TaDa!

And now me modeling~

( if you click on the picture you can see it magnified)

Things I learned making this gown~

1. Hand sewing a simple straight seam takes about 5 x’s longer than using a machine.
2. Use a thimble! Your fingertips will thank you. (I also used the finger tip of an old leather glove.)
3. Approximately 29 hours spent on sewing.
4. Approximately the same number of threaded needles used.
5. I often don’t breathe when I sew.
6. Back stitch! If you have to cut the fabric and have used a back stitch you won’t lose all your stitches.
7. Run your thread through bees wax. This helps with the thread snarling.
8. It is EXTREMELY hard to rip out when sewing lace. All the threads look alike.
9. It is surprisingly hard to sew in a straight line.
10. My best running stitch was 14 stitches per inch.
11. I now have arthritis in my pinkie finger.
12. Good lighting is paramount! Not easy when you are trying to sew by candlelight. Seamstresses must have had very tired eyes.

Things I learned wearing this gown~

1. It is surprisingly comfortable.
2. These light gowns must have been lovely in the summer, but brutal in winter in a chilly castle.
3. You cannot do a damn thing when wearing gloves.
4. You have to be aware of the blasted train at all times! I would think it’s much like driving, you have to watch out for not only you, but the other drivers as well. (I can’t imagine negotiating a crowded ball room. No wonder there was always a maid installed in the “ladies retiring room” to mend ripped hems.)

~And now for the winner of the hand made gift~

IS…

Congratulations Delane!

I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for playing along.

Tomorrow is the big day!

For those of you who have pre-ordered, thank you so much.

For those who haven’t, I hope you will take the time to order now.

I welcome any honest reviews. (They really help to sell books.)

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