1860s Corset Completed

All hand-stitched, costing me $9 because I reused the boning, laces, and binding off my old corset, and fits like a glove. I am so excited to have made this, for comfort's sake, and so I can get started making my cool weather dress.

Sewing Academy China Doll

Oh boy oh boy oh boy!! I just ordered the 15 inch Mary Frances doll, and can't wait for it to get her in the mail and start sewing for her. I think it will be a lovely period activity for downtime at events, to be sewing tiny undergarments or dresses! As I will be 20 at my next reenactment I think that sewing for a child-doll will be representative of my wistfulness for childhood and my thoughts of sewing for future children. A combination, in my mind, of these three paintings by Mary Cassatt:

Also, because Mary Frances' height is so close to 16", I'm hoping she will be able to wear the doll's clothing from the 1913 book The Mary Frances Sewing Book, which coincidentally shares my new doll's name!

'60s Shoe Obsession

So my order is in for 8 yards of plaid navy wool for a fall/winter dress, my corset is just waiting for grommets that I'll obtain next week, and I've been motivated with no projects to work on. Naturally I have found an unlikely project to be consumed by, the making of early 1860s Lady's Shoes. I have found several patterns in Peterson's Magazine, c. 1860, one of which I made a prototype of over the course of two days. I'm a little disappointed by how it turned out, but I think with rounding the corners of the toe, and by using leather for the sole and a sturdy wool cloth or corduroy for the body, I'll be much more pleased. Here is the pattern and design from Peterson's 1860:

 

Here is my best try at it:

My other option is one with an ankle strap,  the heel coming higher and extending around the ankle to buckle in front.

 

I think I ought to make a prototype of this one also, to decide which one I like better in person.