Progress on Edwardian style shirtwaist/blouse

Front panel of the blouse with lace inserts. Hopoefully it will look better after it is washed, ironed and stiffened with starch.

The inside of the sleeve before the lace inserts are finished. These seams are less than half a centimeter!

Just because it makes me happy

Nothing really special. I just saw the beads and just have to have them. The two bracelets are made to be worn together. But also look nice when worn alone. I just love the little babooskha en geisha beads.
One I've made pink/purple and blue to match all my purple outfits, the other is multi-color.

Terra Maris, 12th century Motte-and-bailey castle reconstruction

During our vacation this year we visited Terra Maris, museum for the natural scenery of the province of Zeeland. Although we loved the museum and the surrounding gardens we mainly visited it for the 12th century Motte-and-bailey castle reconstruction they have. There are only three of these reconstructions in Europe. The other two are in France and in Germany. As these reconstructions are rare and the furniture inside is made by a good friend, Mark Beusen. We decided to visit it while on vacation in Zeeland.

Nice view on Castle Westhoven.

Here are some more pictures of Westhove Castle

A rare view a 12th century castle and a 17th century castle side by side.

Lace collar and insert.

Yesterday I worked on a lace collar and insert for an Edwardian shirtwaist. The lace I used is all cotton and vintage/antique. So it has flaws and some parts are quite fragile. But old lace is so much more delicate and elegant than most modern laces available in stores. I lined the insert with white chiffon silk to protect it a little from the strain of wearing.

Another day at the Archeon

Yesterday was another relaxed day in the Archeon. We where chatting with friends and enjoying the view of the kids playing together. I even finished a pair of white nalebound socks I started working on earlier.

Summer Necklace

The last weeks befor my sons summervacation are always quite hectic. It really feels like being on a riding train. With no way to get off and no stops untill the vacation. With most of my family-in-law having their birthdays in May. The feeling and reality of not having any time for ourselves starts then. So I am not getting any costuming done. As I can't sit entirly still without getting a frustrated. I am doing small projects like this necklace. It is made with beach shells, fresh water pearls and glass beads. Hopefully this summer necklace will entice the sun to come out and play. As we haven't seen her in quite a while.

Much like my son I am looking forward to the summer vacation. When we both finally have the time to do what we want.

Fake!

Usually I don't buy dresses on ebay. But the H&M Bohemian Deluxe maxidress in my size was gone before I could even blink... So I made an exception and started to look on ebay. There I found one and bought it. Now, not only, I am stuck with a knock-off but it's also too small!
I can only get a refund for the fee off the dress (minus shipping)and I would have to send the dress back. The total amount of money that I lose. Is almost as much as the dress has cost.
The other option she gave me was exchange for another dress. This would mean pay shipping for the dress that I have. But all her dresses are too small!

Lesson learned, never buy dresses on Ebay....