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Teaching with Anne
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
The book I wanted to use is "Anne of Windy poplars" by L.M. Montgomery, it covers the years between graduating from Redmond College and marrying Gilbert Blythe. I wanted to do Anne, as she would have been in September 1890, as she's leaving teaching to get married.
Anne is frequently described as fashionable, but I kept in mind that fashionable in rural Prince Edward Island would be behind what was shown as fashionable in the magazines. Anne is also frequently shown as carrying on Marilla's practical-ness, and I wanted something that was between fashionable and practical.
Even though it’s not the best written of the Anne books, it’s my favourite. Like Anne, I work at a school, though I’m not a teacher myself, I’m in the library. The way she talks about her students, and the stories she tells about them reminds me of my students.
Outline the construction…
The shirtwaist started as a pattern from Black Snail patterns, except for the sleeves. I started the narrowing the shoulders, for a better fit on me, and a better fit with the time period. With some help from FR Stitchlings Society Facebook page, I was able to find some sleeve ideas that went better with the look I wanted. I ended up reducing the puff at the sleeve head, and slimming down the sleeve over all. The seams were all done by machine, since domestic machines were around at the time, even though mine isn’t from 1890. The sides and sleeves are done with flat-felled seams, and the sleeve seams are covered with bias-tape to keep them neat.
The skirt and Swiss waist are both Truly Victorian patterns. The skirt was done on the machine, finished with French seams, because it’s tidy and I like French seams. The hem was finished by hand, with horsehair braid added to give it some shape. To finish off the outfit, I went with the Swiss waist. Like the rest of the outfit, it’s a combination of machine and hand sewing. The main construction of the Swiss waist was done on the machine, with the edge finishing and eyelets put in by hand.
The entire outfit is made with cotton. I thought that would be the easiest material for a school teacher in rural Canada to get. The shirtwaist buttons are shell, plain enough to satisfy Marilla, but still with some sparkle.
This is lovely. I love the fabric of the skirt. Nice job, congratulation
Really like this outfit – it looks so quaint (I had to look the word up , as I m not english native speaker. I mean it positiv).
The look is really flattering on you! And I just love the skirt’s color, very soothing. You did a great job❤
Yes, I feel Anne in this. That collar! Nice work.
This dress is wonderful and ust the right mix between practical and fashionable.