After the WWI event at Hereford one thing became apparent – I cannot wear my original mourning outfit in these temperatures! it was only silk, but black, and having it drenched with sweat was just a crime. So for the next WWI event, in St. Neots, I decided to whiz something simple and more appropriate – a light cotton summer dress.
I had only 1 day to do just that – recent house move meant I had to finish some commissions early and catch up with others after the move – but I managed to save up 1 day to get the frock sorted. I had a lovely cotton with embroidered border in stock ( to make one of the stock item dresses…) and decided to use that. my inspiration came from a few fashion plates picturing a skirt and a bodice/jacket combination – you can see the board here.
The whole thing turned out to be a bit more complex than I had originally imagined. The top needed a sitted waist ( underbodice) with the looser , longer layer being mounted directly on it. I did not have time to make a late Edwardian corset in lighter fabric, and my black one showed through the layers – so I had to use my early Edwardian corset – shorter and without suspenders, but it turned out to work just fine. I also added some vintage lace to the borders of the jacket…
fitted waist under the looser layer…
The only pair of shoes I had, were my new Gibsons from American Duchess – and so to match them I found a scrap of beige silk in the scrap box and made a belt to compliment the shoes – whatever as left of the silk went on the hat…
And so, the layers were – The stockings, drawers and the chemise with a corset on top….
then the petticoat in light cotton and lace…
Camisole and the skirt next…
And then the jacket. It can be worn in 2 ways – as a cross over…
or open in front, revealing more of the decorative waist…
back view…
The hat was an original item, restyled just a bit – added silk bow, velvet ribbon , some bling and ivory and brown feathers.
On the day I forgot my gloves – and felt half naked wondering around town looking for a shop that would sell anything suitable… Fortunately, lovely ladies in Beales found s the last few pairs of net gloves somewhere in the stock room – and they were perfect!
Here am leaving for a day’s work on the second day – this time with a parasol as sun was merciless!
The event itself, ran by St. Neot’s museum and Black Knight Historical, was great – we chatted to the public, recruited nurses, encouraged young lads to join up – and talking about the impact the great War had on the history and everyday life…
– and in between all that we sat at a nearby vintage cafe, enjoying amazing scones, tea and lemonade… If you ever are in St. Neot’s this place is well worth a visit – Betty Bumbless Vintage tea Rooms.
I also spent some time making sketches – to be used by one of the local artists – and it turned out to be a real magnet for the public, and inspired a few very interesting discussions about the war fashions….
At the end of the day we indulged in a little photoshoot session in the cafe – their first floor turned out to be a time machine – styling was mostly WWII, but generic enough for us to have a go at a few pictures…
Lastly, we paid our respects at the local monument…
All through the weekend the temperatures were scorching – and the new dress worked well – it was light, breathed well and I felt much cooler than in the black silk – success. in fact, it proved so popular that I got some more of the fabric to make another one, this time for sale:-). Considering the fact that in the next 4 years we will be doing quite a lot of the WWI events, I suspect I will be making a few more summer dresses, day dresses and walking suits… a few of them are already done, available in our shop! ore to come over the next few months….
Credits:
Photography – as always, huge thanks to Pitcheresque Imagery
Shoes – American Duchess,
Clothes ( my dress, Blue silk dress, and Lucas’ breeches ( try as I might, I simply couldn’t get out of making theses…) – Prior Attire
gloves – Beales
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