Emaline's "Bosom Friend" - Finished!

ANNE: "My greatest wish, apart from staying at Green Gables, would be to have a bosom friend."
MARILLA: "A what kind of friend?"
ANNE: "A bosom friend; a really kindred spirit. I've dreamt of meeting her all my life."

   I love this quote from Anne of Green Gables. And Marilla's face when she says it! Oh, it's too precious!
 
 I have finished my Winter Accessory Craft-Along Project! Hooray! Hooray!
 I am quite tickled and pleased with how it turned out!

I did block it, but I only used 3 pins because it knitted so well into the right shape already.

Since I used a shawl pattern, I added braided ties and tassels (yay!), and then poked them through the holes in the middle, at the point and tied them in a bow to make it into a Heart Warmer. (Oh! I just can't decide what name I like the best! They're all so charming!)

I love this yarn so much! And now I have a "bosom friend" to be with me all the time! he he!

And speaking of bosom friends...  I have been reading the Anne of Green Gables series and I am absolutely in love with them!
Especially the first book. It is out of a dream!
 And... look what I found! My favorite part in Anne of Avonlea. Well, the whole movie is practically my favorite part, but you know how that goes... :)
Here it is... (watch from 2:58) Where Anne and Marilla are reunited. So wonderful! Makes me cry every time.

Well, I hope everyone has enjoyed this little craft along as much as I have. It certainly gave me a boost on some projects I've wanted to make for a long time!

We are certainly not done yet! There are still quite a few good days left in March, so if you haven't added your accessory yet, please do! We'd love to see them!

And now.... since March is departing and Winter is dwindling... I am thinking of what we should do next!

Does anyone have any ideas for our next blog party?

♥Emaline

The 'Brobdingnagian Sleeve'

Here is a most entertaining and eloquent article that my cousin Olive found on the Dreamstress Fashion blog. 

The Death of Big, or shall we say, Brobdingnagian Sleeves... 

 

♥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

 

 

1894 Tailor Gown

My very good friend Kacie made this dress for me quite a few Christmases ago. It has gotten MUCH use as I simply love wearing it! It makes me feel confident and ready to conquer the world! It is the picture of confidence and sophistication.

The inspiration for the dress came from this pattern. Although she so cleverly drafted her own pattern just by looking at the picture.

 I simply adore the leg o' mutton sleeves! They have tulle gathered inside the top part so they will stay as poofy as ever!

The military style trim is made of crochet thread, I believe, and sewn on with regular sewing thread. A very good idea!I have always loved this style of trimming!

 The bodice and skirt are separate so they can be worn with other things. The skirt is pleated more in the back then in the front to achieve the 1890's walking skirt look. Also note there is no train so when walking down the street the hem will not be soiled. This is most practical.

 From the side...

 And here are the underpinnings worn under this dress.

For now I am using my 1860's era underpinnings. Perhaps one day I can make some authentic 1890's ones! But for now they'll do.

Chemise, drawers, corset, tournure (or bustle pad) and under and over petticoats.

 The tournure goes under the petticoat and helps hold the skirt out.

It is made of cotton muslin and stuffed with cotton (you could also use down).

 This is what it looks like under petticoats.

It holds the skirt out marvelously too! (See above pictures)

So, there you have it. My 1894 Tailor Dress. Isn't it splendid? Thank you so much my dear Kacie!

If you'd like to see more of her creations, please go visit her blog Kacie's Knitting Adventure. It is simply charming! Here is a link to a post she did about her doll Ophelia showing some of her many beautiful things!

Fare you well!

Emaline