Swinging back to the '50s!

For some time now I have been longing to make a 1950s circle skirt. A couple of weeks ago, I had two excuses: my friend's 21st and £15 off voucher at my local haberdashers!

Flicking through the pattern books in the shop, I came across the perfect pattern - Simplicity 5403. Just like it's name, it is simple to use and very quick to put together so I wholly recommend it! The only alterations I had to make was the hem - it was too long for my liking and so I took it up 5".

The fabric I used for it was a lovely blue cotton with little white spots. I will upload a photo of my entire outfit after the weekend, but here it is so far:

Tricorn at a Third of the Price!

Whilst out shopping with a friend of mine, I came across a very cheap, black felt, wide-brim hat for £3. I'm sorry, but even a reenactor couldn't miss a bargain like that - it would make the perfect tricorn!


So that is what I did today. I cut down the felt trim it had around the crown before pinning up the centre back and two sides. I had to play about a bit to get it right/equal. When I was happy, I sewed these sides with embroidery thread in a 'X' shape (see photo). Afterwards, I added some gold cord, which one of my friends had used to tie my 21st birthday present with, to the edge of the hat. Hey presto, I now have a tricorn for C18th and pirate usage at low cost!