Tag: fashion

Are you invited to the Birthday Ball? This year we need to celebrate the Fourth of July in style. Consult with your favorite dressmaker and order early.

This gown — yes, this one will be perfect. The changeable silk looks elegant in natural light or by candle chandelier.

The lace trim on the undersleeves plus the narrower lace at the square neckline is sure to get the attention of the gentlemen. Skirt and overskirt are the perfect volume for dancing — also for getting in and out of the carriage.

Fictional Elm Ridge, Illinois, does not host a fancy ball each Fourth of July. But they celebrate in the town square with speeches, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a generous supply of food. Check out the wholesome romance, Stitching a Dream, to meet some of residents and peek into an 1850’s autumn and winter. Follow the link for details and purchase information. https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

Relax for a moment and imagine the year is 1783. You are visiting a prominent Virginia household.

The lady of the house greets you. You compliment her dress.

Oh, it is a “round gown.” The style is very comfortable. I purchased this one in Philadelphia. They have the best shops in that city.

This actor, portraying Martha Washington, poses in a costume suitable for greeting afternoon visitors.

In 1783, the fighting portion of the War for Independence is over. The diplomats are in Europe putting the finishing touches on the treaty to establish the United States of America as a true nation.

Martha is happy to be at Mount Vernon and no longer traveling to Massachusetts, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania when the army goes into winter quarters. She is looking forward to managing the household at Mount Vernon, raising two of her four grandchildren, and being hostess to friends and relatives.

From our vantage point of the 21st century, we are aware her peaceful retirement in Virginia was short-lived. Instead, when her husband accepted the office of president, she was required to become official hostess to a constant stream of politicians and citizens eager to consult and meet with George Washington.

An eventful 68 years later, the United States is in an era of great change. Take a peek at life in an Illinois river town in 1851. Polly Black, the central character of the wholesome romance, Stitching a Dream, is busy in the dress shop. She will stitch you a gown of a different style. Do you want your dress as one or two pieces? Buttons front or back?

Click on the link for book details. https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

Keep the stitches small and even. Hold the garment secure and near the window. Stitch…stitch…stitch. The seamstress plies her trade.

Measure the customer to obtain a proper fit. What sort of undergarments will she wear with the new dress. Perhaps we can sew new ones of fine cotton.

Repair and refresh an older gown. Let me make a plan. New ribbons and buttons? New undersleeves? A little lace?

The style of a little girl’s dress has remained remarkably stable since the 18th century. Yes, trim and length changes, but the neckline and sleeves stay much the same.

A good seamstress was always in demand during the mid-19th century. Mass produced, factory clothes were beginning to replace custom-made (thanks to the sewing machine) but for anything special, or alterations, you visited the local dressmaker.

Check out the sweet historical romance, Stitching a Dream, to learn the story of one young seamstress and mother in an Illinois river town. Polly’s life is filled with surprises. Here’s the link to the book: https://amzn.to/3VwoeFh

Blink yourself back in time and place to September1851 and the fictional village of Elm Ridge, Illinois.

Are you there yet?

Today we’re going to a dress shop. The location is prime — on the corner of Third and Apple. They are re-opening after a disaster of a fire in July.

What do you have today? I really would like to find buttons to replace those broken and lost on my second dress. Oh — they have cotton prints beautiful for schoolgirls. And light wool in both dark and bright colors.

After much discussion and a new set of measurements. (The size book was destroyed in the fire.) This is the new gown I will wear to church.

The ladies, Mrs. Clark and her assistant, Polly Black, are so helpful and kind. A quick with the needle. They had this finished for me in less than two weeks. Why, if I’d attempted to make it myself (and it would not be so grand) I would have been working every afternoon by sunlight for two months — much too far into winter.

You can learn more about life at the dress shop — and especially about Polly Black — in the new sweet historical romance Stitching a Dream. Official release date is August 7 — but you can pre-order and delivery will be automatic.

Nook readers can click here: https://bit.ly/3Ri8RNX

Kindle readers click here: https://amzn.to/3VwoeFh