Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Variations on a theme of flannel


A recent JoAnn's sale of 99 cents per yard for flannel gave me just the inspiration I needed for this outfit. I have long been wanting to recreate the Louisa May Alcott Blouse from the Victorian Trading Co. I'll post a picture here, since they do not currently have one on their website:




However, not wishing to spend a great deal on a blouse that would likely not fit well (or be modest), I decided to make my own. I assembled the shirt from several patterns. I used one pattern for the princess-seam bodice but altered both the front and back necklines, as well as changing it from back closure to front closure. The sleeves are from another pattern and are unchanged (except for not adding a sleeve placket at the bottom). The neckline, collar, and peplum I drafted myself for lack of a pattern. A bit of a headache, but I'm happy with how it turned out. I don't particularly like this picture, but it's the only full length one I have! Why do photographs imply fitting problems that don't appear in person?






The buttons are my souvenir from London -- six little metal shank buttons from "The Button Queen," a perfectly delightful little shop near the Oxford Street shopping district. They were just what I needed for this project.






The thrifted Cluny lace that I rescued a few years ago -- ten yards for 75 cents -- was the perfect trim for both the blouse and the skirt.




A lovely green chintz flannel at JoAnn's was too much to resist, and I ended up with a skirt to match. It's kitten soft and quite cozy! The skirt is simply a four-tiered skirt which I designed/calculated myself. I'm thinking of posting a tutorial, since I couldn't find any helpful instructions on the Internet. I thought for sure that someone would have posted instructions already!

6 comments:

  1. Lovely job! It's a beautiful outfit. I love all the old-fashioned tops you make for yourself... it inspires me to give it a try sometime!

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  2. Your whole outfit looks lovely! And I hope you do decide to post instructions on how to make the skirt later on, it looks like a very nice style!

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  3. Shannon,
    I didn't know you had a blog!!! :D
    What a wonderful way to stay in touch! This is Keslie, we met at the SAICFF, remember? We made the film "Never be Shaken", www.NeverbeShaken.blogspot.com
    I have my own blog too,
    www.StitichingHistoryOnline.blogspot.com

    Lovely job on the blouse and skirt! It looks very feminie and cozy too!

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  4. I would love to see a tutorial!

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  5. Thank you for your comments -- they mean so much to me and truly brighten my day! And a tutorial will be forthcoming!

    Keslie, of course I remember you! The funny thing is, I had just gone to your blog from a link on Sensibility and commented on one of your posts before coming here and finding your comment :-) It's a small world!

    Yours in Christ,
    Shannon

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I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thank you so much for stopping by!