HSF Challenge #8: UFOs & PHDs (or, what I wore to Banzaicon)

This challenge might need some explaining. In sewing terms an UFO is an Un-Finished Object.

Apparently there are some lucky sods who don't have UFOs, because according to the challenge, you could choose a project you've put off. I was looking for a way to fit this into HSF, so I jumped at the chance. (This outfit has been on The List since early October.)

I didn't finish it completely for Banzaicon. (Skirt needs more trim, I'll need to make a bigger bustle and maybe redo the bodice?) So, as proof of some cosmic irony or whatever, I managed to make a UFO for this challenge. Go me.

Challenge: #8 - UFOs & PHDs
Fabric: Silk, polished cotton, linen.

Pattern: Truly Victorian, 1870s Ballgown Bodice (TV4I6) and 1875 Parisian Skirt (TV216).
Year: 1870-75.
Notions: Thread, eyelets, satin band, cotton ties, wired satin band, decorative bands, netting.
How historically accurate is it? Materials are period, except the polyester thread (silk one didn't arrive in time.)
Hours to complete: Worked on this for two weeks.
First worn: Banzaicon 2014.
Total cost: Not gonna tell, cause I don't wanna shock anyone with how expensive this hobby is when you live in Norway...

Photos (c) Malene Richter Lien. 

HSF Challenge #7: Tops and Toes

For this challenge, I went for toes and made some viking socks.

I might be going to a few viking festivals this summer, and in our viking group there's an unspoken rule about bringing at least two pairs of socks to minimize the smell that comes with running around mucky festival areas. (Just because you look like a viking doesn't mean you have to smell like one!) And now I've made the first pair.

This is the second pair of socks I've made by needlebinding. I like to think there's progress - the first pair was in Lettlopi and I used Oslo stitches, and they barely survived one day. For this pair I used Fritidsgarn and Finnish stitches, and I'm fairly certain they'll survive Ragnarok.

The challenge:  #7 - Tops and Toes
Fabric: Wool.
Pattern: None.
Year: Viking era.
Notions: None.
How historically accurate is it? 99% (The yarn is dyed with chemicals.)
Hours to complete: Far too many.
First worn: They were on my feet 3 seconds after they were finished. I'm wearing them NOW.
Total cost: 20 USD.

HSF Challenge #1: Make do and Mend

I did the first challenge of Historical Sew Fortnightly, which the unitiated can read more about here. I know I'm not going to be able to do all the challenges this year, but I'll do some of them.

So, starting very small, I've made a choker for evening use. In the fashion of make do, the glass stone is from a repurposed bracelet.

The challenge: #1 - Make Do & Mend 
Fabric: Velvet, satin.
Pattern: None.
Year: Late Victorian
Notions: Velvet band, satin band, thread.
How historically accurate is it? Not very, but it (hopefully) looks the part.
Hours to complete: 0,5
First worn: Not worn yet.
Total cost: 2 USD.