1889 Chemise

Since I needed a new chemise for the bustle outfit, I made one today. I was planning on using my 1860s chemise, but I hate it*, so I ripped it apart to make this one. It took me about four hours, from drafting the pattern to hemming. I used the 1889 chemise pattern from The Ladies Treasury, a online collection of patterns/articles from 19th century fashion magazines.

And I know I promised pictures of myself in my underwear sometime on this journal, but today is not that day. It's just laid out on my bed.

Stats

• Fabric: about 2.5 yards of 36" wide cotton muslin
• Thread: White Guterman polyester
• Notions: White polyester/cotton eyelet lace, app. 1.5 yards

( An Ode to Singer Sewing Machines OR Zig Zag Stitches I Have Known )

I am pleased with it. It took very little time, and it has a little bit of lace on it. It makes me feel girly. There's nothing especially to be proud about with the construction, but I know I can toss it in the washing machine and not worry. It balances out.

Of course, now I have the urge to make myself a pair of drawers with tons of embroidery and lace and tucks. But I'm out of white muslin, so it's going to have to wait.

_{*The 1860s chemise was the Simplicity pattern, the sleeves were too full to fit under anything. I can't figure out what the pattern designer was thinking with that.}

Aaaagghhh!

This is why we do not wear vintage clothing.

Courtney Love stomps on it and it's ruined. In one of the pictures, you can it's not just ripped around the bum area, but also under the arm. And all along the bust.

Kate Moss needs to wear some underwear -- ANY underwear -- with that dress, too. I find it strange that Courtney Love actually looked better than she did. Could it be that she's actually cleaner than Kate Moss?

I can't believe that the article makes it sound like Love is at fault for tearing the dress -- anything that's silk satin and 70+ years old is probably going to be falling apart if you wear it. Stupid, stupid, stupid.