So, Bernadette’s disguisement – her “Costume de Hollandaise” – is nearly complete. We’re not posting photos yet, because she wants to make a splashy entrance at the Bleuette Gathering next Thursday evening. But as you might have guessed from the above photo, absolutely everything has changed since we posted that first, hopeful picture of fabrics and embellishments several weeks ago.
Since Bernadette’s disguisement is meant for her participation in an annual celebration of Bleuette’s history, I’ve been trying to stick closer to the original pattern than I otherwise might. I haven’t changed the fit. I’ve used all the pieces exactly as they were published in 1908. What I have taken liberties with are the colors and the embellishment.
Given the diversity of folklore and regional costumes for dolls at that time, I think this is fair, (especially since there’s no photograph or painting I’ve been able to find where Queen Wilhelmina is wearing a dress in the style of the one drafted by LSDS).
Take a look at the antique French fashion doll costumes below, which were taken from Theriault’s auction catalogues.
Inspiring, no? Just look at all the lace and beads and sequins.
Sequins!
I have some of those!
These little guys each measure less than an eighth of an inch (don’t gasp – you already know I’m nuts)! I’ve stitched them around the sleeves and the hem of the skirt, which was time consuming but ultimately satisfying.
We won’t talk about the traumatic moment when I tipped an entire pile of them between the cushions of my sofa.
I’m also not going to spend a lot of time talking about the joy (not) of embroidering the costume’s apron with antique metal thread. It catches on the fabric each time I pull it through, as if I’m sewing with barbed wire. I can literally hear the scratching sound.
However!
I’m pretty happy with the results so far. And when the sequin tipping and the barbed wire embroidery made my head hurt, an extra fun thing happened. As I took a (very) necessary break from stitching to drink coffee and poke around on the internet, I found this fascinating article about sequin history. Who would have guessed that Michael Jackson, King Tut and Leonardo da Vinci had something in common?
If I get a sparkly costume and brand new sequin knowledge in exchange for a small amount of struggle, that’s a complete win-win in my book!
To read all the posts about Bernadette’s convention costume, click HERE.
And to see all of Bernadette’s wardrobe posts so far, click HERE.