18th Century Accessories

I've been trying to come up with things to make that will help me progress towards having a complete 18th century outfit without my having to make stays (yet, I just don't have the time right now) and in the last couple of days I feel like I've come up with enough to make a proper list out of them, so here goes.

Hat - I've been looking for the right kind of straw hat so that I can make a bergére hat for ages and the other day I walked into a charity shop on my high street and there was the perfect hat, for £2.50!!! I still need to decide how I want to decorate it but more on that when I get around to it.

Fichu - all the clothes I've had ideas for so far have been day-wear of a perhaps, well off but not crazy crazy rich young lady so a fichu is pretty necessary. I also want one because pretty!

Stockings - again, necessary. I considered ordering some from American Duchess but didn't end up doing it. I think I'm going to go down the creative 'make your own seamed and clocked stockings rout', just to make things harder for myself.

Mits - a few years ago I tried to make a pair out of some lovely swirly green brocade that I had in my stash but being a bit incompetent I made them too small. After unearthing them the other day I realised that I still really want a pair and am game to try again, perhaps I'll start with a quick toile this time, instead of winging it.

Pocket/s - I've become rather an embroidery fiend since last summer and once I finish the shirt I'm working on I'm going to need a project. Conveniently I also have lots of pocket sized scraps of white fabric in my stash and embroidery thread that's burning a whole in my craft box.


Cap - until I get motivated enough to sort out one of those awesome 1780's hedgehog wigs and figure out a way to wear it with the clothes I've got ideas for I'll be using my own hair and since it's short (shoulder brushing short) I'll need a cap to disguise the pitiful bun-thing I'll be able to manage.


Apron - I think I've got just enough dotty muslin left over from my Elizabeth Swann nightgown to eke out an apron. And I've been meaning to try some whitework embroidery for ages, something the V&A's wedding dress exhibition rekindled quite successfully.

Shoes - shoes I have covered. I've been in love with American Duchess' 'Kensingtons' since 2012 and just after Christmas I finally bought myself a pair. They are currently the love of my life, not to exaggerate or anything.

So it seems I've a number of things to keep me occupied after London Super Comic-con in mid-March. I have a month off (thanks uni!) so I'll be stuffing it full of sewing projects because I'm a sucker for productive "punishment". Back to sewing I go!