This morning was spent mostly in essential organisational tasks.. meaning I was tidying. However, this did result in finding the red velvet and orange-gold taffeta that I had long ago put aside for a Tudor gown but is now being repurposed for a Victorian gown.
 

Alas, while I was trying to dig out the orange taffeta, I fell across another purchase from some time ago. A grey pinstripe with rows of roses that screams "victoriana" to me. So now I have a dilemma.




Thanks to my friends (no really, thanks), I now now I'm making two costumes. I figure that will be one for day wear and one for evening and social occasions. But I can't decide which fabric to use for which!



I'll be using Truly Victorian's Tail Bodice pattern to stick with my plan of making an 1880's costume, and seeing as I already have the pattern I'll be using the pattern for both looks. An fully closed front for the day wear and the open neck for the evening wear.

And finally, because I've had a few pieces of broiderie anglaise sitting in my stash for quite some time, I thought I should use to them to make some rather pretty unmentionables. 

Today I had the delight to attend an Victorian styled afternoon tea. There was tea, of course, cakes and scones with jam and cream. It was quite delightful. Some, like myself, just made small effort with costumes for the day, but others, like the hostess, turned out spectacular gowns for the day. It made me wish all the more for a Victorian gown of my own.

It's something I've always wanted but haven't made time to make so far. For a social occasion some time ago, I made myself up an 1880's corset from Waisted Efforts to get started, but well, I guess I got distracted.

But a start is still a start! I've put on quite a bit of weight since I made this corset, but it can be my weight-loss goal to fit back into it. With very structured styles such as Victorian gowns, it is essential to have the correct foundation garments or the rest of the gown will not look right, no matter how well made it is.

I have a good measure of cotton, lilac coloured, which I'm going to dedicate to making the rest of the foundation garments for my Victorian costume. Granted, period under things were white, but that's what I get for pre-washing my white cotton with some purple cotton by mistake. But with a burgundy silk corset with lilac silk flossing details, I think I was headed for a non-period look anyway. If I do this right, I'll be able to get away with using it for Steampunk too.