The Industrious Lady

Dying a White Pre-made Shawl Pink White is cursed, or maybe I'm cursed that when I wear white it will stay its pure crispy color for a total of ten minutes. Hems become stained with the green of grass, the pits turn a repulsive yellow color, and white shawls always seem to become tinted with dirt. The idea hit me while cleaning out some of grandma's sewing notions and crafts that she had boxes of powdered rit dye in the color magenta. Now when I think of Magenta, it seems like its normally this color.  What I got was a weird pinkish purple. Now whether this is due to the fifty year old dye or ahem "operator error", I have no idea. But at least its not white and will hopefully last at least a few more of my awkward random gravity checks mid-stride. Now I knew with this shawl being knitted that getting it to hold color was going to be interesting. After a burn test, the yarn came out as a poly blend, which poly does not like to take on color despite ones b...

Starching 1860's Whites and Undergarments Not all 1860's women could afford a silk moire dress or update her wardrobe every year with the latest fashions from Paris, but one thing all women could do to help make herself more presentable and put together. Fabric was expensive but starch was cheap and could be made from the water left over from rice, potatoes, and corn. It could even be made from soaking horse hooves in water for an even stiffer finish.  Starching would elongate the life of garments, as it helped provide a layer of protection from dirt and sweat. Garments would come out cleaner when they were washed, keeping whites whiter. The swish of skirts that the crinoline era known for is created by the stiffened petticoats rubbing against each other.  **** Remember to always blue your whites before adding starch**** Step 1. Make Starch Different starches could be used, but I personally prefer to use corn starch. Using a large canning pot,  br...

Antique Civil War Era 1860s Striped Silk Bodice Jacket From the Seller Beautiful antique silk stripe bodice from the 1860's to 1870's Victorian era. Made from a gorgeous narrow gold and black stripe silk fabric. The sleeves are trimmed with rich black velvet. There are 12 metal fasteners in the front for closure. Fully lined with a light brown cotton. In good wearable antique condition, some light underarm wear. Measurements Length 15", Shoulder seam to shoulder seam 16", Chest 31" Sleeves 17". From the Industrious Lady The arguement could be made that this is an 1860's dress, even maybe late war. The coat sleeves are wide, nearly 2/3 the width of the bodice. Late 1860's and 1870's dresses were much narrower, with some going so far  being tight to the arm

Stunning 1860s / Civil War Era Striped Silk Crinoline Skirt With Matching Muff - Victorian Antique Fashion From the Seller A stunning antique Victorian skirt dating to the 1850s / early 1860s - fabulous silk , and super rare to find with a matching muff ! A large full crinoline dome ( shown over a hoop, not included ) in crisp glossy silk with a woven design of stripes in varying sizes, in purple, red, gold, burgundy etc... The skirt is tightly pleated all around in to the self fabric waistband, fastening with hooks and snappers ( a later addition ) Around the hem is a stiffened band, under this a deep frill of the silk. Unlined. With the skirt is a lovely matching muff, lightly quilted in the striped silk, with double frills and soft silk lining in peach. CONDITION Mostly excellent. There is damage to the waistband near the fastenings, and the hem of the stiffened band has split in places. A couple of very tiny holes. Approx measurements - waist 22 leng...

From the seller  Beautiful antique 1860.s civil war era silk plaid gown. The gown has a piece of lace added to front as a bib I believe that would enable someone of more normal size to wear. The narrow lace around the collar may have also been added. It has dropped piped shoulders with piping also at the the waist with large pleats all around. There are beautiful blue and gold buttons down the front and they would be able to be buttoned on a much smaller form shown in pic- wine colored form if I removed part of the narrow lace around the neck and down covering the back of the button holes.In first 2 pictures the bodice is just staying closed with the eye hook at waist done up and the lace bib is tucked inside but there is no eye hook at top to keep closed. It does stay closed on form or display. The pagoda sleeves have blue silk lining on the inside.There are 2 sections to the sleeves and the bottom is not sewn all the way to the upper half. Inside is li...

Stunning 1860's Robins Egg Blue Silk Gown Civil War From the Seller Stunning 1860's Robins Egg Blue Silk Gown Civil War:  Even with all the issues this 1860's robins-egg blue silk gown is striking.  The bust is 32.5, the waist is 23 inches, the shoulders are 13.5 inches across, and the sleeve length is 19 inches.  The front skirt length from the waist band to the floor is 40 inches and it is 192” circumference at bottom of dress.  The dress does have holes and stains throughout, but it is still sturdy.  It is totally lined in ivory cotton.  It is missing three buttons and some hooks and eyes.  I love the silk rope accent in a circular pattern.  It is a one piece-dress that opens down the front of the bodice and the skirt closes on the side.  It is from the civil war period.  I purchased it in Massachusetts. I wonder about the life it lived. From the Industrious Lady Very pretty color, if it had to be...