The Industrious Lady

A visual image of mid crinoline era Undergarments Undergarments and underwear. The Crinoline era is perhaps most well known for its crazy and very structured underwear. The skirt had reached such ridiculous proportions that no amount of petticoats would be able to sustain the shape. This led to the invention of the hoop skirt, which was a true Godsend, it freed the legs, put less pressure and weight on the waist, and allowed for a women to be both fashionable and comfortable. Prior to this, the big skirt silhouette was created using petticoats with as many as seven petticoats used at one time.  Petticoats have been left out to show the layers used under and over the pettis that are normally not able to be seen. The outermost layer seen is the hoop skirt. It was made of light steel hoops attatched to vertical bands. This hoop in the picture weighs less than two pounds, and is very light and springy.   The next layer is the corset. Used much in the same mann...

Cartridge Pleated Striped Dress This is an oldie that was actually completed last year but never really worn, simply collecting dust in the bottomless pit of my closet. When I pulled it out for moving back to the dorms, it definitely needed some love and a chance to be worn. And what better way to unveil this beautiful dress than to wear it exploring the campus college where I will have to look these people in the face tomorrow. Oh well, I'm sure most have figured out my historical nerdiness by now. Especially when Erica and I streaked down the hallway in our victorian underwear (long story).  As part of the wonderful music program at this college, there is a piano room with three beautiful pianos! How could I resist? Oh how I yearn for my union soldier, he has not sent a letter in months since he left to fight for Lincoln and the Union. (JK, I'm single as a pringle, but a girl can still stare dreamily off in the distance)  Even the trees were not safe...