The Woven Pantie Parade

As you know earlier, I was searching for the perfect pair of panties, well I'm getting closer, but it's still not NVPL material, but they're so cute, and comfortable, and washable....tweaked from Kwik Sew pattern 2325.

Made by Moi!

This was my muslin. - Black crepe de Chine

Second attempt - Silk Jacquard flowers

I've vowed to clear out my scrap stash (because let's face it, I'm never going to make that crazy quilt :).

Peach charmeuse with vintage lace.

Once a year I tackle the pile of vintage laces my mother collected.  I wash them, dry them, iron them, and wrap them up for storage.  There were two large cuts that did this.... and they were the last two I had from that batch.

It's easier to get through them if they aren't treated as one long length, so I thought about where I could use them..... how can I use the scraps I've accumulated from these projects .... hmmmm

tada!!!

Despite looking like bloomers, they fit very well.  It's because they were made from wovens instead of a knit that they look all poofy and gathered.  Stella McCartney has some in her lingerie collection but they have the days of the week on them.

 You can see them here at Nieman Marcus and they're only $195.00 for the set.

I like mine better, these are silk rayon, with lace trim.

These are a lightweight swiss dot with lace trim.

Here's the back....

Embroidered Organza, Entredeaux and Crochet Edge Blouse

This is a blouse my mother made. She excelled in mixing laces, and was known for her fine hand work. The center front and sleeve hems are crocheted in pearl cotton. The buttons are mother of pearl.

This is the close up of the buttonholes. This shirt looks fabulous under a jacket, with the pattern of the laces peeking out of the front. Very classic, and elegant.

Black Valenciennes Lace Blouse with Tulle and Tucks

My room now smells like lavender, as I continue to unpack the stored pieces. I always wondered why mom measured so much when she sewed. If you have ever seen a pattern piece with all of the insert lace plotted out on the surface you would know why. In order to get the Valenciennes Lace to align, and look even, symmetrical, you have to be very patient and very careful. Having to rip out a seam on a piece of lace which is black on black with a tiny stitch wrapped around cotton tulle and lace is just not an option. 

Or maybe she was working on the tiny buttons that are covered in a double layer of crepe de chine and tulle.

Vintage Silk Nightgown with Valenciennes Lace

My mother the master of  lace inserts. This one is not as intricate as some other projects but still manages to mix three different types of lace, Valenciennes lace, a scalloped ribbon insert lace, and lace edging to finish. The body of the gown is a lightweight silk crepe de chine with a soft daisy print, there are slits on the bottom hem which are finished off with more edging lace. It is very light and begs you to curl up on a high back chair with a good book, cashmere wrap and a cup of tea... or at least to manage to get all that makeup off your face, brush and floss, and fall exhausted into bed.

The lace yoke is a good contrast for a freshly cleaned and buffed face!