The second Saturday in June I headed towards Independence, Kansas to celebrate the reconstruction of The Little House on the Prairie cabin. I packed up An 1880’s Traveling Suit For Prairie Days.
An 1880’s Traveling Suit For Prairie Days
With each costume or piece of modern clothing that I make I try to learn a new dressmaking skill. All of the previous skills have led up to making a customized 1880’s traveling suit with simple bustle.
This costume was couture meaning that it was made to measure for me. A mockup was made in muslin and fitted numerous times. Then the adjusted pieces were used as a pattern on the calico cloth.
This is a good time to publicly thank all of the members in the Time Travelers Sewing Guild that I belong to. I could not have created this without their knowledge and support. Dartanyan, in particular, helped measure, create the pattern pieces, gave tremendous advice and shared her amazing skills during the construction process.
This past Monday I shared the inspiration and historical extant gowns from which I based this design.
Since this ensemble was to be worn on the hot Kansas prairie I opted for a lower square neckline and 3/4 length sleeves. The selection of a navy colored cotton calico was based on wanting to hide the dirt.
Pretty Details
The sleeves were the only part of the ensemble that I added excess frippery. This suit was constructed as something worn by pioneer women to church and other social functions. They would have only been able to afford small pieces of lace and ribbon embellishments.
The Bonnet
The bonnet was a circa 1950’s child’s hat that I transformed. I’ll share all the details in Wednesday’s post.
How Hot Am I?
These photos were taken on a one hundred degrees day. By wearing all cotton and staying in the shade I was not uncomfortable despite also wearing a chemise, corset, and petticoat. In addition, the bodice is lined with white cotton muslin which you can catch a glimpse of in the inner arm below.
I hope that you have enjoyed this newest installment of sewing through history. I’ll be back on tomorrow to show you my UNDERWEAR. Victorian underwear that is. As well as provide all of the construction details.
As always I don’t take myself too seriously when “modeling” and will close with a few outtakes.
Baby Got Back!
Have a wonderful day!
Laura
Wow, this is gorgeous. You really are quite the seamstress and your designs are always amazing. This is just beautiful and so are you.
This is gorgeous, Laura!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the color of the dress and hat. You look utterly charming. ♥
Great job!
(Enjoyed the out takes)
Love the outfit on you and it is so beautiful!!
You look lovely! Beautiful dress and bonnet. Perhaps you are getting geared up to do more period pieces. I’d like to, but first I gotta get settled into this house. Slow as molasses. The Kansas weather has been horribly hot too soon for June. Today it cooled a bit as we had a little rain.
All the best,
d
Your skills are many – sewing, modeling, comedy routine….. thanks for sharing them all.
This is one outfit I would love to be in that era to wear. Lovely!
This really is amazing, Laura, and looks perfect on you. You may well have stepped off the movie set. The Ingalls will be calling you in to dinner any moment now.
Amalia
xo
It really turned out beautifully! The calico is just perfect and I like that it hides the dirt! heehee! Maybe a lighter color if you visit me here in Florida though! Beautiful….so well done!
Laura, you look beautiful in your prairie gown! It looks so truly authentic, and you really look amazing. Looking forward to your event post.
Wow! You did an amazing job! The outfit looks so authentic. I love the fabric color too.
Laura, You never cease to amaze! You look as cool as a cucumber … I never would have known it was a hot day. Joan
Another success! Your Sewing Guild sounds like a wonderful group. It’s always a learning experience to belong to such a group.
Your suit is a tribute to your knowledge and skill. Looking forward to the next post.
I was wondering how hot it would be but you look as cool as the lake on an early summer morning, before the sun has hit full force and the temps have started to rise. I love the details and appreciate all I learn about the fashion of the period when I read your posts! Marvelous in every way.
I love this dress! You did a fantastic job! I am amazed at your sewing skills and creativity! Mary