The Industrious Lady

Confession time, I'm going to just put this out there... I didn't want to do the foundations revealed competition.  There, I said it. I didn't get the hype. Why would someone want to take their beautiful creation that they put their blood, sweat, and dozens of hours into for others to judge and possibly put down. There are other who could do it if they wanted, but with each dress I make a little piece of my soul goes into it. They're my babies and I want to be a total helicopter dress parent. But then the guest judge was announced on the Foundations Revealed Website, and it was none other than the woman who made me fall in love with living history. Ruth Goodman who had stolen my heart in her tv series, when I heard her historical nerding out over white washing walls, chasing around sheep, and helping to harness a draft horse.  So for Ruth Goodman, I decided to enter.  Even just the chance that she might see my entry was exciting. Plus the majority of previous years entr

  ORIG ANTIQUE 1870 LILAC PURPLE SILK FAILLE FAB CHENILLE TRIM GOWN BODICE PARIS From the Seller A very fine original 1870s ball gown bodice in the most beautiful shade of lilac purple adorned with unique matching purple very tiny loop trim and darker purple 2" long chenille fringe. The trim is sewn as a collar backed by horsehair ? crinoline. Fabric is silk faille and it is quite sturdy, in fabulous condition. Lined in high quality glazed cotton, 8 various size metal stays with the longest being the one in the front supporting the V and in the back supporting the points. Double piped completely around the bottom. A waist cincher with ROBES AND CONFECTIONS MERLOTLARCHEVEQUIE  21. BOULEVART des CAPUCINES.21 which was in PARIS. A low scoop neckline that was to show cleavage. The sweet cap sleeves not only had the fabulous trim but also short box pleats and a narrow layer of off white tulle lace, Most of the lace has deteriorated. With the tiny eyelet pointed lace up, the back is jus