I didn't make any resolutions this New Year but have set my self some project aims.

I have a porcelain doll I made back when I was living in New Plymouth. She is a reproduction antique. When I made her the fashion was to dress them in Victorian children's clothing which never really appealed to me. So she has been stored away in my wooden chest. I've now decided I want to dress her and am going to attempt an early bustle outfit. I've found a lovely Worth gown from around 1875 and a Tissot painting (Lilacs) that decided me on this style.

I've found patterns for a chemise and drawers as well as a corset from that time on-line and also several for dresses that have been drafted from extant ones for the same period. As well as finding photos of a bustle taken from many angles that I think I can reproduce. (But then things always go together smoother in my head than in real life).

I was telling my Mother about my plans and she hunted through her stash and gave me some beautiful fine linen and lace to use for the chemise and drawers.

The next step is to get my doll out of the chest and measure her up and draft out a pattern.

Knowing that the hardest step will be making the first cut in the lovely linen, I saved a tip I had read somewhere about making a small nip in the selvage to get over the anxiety. I certainly hope that does the trick.