Earlier this year my husband I went to Williamsburg, VA to visit his sister. While there we went to Colonial Williamsburg a couple times during the weekend. (Lots of walking, go when it is cool.) We did have a marvelous time. (when I wasn’t complaining about the heat) I remember when we went last, a few decades ago, and one parked at the fence-line and walked straight in. Like any little town it has grown into quite the little business center. There is an entire welcome center and a hotel and more. If you do go, decide to eat there, the food is wonderful. And do not miss the museum! Besides being air conditioned, still complaining about the heat, the additions have been completed. You would never know you were underground! I stopped at one point to rest and listen to the pianoforte. I fell in love with the different sounds. You will, too!
In the textile room, I took more pictures than probably
allowed of the needlework and clothing.
The
following day I went back to Mary Dickinson’s store. I had Grace in mind and
was hoping to find fabrics to make her a dress.
In the shop were fabrics that are original reproductions of designs from
Colonial Williamsburg. The dyes and the
printing are by direct specifications. I
bought one fabric I thought would possibly have use for a period garment for
Grace. The other fabrics I purchased were from the
internet. It was true serendipity as the
fabrics look so well together.
 |
| IIt seems I always make a mistake! The fabrics in the center and on the RIGHT are from Past Crafts. |
Since I
always say, ‘I have no original ideas’, I decided to check my books and, of
course, the internet to find inspiration for this large pattern. Grace is an 8” tall doll, the fabrics could
overwhelm her easily. Finally, searching
through Pinterest I found an inspiration dress and more or less, set to
work.
I used the wonderful patterns
created for this doll by Sheryl Williams. (They were on the CD that came with
our digital journal.) You can never go
wrong with anything from Sheryl. I sing
her praises each time I get to take a class or use her patterns. Simply the best. For this project I did modify the bodice a
little. I did not use the skirt front
panel and I cut the overdress length to create the shorter jacket style.
Modification
of an old Marie Antoinette Fichu pattern was the final addition to her
dress. The entire costume is quite busy
and yet it still seems to be balanced.
I did not
feel the rendering complete without a hat, and also found a sample of a period
hat from the Metropolitan Museum. I have
a sweet piece of fabric from Urban Gardens Fabrics that had the look of the
antique and created the pattern from scratch.
I love it, but think there could be some modifications. Sometimes one just dives in. (Since starting this post, I have found an
old pattern to create the hat. Perhaps
next time?)
What would
our young miss be doing in her simple costume?
I figured she could be out for a simple walk, and collecting flowers? I
like that idea and have a basket for her and am creating a bunch of flowers
from a kit. Maybe another post about
Grace will come as her wardrobe and accessories grow.
Kathi
Although my family and friends laugh at me when I say it... Colonial Williamsburg is my dream vacation. I've been three times. First in 1975 in the Fifth Grade as our class! It has become a bit more commercialized in recent years. Last time I went (in 2000) there was a long "Disneyland-like" set up of ticket booths and turnstiles. I have never visited the shop that sells fabric....maybe I did and just don't remember. I do remember buying and lovely, flat brim straw hat for my doll in 1975 in the Millinery Shop.
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