FANtastic Finds!

I just picked up this hand fan at the local antique shop:

I also have not posted anything about a beautiful 1840s Austrian fan that John bought me at the last Antique Elegance Show.  It has some very beautiful embroidery detail in a few places.  It's very large and needs a frame.

Waistcoat Buttons!

It's a bit tight...eeek!  I will figure something out...our redo altogether!!!! lol  Still working on the shirt.  Pocket flaps will come later after breeches.

How To: Self Covered Buttons (from a kit :) )

Step by Step self covered buttons from a kit bought at JoAnns (for the Duke's waistcoat)...The instructions are on the back of the package but I've never done a how to and thought I would practice lol!!!

1.  Gather materials (count how many buttons you need to make)

2.  Cut out pattern provided on the back of the button kit package.  Cut enough Fabric circles as you need buttons.

3.  Place Fabric on the Base provided.  Try to center as best as possible, otherwise the fabric might be too short on one side and it comes out of the casing later.

4.  Place Button Head on Fabric

5.  Push Button Head into the Base (I found the first few times to be the hardest.  The Base is plyable but seems to be more so after a few buttons were made.)

6.  Shove excess Fabric into the Base covering the back of the Button Head

7.  Place Button Back on top of Base covering the Fabric and Button Head.

8.  Using the small Tool provided press Button Back into Base (HARD)

9.  You hear a slight snap and feel the Button Back pop into place. At this point the Button Back is completely emerged into the Base along with the Button Head and Fabric.

10.  Pop Button out of Base

11.  Fin

Etsy Shop with goodies!

I just posted some of my vintage goodies and other handmades in my Etsy shop.  Take a peak!

Current Sewings

My current project is taking more time than expected.  I am fashioning sleeves for a robe a l'anglaise that I started last fall. They are a bit shorter than I intended so I think I'm going to try to add a gauzey flounce.  The inspirations for these sleeves are below:

CADD

So this entire week has been a big fat CADDY one!  I worked just a bit on sleeves for my pink and green cotton anglais that I started on last fall.  My plan is to finish that dress this weekend.  Then there is also John's waist coat that is in need of pockets and buttons. Oh, and his shirt that needs flouncy cuffs.  Those will be tomorrow.  Instead of sewing I have been reading...almost through Part I of Tom Jones.   Is there another costuming saying when you just can't stick to one costume project at a time?  Or does that fall under CADD as well?

Searching.....

If you have been glancing at my blog over the last few weeks you may have noticed my desperate attempt to find a fabulous template.  Any suggestions?  My monitor at home is widescreen, so when I think something looks good it is usually terrible on a smaller screen. GRRR frustrations.

La Bonne Compagnie Sewing Party

A few months back I mentioned starting a group for 18th century enthusiasts.  Here we are!  Well a few of us.  I decided to hold a sewing circle for whom ever could attend.  Our group is La Bonne Compagnie.  And what great company it was!  Thank you Ladies for attending.