1809 Redingote for an Australian Autumn promenade and picnic

I have been researching making an 1809 Redingote and am collecting together fabric and trim for when I have a moment to sew something for myself. Hopefully I can start this in February. The weather is too warm right now but it should be perfect in Autumn for Jane Austen Festival Australia. There is a promenade and picnic in the Australian National Botanic Gardens on Sunday 13 April that will be perfect.

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra

1809 Redingote

Astrakhan

I've found some faux Astrakhan online and placed an order. Sabine told me that the French description says it is a plush silk velvet to imitate Astrakhan, but as an imitation it is not available these days. Soon after receiving this information I found a vintage coat on ebay that I have purchased and will try using - but will experiment making the trim out of faux fur first. (what a tongue twister!)

I've found an Etsy seller who is making me a decorated riding hat with feathers and veil - will let you know as soon as it arrives.

1820s silk dress from the Metropolitan Museum of Art

I have long admired this dress at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and was so pleased when I went reading costumers' blogs this afternoon to discover that it is being reproduced by Kleidung um 1800. I love this blog, and find so many of the posts so inspirational  - they keep me going, keep me hoping to one day produce garments how Sabine does.

I was so inspired by Sabine's discovery of how to make the fans that I wanted to try for myself. Thank you Sabine, for saving me hours of thinking, plotting and constructing.

Following the instructions Sabine shared with us on her blog, this is what I've managed to make tonight. I have had a roll of pink/blue silk in the attic for many years - its about time it saw some light.