Look at this

 Here are two Queen's doll houses. Aren't they wonderful?

 Queen Victoria's doll house (or part of it anyway...)

Queen Mary's doll house ....oh my...  

I'm definitely going to delve into these one day. 

♥Emaline

1750's Chemise

Here is the first post of my 1750's dress!

Well, to be precise, I'm starting with the underpinnings. 

I'm always saying, "If the underpinnings are not right, the dress will not look right." And so I finally took my own advice and made her the right chemise.

 via

This is not the exact pattern I used, but very similar. As you can see, it is mostly square pieces. So it was very easy to figure out without an actual pattern. I did not, however, use any drawstrings or gathers as this pattern suggests. This is the basic idea below.

 Under arm gussets...

 Side gores and crocheted edge around sleeves...

 ...crocheted edge around hem...

  ...and neckline.

And here it is under her corset.

Here is an interesting article (and some lovely pictures) about corsets in the 18th century.

Hope you've enjoyed these pictures. 

Coming up next... More 18th century underpinnings!

Love, Emaline

1890's Bicycling Outfit

 Bicycling is one of the great enjoyments of life! 

I simply love pedaling down the lane to say hello to the neighbors or to look at the horses or to search for signs of Spring! Just feeling the wind in my hair puts me in a more amiable mood.

And of course, if one is to go out for a bicycle ride, one must have the proper attire. Like these lovely pieces from the era.

 And here is my bicycling outfit made for me by my witty friend Kacie. She actually made it for her own doll Ophelia, but I oohed and ahhed over it so much that she decided I should have it. I will be forever grateful. ♥ She also made the 1894 Tailor Gown that I posted about.

 Here is the chemisette. Soft cotton with a beautifully delicate trim around the collar, tiny pearl buttons (actually, seed beads) and a luxurious red satin bow tie! Oh, happiness!

It ties neatly around the torso and is so much less bulky than a blouse would be.

Then the bloomers. What can I say but, fabulous...

The jacket is so sophisticated and beautiful. I love the gold buttons. 

It has a large collar, sewn down for perfect practicality. 

 How much better can it get than "Leg o' Mutton" sleeves!?

The waist points in the front and the back which makes it so elegant. ♥

And of course, the hat! A Tam was very popular to wear with Bicycling garb as you can see from the 1890's illustrations and pictures. And they're so cute!

Thank you Kacie! And thank you all, dear readers for coming to see me!

I hope you may all get out and go for a ride this spring! And if you haven't read the "Don'ts for the Lady Bicyclist", you must go and read it! It is simply hilarious!

♥Emaline

Don'ts for Lady Bicyclists 1895

 Well... Here is a real gem!

I was so thrilled when I found this article!

'Don'ts for the Victorian Lady Bicyclist' 

...Some of these should be embroidered on a cushion. :] 

• Don’t be a fright.
• Don’t faint on the road.
• Don’t wear a man’s cap.
• Don’t wear tight garters.
• Don’t forget your toolbag.
• Don’t attempt a “century.”
• Don’t coast. It is dangerous.
• Don’t boast of your long rides.
• Don’t criticize people’s “legs.”
• Don’t wear loud hued leggings.
• Don’t cultivate a “bicycle face.”
• Don’t refuse assistance up a hill.
• Don’t wear clothes that don’t fit.
• Don’t neglect a “light’s out” cry.
• Don’t wear jewelry while on a tour.
• Don’t race. Leave that to the scorchers.
• Don’t wear laced boots. They are tiresome.
• Don’t imagine everybody is looking at you.
• Don’t go to church in your bicycle costume.
• Don’t wear a garden party hat with bloomers.
• Don’t contest the right of way with cable cars.
• Don’t chew gum. Exercise your jaws in private.
• Don’t wear white kid gloves. Silk is the thing.
• Don’t ask, “What do you think of my bloomers?”
• Don’t use bicycle slang. Leave that to the boys.
• Don’t go out after dark without a male escort.
• Don’t go out without a needle, thread and thimble.
• Don’t try to have every article of your attire “match.”
• Don’t let your golden hair be hanging down your back.
• Don’t allow dear little Fido to accompany you
• Don’t scratch a match on the seat of your bloomers.
• Don’t discuss bloomers with every man you know.
• Don’t appear in public until you have learned to ride well.
• Don’t overdo things. Let cycling be a recreation, not a labor.
• Don’t ignore the laws of the road because you are a woman.
• Don’t try to ride in your brother’s clothes “to see how it feels.”
• Don’t scream if you meet a cow. If she sees you first, she will run.
• Don’t cultivate everything that is up to date because you ride a wheel.
• Don’t emulate your brother’s attitude if he rides parallel with the ground.
• Don’t undertake a long ride if you are not confident of performing it easily.
• Don’t appear to be up on “records” and “record smashing.” That is sporty.

article found here 

 Now, you are fully informed of what not to do when riding a bicycle. ♥

My bicycle is beckoning me from the shed! What do you like to do in April?

♥Emaline