Monday, January 6, 2014

New Year's Re-sew-lutions

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all!  I've been happy to spend these past weeks with friends and family, and I've been glad to take a break from the hustle and bustle of school.  I had planned on all sorts of new projects to undertake but unfortunately my friend Procrastination reared his ugly head.  Alas, Sam and I won't be going to the Locust Grove ball representative of 1812... 1860 or 1950 will have to do.  To try and hurry through our clothes would just be a shame, since we took so much time and care into picking the perfect materials.  I'd rather make a product I'm proud of and miss an event than make something I'm ashamed of and go to one.

Anyway, this new development means that there are a bunch of exciting projects lined up for the new year!  I hope to use 2014 as a year to explore new eras, since I've been itching to try new things out.  So, here are my New Year's Re-sew-lutions!  Onward and upward!

1770's

The National Gallery

I'd really like to delve into the 18th century this year, as I've wanted to for many years--and as this is an era with a lot of reenactments, I'll be making the beau a suit as well.  I'm planning on beginning my stays immediately after the Jane Austen Festival in July (or even sooner, if I'm able).  Hopefully having those will be the kick-start I need for entering this era!

Regency

Le Bon Genre, 1812
The Fashions of the War of 1812 will be the focus of this year, since both Sam and I find it as our particular favorite and we both need new trimmings.  Having recently finished my stays, I'll be altering my bodiced petticoat and making a new shift, along with making several new gowns and spencers.  Sam needs all the accoutrements of a Regency dandy--shirt, breeches, tailcoat, waistcoat, and cravat.  This year's Jane Austen Festival will be the most fabulous one yet!

1840's

Pariser Moden

Sam and I have been entertaining the possibility of going 1840's in the near future.  I think the styles would suit Sam very well and a few of our good friends represent the 1840's very well.  Who knows?  the 1840's could be visiting us in 2014!

1860's

Abiti Antichi

The Chickamauga mayhem resulted in Sam and I taking quite the break from Civil War, a break that still hasn't ended.  I hope sometime this year I'll jump back on the horse and make a few 1860's things--in particular, the bonnet that I started in 2012.  There are a few events we're looking at for 2014, but we're not committing to anything since we're going to take this year to ease into new things.

1940's

LIFE Magazine

Last year, Sam and I met at a USO dance held by a local veteran's association.  This year, for our anniversary and for the dance, I'm hoping to make something delightfully 1940's in flavor.  This dress is super top-secret, so I can't spill any more beans about it!  I'll also be altering a few things to fit Sam better, and possibly making him a new coat (if he asks nicely).  I'm hoping to use 2014 in order to get into more of the "vintage" eras as well--the 1920's through the 1950's.

Do you have any New Year's re-sew-lutions you'd like to share?  Please share them in the comments, or link to your blog so I can follow your progress!  I love to make new friends, especially ones interested in the same topics as I am.  Good luck to everyone in the New Year, and God bless!