Ensembles of the Past

Wearing my beautiful embroidered Iva cap. 💙 This cap was copied from an original in my collection dating to between 1840-1865. Have I mentioned how much fun it is to wear in the mornings at events? 😊

This cap was made from my kit:
https://ensemblesofthepast.etsy.com/listing/1653386669

I found this photo in my archives that I never posted of a flag I made this time last year. This was a custom heirloom-design swallowtail pennant made from wool bunting! 💙 I'm so glad I was able to capture a few pictures of this beauty before I shipped her off to Massachusetts. Originally designed by my client's grandfather, it is a completely custom design that represents his family. It was an honor to bring it to life! 😊

This morning...

Some of you are rejoicing, some of you are mourning, and others of you are just glad it's over. No matter what you're feeling today regarding the outcome of the 2024 Presidential Election, there's nothing that fabric and other goodies won't help, so I'm having an After Election Day fabric SALE in my shop!! 🥳

Use coupon code Election2024 for 15% off your ENTIRE purchase between now and Friday evening (November 8th, at 5:30pm CST).

Don't let it slip by!
https://ensemblesofthepast.etsy.com

During my adventures in France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, I'm so grateful I paused to be sure to get a few photos in different locations. Here I am as an ANC nurse next to a United States Army ambulance. 💗

Here's the inside of that pretty pink quilted 18th century silk petticoat from the studio. I take pride in ensuring that all edges, even on the inside, are neatly finished on all my garments. 💗

Taking time to sip tea this morning. 🌸 Photo captured by ALS Photo - Jean-Christophe Peyrard of me in my rose garden robe à la française gown at the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais in Paris, France. 💕

Custom gown by . Please take time to view my profile for more image of this new gown of mine! 💖

Another one of my favorite photos of me and my students this summer showing the completed Hardees flag we made! My intern and apprentice, Madeline and Mindy, are shown here with the gorgeous (Civil War) 9th KY flag reproduction! This was entirely hand-sewn by us to the exact measurements of the original, and made without the battle honors by request in the Hardees design for my client, Andre, in Germany! 😊

I put together this short video to share a glimpse of a ball I attended in Findlay, OH. If you watch it, I hope you enjoy! 😊

Attend an 1860s Ball with Ensembles of the Past Join me as I share snippets of an 1860s ball I attended in Findlay, OH.

I made a pretty little floral spray for Elizabeth Emerson Designs from silk roses, bound in pinked silk. 💗

Taking a moment, despite the chaos going on all around me, to smell the roses and dream of beautiful things. The last few days, or months, or year, really, have not been easy or beautiful, but I'm thankful there have at least been beautiful moments. Try to see the beauty today, no matter what you're going through. 💗

This is another favorite photo taken by ALS Photo - Jean-Christophe Peyrard at the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais in Paris, France in my new robe à la française gown. 💕

Would love to know what you think of this photo!

Here's an eye full of luscious 18th-century goodness! Layers and layers of trim on the completed wedding gown for Elizabeth Emerson Designs! 💕

Here's a fun moving glimpse of my 1850s fancy apron reproduction from my kit! ✨😍

Have you made yours?

A 19th Century Fancy Apron by Ensembles of the Past The full kit to make this beautiful fancy apron is available in the Ensembles of the Past Etsy shop!

Bringing my dreams to life in Paris. ✨
Can you believe this isn't actually a genuine 1950s image?

This photo was taken this summer (of me) while abroad this summer! 💙

Photograph by
Dress: Vintage original from TheGreenfan Vintage in Paris

The back pleats of my new robe à la française gown! 💕

This photo was taken by ALS Photo - Jean-Christophe Peyrard at the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais in Paris, France. And I love how it turned out. I would love to know what you think of this photo too! 💗 What does it make you think of?

And here it is! The completed 18th-century robe à la française stomacher I embellished for Elizabeth Emerson Designs's wedding gown! 😍 Notice the layers of trim, ruffles, and then satin bows - all the dimension and frill gives me joy! This is all created with trim from her collection, and she gave me liberty to design as I pleased. I'm so happy with the result, and would love to know what you think too! 💕

I may have posted this video at the wrong time, but this fun little video could use some more views! 💗

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Playing Cannon in D in an Ensembles of the Past 1860s Ballgown Playing Cannon in D in an Ensembles of the Past 1860s Ballgown.

A brand new gorgeous 1860s ballgown rental! This stunning gown is made from brightly colored 100% silk taffeta and trimmed in black velveteen. Although the base gown was not made by Ensembles of the Past, we did extensive alterations and added to some of the trimmings this past spring and summer. Janita Fisher traveled over seven hours to model this beautiful gown for us at the The Mansion at Elfindale! ✨

For rental inquiries, please visit: https://ensemblesofthepast.com/rentals

Tap on individual images for rental information.

Gown: Ensembles of the Past 1860s ballgown rental
Model: Janita Fisher
Photographs: Sara Gonzalez
Stylist & Hair: Sara Gonzalez
Makeup: Janita Fisher

I'm not sure I ever shared a close up shot of the quilting on this beautiful pink 18th century petticoat made for my client, Elizabeth, to pair with her blue robe à l'anglaise. So here it is: The close-up shot, and the completed look. 💙

The quilting was outsourced and done by a dear friend, and the completed ensemble was done by the Ensembles of the Past team. 💕