doctors prescribed a change of air - the only way that could happen was to go as a servant. Her mother took in laundry, and she talks about how the family were always well turned out, and her mother would make clothes for them to make sure
they all looked smart. I love to imagine the story behind this photograph - how they probably saved up to have it taken, Florence and her mother probably worked on putting together an outfit and maybe her sisters helped, or loaned their
jewellry or best gloves for the special occasion!
I've always loved this picture and fancied the idea of recreating it, and that’s what I'm going to do for my next few challenges. Of course, historical accuracy starts with the correct silhouette, which means the correct underwear, so this is how I'm thinking it's going to fit with the challenges.
Challenge #3, Under it All - a 1910s corset
Challenge #4, Embellishment - 1910s combinations with lots of lace and/or embroidered chemise/collar and/or embroidered ribbon trim for the neckline and sleeve of the dress.
Challenge #5, Pioneers and Paupers - this is about making a working class outfit, and I'm hoping I'll be able to complete the dress by the end of this challenge.
Challenge #6 - I'm probably gonna skip this one as I think I'll have some catching up to do!
Challenge #7 Accessories - time to try and make that enormous hat!
I think I'll also need to make a petticoat and some kind of bust supporter - I'm hoping I can either squeeze these in or complete them after the dress - this is the wrong way round really so we'll see what happens!
Next post: The corset