Green Robe a l'Anglaise by Doll Clothes of Yore

The Elizabeth's Best Outfit is on sale at Doll Clothes of Yore. The cotton fabric is similar to the copy I have at home:










You can see more colonial outfits in my Picasa Album.

Orange Caraco for Felicity

Created by Aquila400. Note the pearl detail.

Dollies' Dressmaker Blue Caraco and Petticoat

You can find Dollies' Dressmaker Blue Caraco and Petticoat at her website.

What is the Difference between a Caraco and Other 18th Century Jackets
http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-is-difference-between-caraco-and.html

Analysis of a Caraco Jacket by American Duchess.
http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/2010/10/costume-analytics-1770-80-chintz-caraco.html

Did Jane Austen write on such a desk?

I bought this bureau from another collector who had drawn up a blueprint and had commissioned a carpenter to carry out the design. The bureau is a low and compact writing desk that has an angled slant-top that opens and closes to reveal compartments used for storing envelopes, letters, and other writing supplies. They were popular in the 19th century, but there were made in the 18th century too. The regency style bureaus were actually very daintier looking than the one I showcase. The bureaus usually had drawers on the lower section, but I guess my Felicity gets to show off her tea set.




The desk has a mirror at the top and a little carving.



You can see what it looks like closed on the right.

Yellow Regency Ball Gown

This yellow regency ball gown was created by Jamiehistoriccostume. The lace around the collar and the bottom of the dress have a little sparkle thread. The dress is a little tight, so the velcro on the back of the dress might not close all the way if your doll is a little on the torso-chubby side. On the left side of the gown, the pleating near the waist is not quite perfectly symmetrical. Nonetheless, the gown is very cute and generally historically accurate for the regency period.








Felicity as Becky Sharpe talking to Amelia Sedley?

Samantha Beach Combing

Whew, Boston has been suffering a heat wave lately.

I took these photos in November as I was about to sell them and trade them. I live about a 10 minute walk from the Atlantic Ocean (well, the Boston Harbor technically) and I wished I had snapped some photos at the local beach during summer. But poor Samantha had just retired and her outfits were fetching great prices at auction. I ended up trading the bathing outfit for a slightly damaged copy of Josefina's writing table. I thought I got the better deal. I sold the the middy outfit and bicycle outfit. Oh, well. Though the middy and the bathing outfit were made of thicker fabric unlike the rest of the flimsy stuff in Samantha's collection, I was never a fan of the nautical look. So I don't miss the outfits...except perhaps for the missed photo op.

Colonial Gown by Crafty1sews

This colonial gown made by crafty1sews on Ebay has very nice detail. Even the kerchief has a little lace trim. It also came with a little hand purse.

I try to imagine characters wearing these dresses. Have any of you read Johnny Tremain? I think the dress is too fancy for working class Priscilla Lapham, but someone like Lavinia Lyte, the Boston socialite might wear it. But she probably would wear silks. Perhaps I should dig out an Ann Rinaldi book?

And you know what I'm psyched about? The Americas wing finally opening up at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Entire corridors devoted to colonial art. Mmmmm. John Singleton Copley and Paul Revere. And John Sargent for ye lovers of costumes in paint.

MrsC's Blue Felicity Gown

This colonial gown with embroidered fabric was created by Donna Cotterman, also known as MrsC. The gown actually looks even more beautiful on Elizabeth, who has blue eyes. I original saw the gown on MrsC's Picasa album, and asked her if she was making copies. She wasn't at the time, but months later she gave me an opportunity to add it to my collection. So the lesson learned is that if you see something you love, it doesn't hurt to ask!

Blue Colonial Toile Gown

In the 18th century, toile patterns were floral or depicted pastoral scenes, and were colored navy, red, or black on white or cream background cotton fabric. Textile makers often lifted the patterns from book illustrations, and manufactured the fabric prints using wood blocks or copper plates with madder or indigo dye. Here's a general history of toile from Sewing Needle Work and also a more detailed article at the Quilter's Muse.

The following gown was made by Dollies' Dressmaker. I guess Chrissa here is pulling a Scarlet O'Hara, as I thought toile was usually used for room decor, but hey, it would have been expensive fabric back in the 18th century. I guess she's showing it off. The pattern is of two idyllic dancing figures, clad in classic robes.