Finished Ladies Princess Slip

The finished project, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

I haven't taken out my pleating yet. I want to steam it one more time. The following posts explain my process and at the end are close ups of the back (with real tiny buttons), the front with the insertions.

Initial pattern

Initial pattern, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

This is the first pattern that I have received as part of the 1912 sewing project. Full size it required 12 yards of insertion lace. So I decided to make it doll sized.

pattern pieces

pattern pieces, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

After printing out the pattern life size I figured out my ratios and using my scanner made the pieces smaller. The really required very little alteration once that was done.

Insertion lace

Insertion lace, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

I did the insertion lace the same as if it were life size. This is the view of my hand sewing from the back.

accordian pleats using the pleater

accordian pleats using the pleater, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

One option for accordian pleats was to use a pleater. The material went through fine before I put in the insertion lace. I did it this way so I could figure out how long a length I needed. My mistake was to take the pleating out and to try to re pleat it with the insertion lace inserted.

insertion lace in the flounce

insertion lace in the flounce, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

This is a lovely piece of edwardian lace. It sewed nicely and looks great but is very soft. It wouldn't go through the pleater again. Next time pleat the fabric, loosen it to do the insertion but don't take the pleating out.

insertion lace from the back

insertion lace from the back, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

More of my hand sewing.

Hand accordian pleating the ruffle

Hand accordian pleating the ruffle, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

Me. Hand pleating the ruffle. Not the way I wanted to do it but it did work

hand accordian pleating

hand accordian pleating, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

Fairly even hand pleated accordian pleats.

Dollstown Hannah on elf body

Dollstown Hannah on elf body, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

Dollstown Hannah

Dollstown Hannah, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

the infamous ruffle

the infamous ruffle, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

close up of the top

close up of the top, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

Back view

Back view, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

Yes those are real buttons with real button holes.

Ladies Princess Slip 2

Ladies Princess Slip 2, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

1912 First Pattern

Well I got my first pattern - the February challenge - a 1912 slip that uses 12 yards of lace insertion. At first I was going to try to make it for myself but with all that lace I decided to make it smaller - BJD size. I spent today scaling the pattern down and choosing fabric and lace. Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to sew.

It has been 100 years since the Titanic sank. I'm taking part in a project to sew vintage clothing from that era - the 1912 project through the vintage pattern lending library. The patterns are the originals and sized for people of that era. I'm hoping for children's and women's patterns. My goal is to make them human size and then adapt them to BJD size. I hope to learn a little more history too.
I hope my first pattern comes soon!

snow queen narnia

snow queen narnia, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

Emmy 3

Emmy 3, originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

Emmy models her bunny hat and dress.

First snow. winter fairy.

First snow. winter fairy., originally uploaded by Xiaoli2004.

So cold, so cold.