[h-cost] Wedding in 1882
On a recent trip home I found a letter written by my great grandmother to her sister describing her daughter's wedding, which I have been trying to transcribe. The wedding took place at home and the bride's attire was described as a simple costume.Her veil was described, but not the dress itself. This is what I've been able to figure out so far. (Some of the words might not be exactly right - I'm still deciphering the handwriting!) The pure white --- veiling(?) trimmedwith many rows of lace and with drapery of white watered ribbon at the back was very pretty. The veil a large square of tulle fell a little over her face and was caught on one side of the head by a cluster of natural white roses. Anotherbunch at the left side of the neck among the laces and a third larger upon the skirts holding the veils back a little. Black stockings slippers and long white gloves made up the t ensemble. The only ornaments were a beautiful Silver comb earrings sent her by Cousin... What would this dress have looked like? We haven't been able to find any pictures that could be this gown. She comments that the groom's mother looked uncommonly well in black satin lace. Some beautiful diamonds at her throat. Was it normal to wear black to a wedding? How long would someone wear mourning for a son? (The groom's brother had died in 1875.) Thanks! Cathy ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Wedding in 1882
Fran, Thanks! The ceremony took place at 11:30 in the morning on June 1, but I'm sure she would have had occasion to need evening dresses - they spent the next few days at the White Sulphur (still a very high-class place!) and then on to New York before a honeymoon in England. If she was wearing long white gloves wouldn't that indicate that the dress had short sleeves? We have undated pictures of her in a light-colored gown with a square neck that appears to be trimmed in ermine. She's wearing a crown. Someone suggested that might be her wedding gown, but I don't think so, especially after reading this letter. Cathy -Original Message- From: Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Wed, Jun 19, 2013 11:19 pm Subject: Re: [h-cost] Wedding in 1882 Early in 1882 she was probably wearing a dress with only a small bustle (the natural form era), though late in 1882 it would have been a larger bustle. She had on either a polonaise (long tunic) over a skirt, or a bodice/overskirt/skirt ensemble. Either the polonaise or the overskirt likely provided the back drapery. Her dress probably had a high day neckline and 3/4 or full length sleeves, but might well have had detachable parts (a front gilet, and lower sleeves) to turn it into a lower-necked, shorter-sleeved evening dress, especially if it was an expensive dress. Wedding dresses were often worn as evening dresses after the wedding, if the bride expected to attend many social events. Other than that, there's not enough detail to go on. The dress was likely off-white, but might have been colored, if it were to be used later as a day dress by a bride who did not expect to attend many evening events. As for the mother-in-law, a shiny fabric (satin) and glittering jewels (diamonds) were not mourning. You might be interested in my book Fashions of the Gilded Age, which contains patterns, images, and descriptions of wedding dresses in Volume 2. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com On 6/19/2013 7:38 PM, Cathy Raitt wrote: On a recent trip home I found a letter written by my great-great grandmother to her sister describing her daughter's wedding, which I have been trying to transcribe. The wedding took place at home and the bride's attire was described as a simple costume.Her veil was described, but not the dress itself. This is what I've been able to figure out so far. (Some of the words might not be exactly right - I'm still deciphering the handwriting!) The pure white --- veiling(?) trimmed with many rows of lace and with drapery of white watered ribbon at the back was very pretty. The veil a large square of tulle fell a little over her face and was caught on one side of the head by a cluster of natural white roses. Another bunch at the left side of the neck among the laces and a third larger upon the skirts holding the veils back a little. Black stockings slippers and long white gloves made up the t ensemble. The only ornaments were a beautiful Silver comb earrings sent her by Cousin... What would this dress have looked like? We haven't been able to find any pictures that could be this gown. She comments that the groom's mother looked uncommonly well in black satin lace. Some beautiful diamonds at her throat. Was it normal to wear black to a wedding? How long would someone wear mourning for a son? (The groom's brother had died in 1875.) Thanks! Cathy ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Organizing Hanging Bag System?
The kind of shoe bags that hang on the back of the door work well for storing notions and such. Try to find one with clear plastic pockets. Catherine -Original Message- From: michaeljdeib...@gmail.com michaeljdeib...@gmail.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Tue, Nov 15, 2011 2:20 pm Subject: [h-cost] Organizing Hanging Bag System? As always seems to happen, my sewing area and supplies have exploded and then forced back into various places thus scattering pieces and supplies for various projects. I'm looking for a sturdy, clear bag that I can hang on a hanger, thereby allowing me to put all supplies, notions, and trims inside and have one bag per project. That way I can sort what I have and see at a glance what I have/still need for that project. I'm sure something like what I want exists but cant seem to find it. Also wondering what everyone uses if it's a better method. As always, I'm looking for economical as well. Any ideas/suggestions? Note: Unless they're small pieces or already cut, I keep fabric on bolts or cardboard so that wouldn't be put in said bags. Michael Deibert OAS AAS LLS Sent from my iPhone ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
[h-cost] Getting into a new time period - Rev War
I have an occasion coming up next month where Revolutionary War dress is encouraged, and I have nothing to wear! What I've seen the women wearing locally appears to be from the commercial patterns and I really don't want to do that. Activities in my area range from re-enacting the Battle of Great Bridge in December 1775 to celebrating the Surrender at Yorktown, October 1781. At this point, I don't need a ball gown, but want something in the mid-range with the proper layers. I'm not a member of a re-enactment group, but need to look reasonably authentic. My experience up to this point has been mainly Elizabethan and before. There are many web-sites for the earlier clothing; are there any with pattern diagrams for the Rev War? What are some good references? Thanks! Cathy ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Shoe glue
I can also vouch for Shoe Goo. It's holding the soles on my Birks and my husband repaired a tear in my athletic shoes. Cathy R. -Original Message- From: Rickard, Patty ricka...@mountunion.edu To: 'Historical Costume' h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Thu, May 12, 2011 2:09 pm Subject: Re: [h-cost] Shoe glue I use a product called Shoe Goo. Patty -Original Message- From: h-costume-boun...@indra.com [mailto:h-costume-boun...@indra.com] On Behalf Of mims...@gmail.com Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2011 12:57 PM To: h-cost...@indra.com Subject: [h-cost] Shoe glue I have a gorgeous pair of child's cowboy boots that are at least 50 years old, but the upper is separating from the sole at the heel. A good 3 inches is no longer attached. A shoemaker is not within a manageable distance for me. Would I be successful tackling this myself? If so, what sort of glue do I need to look for? Thanks for any advice. Siobhan ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
