08/27/2025
Ok, the moment you've been waiting for!
Approximately 150 hours went into 5 pieces of late 1800's to early 1900's Annie Oakley inspired garments.
The outfits include: A chemise with underpants (sorry for the wrinkles, I have to Iron and retake photos), a short skirt, and a 2 piece dress (walking skirt).
These are all true to or as close to true to the time period including hand sewing all of the embroidery, hand cutting and sewing all of the hand cut 1/4" fringe and most of the ribbon (some machine sewing was used for longer pieces), finishing seams including neckline, lining, balayeuse (2 layer dust ruffle), pleats, waistlines, hooks and eyes and buttons (machine stitched button holes), and it was all custom made and self patterned, making it a true couture project which I thrive on. I love making clients' visions come to life regardless of what they are. The balayeuse and lining of the walking skirt are constructed from muslin and naturally tea and coffee stained and sealed with vinegar and salt to bring authenticity to the outfit as well. Several yards of eyelet and ribbon went into the undergarments and even the pantalettes are open drawer bottoms which were well known to be worn back then for ease with all the layers worn over top. Some machine stitching was used (main construction), french seams were used, skirt seams were bias tape finished (authentic to time) and arm hole seams on the top were zig zagged by machine to preserve the integrity over time. Fabric for dress and skirt are ultra suede (true suede or leather, wool or muslin would have been used; present day cost and breathability for summer were a consideration in this construction).
