“Fashions of the day” - a ‘tip-in’ page swap

During our Georgian era, for the lady or gent at home, is was essential to have one’s wardrobe well comprised of layers, building up the ensemble, from Chemise/stockings/garters/drawers (YES they DID wear braes from medieval times onwards, this is now evidential fact). Then depending on the year the items varied from here on like early quilted petticoats or fine seethrough muslin or silk under robes, stays, stomacher, sack gowns, linen or muslin robes, spencers, vests, detachable sleeves, cuffs, gloves, mitts, shoes, pattens, capes and coats, pelisse, bonnets or caps, tippets and muffs, jewellery & hair accessories, fans, umbrellas, lorgnette, reticules, workbag, etc. All to make the ensemble complete.

Let us make a delightful page or tag, for the “At Home...” Georgian/Regency lady or gentleman’s Journal. Each swap will have an item of fashionable clothing or accessorie to be investigated. I hope to host this swap every 2 months. So dive into your armoire and discover unusual items of clothing to fill your partners journal, by way of a "tip-in" tag or page.

This month the item of choice is … a pair of stays, half stays or early short soft corset. Both men and women wore stays, to keep one from slouching, to lift the shoulders back and raise the bust up and seperate - (for the women this was there main purpose), for the gents it was to keep the paunch in and to cut a dashing figure.

The basis of the swap is to send one completed art journal page or generous size tag, which is written on the other side describing the fashionable item, to what event it would have been worn, at what time of day (they changed several times a day), and of what material it was made or the making processes. Do your best art, draw or paint, or montage or collage, make it special.

The objective at the end, is to be inspiring a handbound Journal. So have these tip-in pages 4" x 6" each. If making a tag, 3½” x 5½” is a decent area to fill. Please include your swap-name on the piece, your town & country, and date. Orientation is senders choice. Please choose fashions from the period ie: 1714 – 1830 to keep within our timeline. Pinterest has many extant examples for those who need a heads up in that direction. As this is to be a progressive journal item swap, You may include fabric swatches if you have any, or use images from sources of the day, use your artistic talent to hero the chosen item, there are numerous elements to explore, this will be a progressive bi-monthly swap. Above all, please have fun. Here are some links to add inspiration.

https://www.janeausten.co.uk/corsets-and-drawers-a-look-at-regency-underwear/ https://www.pinterest.com/candicehern/georgian-and-regency-stays-and-corsets/