HARRIET Creating Emma’s Muse

Hello sweet friends! Welcome to a very fun Fashion Friday. Today I am sharing the still photos of my most recent sewing project HARRIET Creating Emma’s Muse. 

Who Is Harriet?

Harriet Smith is the beloved friend of heroine Emma Woodhouse from the book Emma written by Jane Austen. The 2020 film was directed by Autumn de Wilde. The amazing costume designs were created by Alexandra Byrne. While watching the film my daughter fell in love with the ensemble worn by Harriet when Emma paints her portrait. 

I had originally planned to recreate this costume for a Jane Austen-themed event that is now canceled. 

I am so thankful that the Jane Austen Fashion Challenge is providing an opportunity to share this project online. 

HARRIET Creating Emma’s Muse

The first hurdle was finding a pattern. The Black Snail Patterns Dress and Sleeveless Spencer seemed to fit the bill with minimal adjustments. 

Setting the scene.

My darling Harriet.

The spencer, dress, and headpiece took approximately 36 hours to create. There was so much hand sewing!

If you add in hair and makeup, filming, editing, etc. It was a very full work week.

The earrings are vintage pearl grape clusters. 

This is a historically accurate choice. You can find lovely replicas in the Lady Detalle shop. Extant (antique) examples can be seen HERE. 

To achieve the proper Regency silhouette period correct undergarments were worn. They were shared on my Instagram page. 

We could not have asked for a more perfect spring day to capture these images. 

The Bottom Line

Here is the approximate cost breakdown. While still a bit pricey, shopping second-hand is a true cost saver AND great for the planet!

Undergarments, stockings, and shoes were used from previous Regency projects.

• PDF Pattern $ 7.56
• Vintage cotton velvet (found at an estate sale) $1
• Muslin (estate sale) $1
• Vintage buttons (from mom’s stash) free
• Vintage black and gold ribbon (Etsy) $7
• Headband 50 cents
• Pearls, gold wire, and spray paint (already had) free
• Flowers $4.99
• White fabric 3 1/2 yds (width of 54“) $5 a yard/ $17.50
• Thread $2
• Twill tape (leftover from an 18th-century project) free
• Vintage grape cluster earrings: $11.21
• Shawl: the original price on eBay was $30. The seller advertised the fabric content as silk. It was not silk so I asked to return it. The seller agreed it was an error and graciously said to keep it as shipping would cost more than what it was worth. 
• Total: 52.76  

All of the interior photos were taken in the newly redecorated sunroom. The makeover was done for under $150!

I hope you have enjoyed this post. Other Fashion Friday posts can be found HERE. 

This Week’s Video

You may also enjoy that I go into great detail on how the garments are constructed as well as how I organize projects in this week’s YouTube video. 

Indulge your imagination in every possible flight. ~ Pride and Prejudice

Laura