Greetings and salutations! 

It has been much too long since I've written anything on this blog. To be fair, things have been kinda stir-crazy over here. April and May were near-complete disasters and June has been spent picking up the pieces. But I'll leave that commiserating for my wrap-up post later this week. 

Today, I wish to be spontaneous and write down some really ambitious sewing projects that I would love to tackle within the next five years or so. Will I get any of them done? Who knows. If anything, I love to dream.

So what's on my list? 

1. Aida Opera Dress

I've already touched on this at the beginning of the year when I made my goals sheet for 2021. However, I have not even looked at it since the winter, so I don't know if it's going to fly this year or not. Maybe I'll actually get the patterns this year so it won't be a total bust. 

But anyway, for those who don't know about this hair-brained scheme, you can check out this post HERE. Though if I do ever actually update this project, it will be on The History Cat, since it's historical. And really, that poor little blog needs something of it's own. What I have done though, is made up a secret Pinterest board for collecting fashion plates and I must say...I'm drawn to this one right here... 

2. Jennie Wade inspired 1860's Dress

Some of you probably remember that Gettysburg has a special place in my heart (I mean, after how many field trips, it's hard not to). But many of you probably don't know about Jennie Wade, who was the only direct civilian causality of the battle. She is such a little-known but fascinating (and tragical) figure in Pennsylvania history. Really, someone needs to make a movie on her. 

Anyway, I digress. I've been interested in Civil War history for quite a bit, and the fashions are really nice. So I'd like to try my hand at it. But instead of going for the fancy ballgowns of the plantations, I'd like to go for a simple day dress that I can maybe wear to reenactments and stuff. Because of that, this project does have a better shot of actually being made because patterns and fabric can be sourced a lot easier. 

3. Scottish Highland Costume

This is one that has been on my list since an early teenager. I think I have mentioned before that I have a fair amount of Scottish ancestry. And so, I'd love to make myself a Scottish costume, preferably out of my family tartan. 

Originally, I had wanted to make a kilt, but years later, I discovered the traditional women's Highland dress, which is a long tartan skirt, tartan shawl with a white blouse and black vest. And it's preetttyyy. Though now I have to decide whether I shall go with the historically accurate Ancient Mackinnon or the modern Mackinnon tartans. I personally like the look of the modern better, but we shall see. 

4. Polish Costume

If I have one, I might as well have the other! Over time, I've learned to appreciate my daddy's Polish roots and I love their folk costumes. Such lovely embroidery, ack! And the floral crowns too. My issue is that I have multiple branches of Polish ancestry, so I'm not sure if I want to base my costume off of Krakow or the rural village where my grandfather's grandfather came from. 

5. My own Corset

This is probably the nuttiest one of them all...and I'll probably do this in conjunction with one of the other historical costumes that I have slated. But I wanna try. I mean, I've seen other historical costumers do it. So it can't be that hard...

6. My own Eowyn costume

Is this a surprise? Probably not. You all know my love for Eowyn. I'm not sure if I want to copy a costume from the movies, or maybe make a whole new one inspired by her. She has pretty simplistic costumes. It's going to be the shield that's going to get me, I think. 

7. A Sidesaddle Habit

Horseback riding is one of those hobbies that I don't get to participate in very often. But I love riding habits, especially those of the eighteenth century (ahem, Felicity's is gorgeous, not gonna lie). So definitely want to make one of those (and use it too, if I get a chance!). 

And that is seven! In addition to these, I have some honorable mentions, which include a Regency gown, a Tudor gown with French Hood, and some Edwardian outfits. The only reason I made it seven and not ten is that, well, with the rest there are some *modesty issues* I gotta work through. Stupid low necklines...

So, does anybody think I can pull these off? Which ones would you be interested in seeing? Any you think are absolutely crazy? Tell me in the comments below! 

Old-fashionably yours, 

Catherine