Welcome to the reveal of the Decor To Adore Annual Costume Challenge 18th c. Provencal Gal.
Annual Costume Challenge 18th c. Provencal Gal
This costume was my most ambitious project to date.
I wondered if I could sew a chemise, quilted petticoat, Caraco (jacket), scarf, and apron in just three weeks?
Would I be able to create all of the historical accessories on a budget?
I must be crazy right?
In fact, I think they wrote a song about it.
Sing with me… Bonjour, bonjour!
Look there she goes,
The girl is strange, no question,
Dazed and distracted,
Can’t you tell?
Look, there she goes, a girl who’s strange but special
A most peculiar mademoiselle
It’s a pity and a sin,
She doesn’t quite fit in…
There must be more to this provincial liiiiiiiiife!
You can view the sewing specifics of the Caraco (jacket) and quilted petticoat HERE.
Details on the linen chemise and other 18th century undergarments are found HERE.
All of the 18th-century accessory fine points are listed HERE.
Cost
This did turn out to be my most expensive costume to date. But again the sheer number of elements and layers required for this ensemble also exceeded everything I have ever made or worn previously.
- Chemise: $12.00
- Quilted petticoat: $21.00
- Caraco (jacket): $63.00
- Scarf: $12.00
- Apron: $3.00
- Straw hat: $5.00
- Antique lace cap: $20.00
- Antique cross necklace: $1.00
The grand total: $137.00 ~ which is still a pretty amazing price for a costume of this detail.
The stays, under petticoat, and stockings were from a previous 18th-century costume.
The shoes are basic black flats.
The antique French wire basket has been in my personal collection for many years.
Time Invested
As for how long this ensemble took to create… approximately 30-40 hours. I worked on it every day, a few hours each day, for three weeks.
So with that, I do hope you have enjoyed this year’s costume challenge!
My next project will be a Victorian-era ball gown to wear at the Dickens Festival in December.
What look would you like to see created next October?
Laura
Costumes for other events can be found under the Fashion Tab at the top of the page.
Costumes created for previous challenges are linked below.
The Roaring 20’s
Oh Laura, this is so beautiful. Every single detail is amazing. Your pictures are all so wonderful too. Well done, this is stunning.
Tres chic, Cherie! Bien fait!
Fabulous work Laura! I think this is my favorite one! Your attention to detail is impressive. Ann
Vous etes tres belle, mon amie! Et tres talentuese aussi! (excuse the lack of accents – I’m writing on a tablet)
Wow. You are just truly amazing! You have done such a fantastic job! So beautiful!
LOVELY!!!!!
Autumn blessings,
d
Your costume is amazing and so are you. This is well past costuming – this is re-creation.
Can’t wait to see the next one..
Laura, you never cease to amaze! So beautiful!
Your attention to detail is incredible and I do not know of a more talented seamstress!
Thanks for taking us along on your journey!
This is beautiful! Your costumes are always so wonderful and I love that you make them on a budget and give accurate information about how long each took to make
Can I first just say…..I’m so glad I found your blog? You are an amazing seamstress, even if you are so humble about it. I’m always up for the challenge as well. My new challenge is to recover a Queen Ann chair. That to me is a do-able challenge, yet still complicated. I applaud you for all the costumes you created. They are gorgeous!
Cindy
Tres belle! Can’t wait to see your ball gown. So glad you’re getting to go to the Dickens festival this time!
Amazing. You are so talented!
What an amazing costume Laura! And on a budget too! Your sewing skills and eye for fabric combination are so wonderful. Thanks for sharing your accomplishments with us!
Many blessings for a fabulous fall, Edie Marie
Wow, this is fantastic! I used to make my kids costumes back in the day! My sewing machine and I have parted ways since then. You are very talented. Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
Wow you look amazing.. you have created such a beautiful costume.. so much attention to detail
http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com
Another gorgeous outfit! I absolutely love the pattern on the jacket – I’d wear that today! I also think the quilted fabric is special, too. Such beautiful fall colors. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen|Or Hopeful Home