Agatha Christie Blouse

I have long admired the style of Agatha Christie, especially when she was a young woman in the 1910s and ‘20s. After the delightful recent adaptation of ‘Howard’s End’, my resolve to have a smart striped Edwardian blouse increased.

The inspiration for my blouse. 

I bought a pattern from Past Patterns, found a lovely striped cotton and set to work.

A closeup of the collar, which was a bit tricky! 

I liked the pattern, but it was a little difficult, and I mis-read the directions for the pleat/ tuck that goes around the shoulder. But I liked the look of my mistake so kept it.

The Norwich area is full of gorgeous churches and it was a nice plus to explore them in my 1910s outfit. The skirt is an original, from around 1917. 

I made the belt with some vintage ribbon, and the neck-scarf is from Burnley & Trowbridge. 

It’s been a few months...

I hadn’t realized that nine months (!) has gone by since my last post. I have not been entirely idle, so this is one of a few catch-up posts to show what I’ve been up to. 

Rachel & me at her hen night/ bridal shower

In March, my dear friend Rachel was married. We met at church whilst we were both at uni, back in 2010, and though attending different universities, we became fast friends, and even shared a flat for three years. It was a wonderful opportunity to be able to travel to the U.K. in order to be there for her wedding. 

Before my trip, I made Rachel a temple dress. Rachel and I are both members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and we have temple ceremonies, for which you wear a white dress. I didn’t feel up to making her wedding dress, but it was a delight to make her temple dress. 

I was terrified that it wouldn’t fit,  but luckily it did! 

What a huge relief!

Rachel’s wedding was a relaxed, quiet affair, and absolutely one of the best and most beautiful weddings I’ve ever been to! 

The bride and groom. So lovely!

WWI Centenary: Armistice Blouse

I had every intention this month, of being involved in all the WWI commemoration going on around the 11th. However, packing and preparing to move (and doing so on the 10th) proved to be more distracting than I had anticipated.

Surprisingly, though, and much to my delight, I was able to make a commemorative ‘Armistice Blouse’ in time to wear on the 11th of November itself! I used a simple pattern from Truly Victorian and embroidered the front panel with white poppies, inspired by a circa 1920s apron my sister Morag gave me for my birthday. The blouse is a little loose in the shoulders, and I hope eventually to make a guimpe to wear beneath it, but on the whole I’m very pleased with it. Here are some photos of the blouse!

A close-up of the embroidery. 

Showing off my gorgeous Royal Vintage shoes which I wore with my outfit. 

I made the skirt as well, a few years back, and the belt buckle is Edwardian, with vintage ribbon. 

The vintage hat I bought in Glasgow. 

WWI Centenary: Arthur Lang

This might be a funny thing to admit, but I am really gutted that I haven’t been in the U.K. during any of the Great War Centenary events happening in the last four years. Ever since a dear family friend introduced the war poets to us over fifteen years ago, I have been fascinated by the history (and the fashions!) of the 1910s.

As one hundred years since the Armistice approaches, I want to have my own remembrance observances.

Whilst living in Glasgow, I would haunt the local charity shops, which are treasure troves of clothing, house items and books. In one on Great Western Road, the same road my flat was on, I found a slender volume of poetry published by the University of Glasgow. Of course I bought it.

Arthur Lang was born 16th April 1892. He attended the University of Glasgow from 1909 to 1913, before continuing his studies at Oxford. He joined up in September of 1914, and was killed in action 29th of August, 1916. 

These are the bare bones of this young man’s life. The University of Glasgow has more information on this friendly, talented fellow, which can be read here: Arthur Lang

Arthur Lang as a young man, from the University of Glasgow website (see above link)

Arthur as a soldier, as pictured in my book — ‘For Private circulation’

The tribute of him, given by two friends in the book, depict Arthur as a very talented, as well as a very friendly man. Though not best in large groups or parties, it seems as though his friendship was sought for and greatly cherished. He is not one of the great, remembered war poets of the First World War, but there are many such little known, worthwhile lives that were snuffed out in that conflict. 

A poignant discovery in my book: the card of Robert Lang, Arthur’s father. 

It’s incredible to me that this card, signed by the father and given to a friend, was still in the book when I found it for £1 in a charity shop, nearly one hundred years later. 

Autumn Interlude

Autumn leaves! The look, smell and sound of them make my heart happy. 

I’ve been woefully absent on my blog, and would like to remedy that! Unfortunately I have no new sewing project to show off, as I have not finished any yet. My time as a nanny is winding down, I am working on a masters degree application as well as looking for a new job and a place to live, so hopefully I am justified in being a little distracted.

I have been trying to enjoy the delicious, cool autumn which has finally come to Utah (summer seemed to be unending this year!). I’ve tried to spend time with friends and family and enjoy the beauty of both the earth at this time, and the people in it who bring me joy. Here are some autumn photos to enjoy until such time as I can finish my languishing 1910s blouse and post about that!

My lovely sister Rebecca and her poodle Pippa. 

Playing with Pippa

Fading colours. 

My friends and I made apple dumplings last weekend and it was delightful to work together, and spend time in each other’s company. 

Two of the three friends who made the dumplings. 

With my sister Morag, picking out pumpkins. 

Look at that hair! Lucy loves autumn too. 

Yellow leaves, dark branches, and grey skies. Bliss!

1910s Lingerie Dress

I just celebrated my birthday, and had decided, a few months ago, when I discovered a beautiful 1910s dress from my favourite Etsy shop (Marybethhale) that I would treat myself to a birthday gift this year (layaway is a dangerous thing!)

I also decided, once I had the dress, that I must do a photo shoot wearing it. My sister Beccah and my sister-in-law April obliged and took these great photos.

This is what was known as a lingerie dress — all white, with embroidery. I’m pretty certain my dress dates from around 1914.

A photo of the poet Edna St Vincent Millay, in 1914. Her lovely linen dress is very similar in style to my lingerie dress. 

We decided to do the photo shoot in the lovely Memory Grove in Salt Lake City, a Park memorialising soldiers who died in the 1st World War. 

Pretending my Kodak Vest Pocket Camera works!

New Wearing History Edwardian Blouse

Wearing my completed blouse. 

When I determined, about three years ago, to make a 1910s wardrobe, one of the first patterns I used was the Wearing History Edwardian Blouse and Guimpe pattern. I based it off of some blouses seen in season two of Downton Abbey. It was a great pattern to work with.

The first blouse I made, back in 2015. 

Last summer I bought some lovely sheer textured cotton from Renaissance Fabrics, and cut out a new blouse. I got cold feet for some reason, and didn’t work on it right away. In the spring I slowly started work on it. My sister-in-law, who recently took up sewing, had put me to shame with her skill and patience, and I was much more careful with this piece, and corrected every mistake. It was a good lesson to learn, and I think has payed off.

A blouse from circa 1904, Philadelphia Museum. 

Two blouses from Augusta Auctions, 1905-1915. 

Wearing it with the 1910s skirt I made a few years back, and my American Duchess shoes!