A Cornflower Ensemble

As Promised, here are details on my latest Edwardian project.

Back in November we planned a trip, and bought tickets to Biltmore Estate in NC, a favorite haunt of ours. (See Our Engagement) This would have been E-bug's first trip, and we were so excited for him to see it during the Christmas season. Sadly circumstances dictated that we had to put it off.

This turned out to be a good thing as it meant I had time, with no interruptions to plan a new outfit!

Our second Wedding Anniversary was on Valentine's day so we decided to plan the trip around that.

I had no particular dress in mind, so in mid January when things finally calmed down, I took to Pinterest, my favorite place for mind fodder. I wanted something simple, because I didn't really have a LOT of time, but elegant.

I finally came across this lovely original, (Click picture for link)  that had been for sale on Ebay.

My original plan was to copy it fairly closely, but to have simple bishop sleeves instead of the added "Puff at the Cuff" detail. I ended up going a completely different direction...

I was able to find a really close match when it came to fabric... I can't find the link now, but it's a wool blend suiting from Fashion Fabrics Club. I really Love their site, as you can find good "Blend" materials. They really give you the "Look" without the cost. It's not like buying the real deal, but when you have a toddler that $50 a yard 100% wool would buy a lot of diapers. haha!

Anyways, on to the changes.

I started out by "Franken-patterning" the bodice from Folkwear's Gibson Girl Blouse, and TVE-41 - 1903 Plain Blousewaist  for the top. I also followed the original image and used release tucks below the yoke. I then took a bit of a leap outside the norm for me and used "Black Snail Pattern's Edwardian Fan Skirt"  for the skirt. I ended up really loving this pattern! It came together like a dream! And fit perfectly! I highly recommend this pattern and will be going back for more of hers!

While searching in my stash for lace to go on the yoke of the bodice, I found a matching set of vintage pieces. I don't know what era they really are, but they worked. They ended up REALLY simplifying the look of the dress, though. Without the "Fluff" of the inspiration piece, the ruffle around the bottom of the skirt would have just been too much. So I eliminated it completely.

From there, I added a thin braided lace around the collar and cuff, which took it just beyond the realm of "Plain"

I can't tell you how much I loved this "Ensemble" (Which since I haven't mentioned... It IS separates, and not a dress as most originals would be) It was so comfortable, despite being wool, it also wasn't too hot. We did have a bit of a brisk day with highs in the low 50's F, but even in the house where it was heated and overcrowded, it was enjoyable.

From here, I'll let you enjoy the pictures! It was such a glorious day!

And here are some below that I edited for effect. 

I am not affiliated with any of the companies linked above, These are my pure unadulterated opinions.

A Recommendation

So I know I promised a post on my new dress, but I decided to write this much needed post instead.

Are you like me? Did you grow up watching the animated "Anastasia" and become fascinated by the story? Did you ever wonder if the "Rumor in St. Petersburg" was true? Did any of the last four Romanov Grand Duchesses survive the "Execution" at the end of WWI?

Well, I have just the book for you to put on your reading list!

My Husband has spent the past five years doing extensive research, reading first hand accounts, and speaking with people who knew, and has written a novel based on the results.

Follow Agent Philip Barker on his quest to find out the truth!


From the tumult of the Russian Revolution, to the streets of modern-day Moscow, Agent Philip Barker is seeking the truth...the truth behind the mysterious final days of the Imperial Family of Russia, and his own heritage.
The culmination of five years of research and writing, this story is intended as the first in a series of novels featuring Philip Barker, set against the backdrop of History's greatest adventures! ~ Joshua Gillespie


Find it in PAPERBACK HERE on Amazon, and for KINDLE HERE. 

You can also find it on CREATESPACE and recommended on the Bernard Cornwell site.


You can also add it to your Goodreads Reading list.

Have I given you enough links yet? Seriously, you should check it out, and not simply because He's my husband, but because he's written a brilliant book!



Have a look at the trailer and tell me what you think!

One Year Old!!

In January, our Little Man turned a whole year old! The days have seemed to pass like a flash, and yet, have been a lifetime!

I wanted to make something special for him for his birthday, as the latter months of his "Monthly pictures" I failed to have a "Mommy Made" item.

I've not really been able to make anything historic for out boy, as most fashions for little ones of earlier eras was made entirely of dresses, and in this day and age, it wouldn't be understood.

So I tend to lean toward later fashions, or simply stick to modern clothing. This time I REALLY wanted him to have a Norfolk suit. After a VERY long search, I came across this gem. It was a later 1920's suit, so the waistband was lower, but I knew it would take very few alterations to make it work.

The only problem I had with this pattern (and it isn't something the seller could have fixed) Is it's entirely in German. (She did include a rough translation of the instructions) But! With some help from Google Translate, It came together Beautifully!

For time's sake I used a striped poly suiting from Joann's, but it still looks pretty good, and I have enough left to make a pair of Plus fours (Breeches) at a later date. (I bought the ones he's wearing in later photos) 

The first photos were ones I took on his actual Birthday. I hadn't quite finished it, so it was safety pinned together! lol!!

The Latter photos are of a trip we made this past weekend to Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC.  He got so many great compliments, and was a Total little Gentleman!

 He's Holding his Newborn Picture. Sideways... but hey, A mother takes what she can get! lol!

 These were some of the very few photos I could get where he wasn't bouncing... Apparently antique chairs with real springs are fun... 

 He's just learned to walk a few weeks ago, so this moment of pure joy and freedom lasted only moments before he fell unharmed. Haha!

(More to come on my outfit later this week)

 He was SO excited by this goat! And was so gentle! He's going to be a critter lover like his Papa!