to die for. Is it hooded (looks like it, but I can't tell) and did you use a pattern or make it up yourself? Really lovely - and it would look great over a modern gown for formal wear. That silk is lovely too - it's almost a shame to hide it as pockets!
ReplyDeleteTo add to my must visit list - Stockholm for that vintage store!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the sateen mantlet! Can't wait to see it done!
Clare: Thank you! Yes, it's hooded but the hood is mostly for show since it's so small - I ran out of fabric when I got there... I didn't use a pattern; it's basically just a ca. 4/5 circle. I don't know if that is how they were done, but it seemed like the easiest way out (and cloaks are made from half- or full-circles anyway, so...).
ReplyDeleteAloha: Do come to Stockholm, we have vintage shops and polar pears roaming the streets, all year round! :D
That fichu is awesome! So cool. I really love the sateen mantelet. I definately need to make my way to Sweden and go shopping :-D
ReplyDelete