A quick Regency reticule.

No Regency outfit is complete without accessories, and when those accessories are functional as well as being pretty, you can't go much wrong.

A reticule was the name given to a little drawstring bag that ladies carried around, becoming popular when the 'pockets' of the 18th century were no longer commonly used, as the styles of dresses changed considerably. Here, and here are a couple of blog posts if you wanted some further reading...

Reticules are very easy to make, and with endless shapes, trimmings and designs to be used, you can really personalise them. I chose to literally personalise mine by embroidering my initials.

I used this tutorial as a guide, quickly sketching my own pattern, and it only took an evening to do!

Inside, it's fully lined, and nice and roomy.

Busy busy busy.

I was hoping it wouldn't be a repeat of last year, where I completely forgot to keep up with blogging during the summer, but alas, it has happened again. But, just like last year, I have been busy with interesting things!

Firstly, the show I mentioned in my last post went fabulously, and I had an absolute whale of a time.

And then, I went off for a couple of weeks in France, which was lovely.

I continued with my usual doings at Polesden Lacey, including the flossing on the Edwardian corset I'm working on, which is a functional but decorative type of embroidery that's designed to keep the boning in place.

And recently, I have been doing an awful lot of sewing. Or at least, it seams like an awful lot of sewing, but I don't appear to have much to show for it, if you get what I mean?

My spencer jacket is making progress, and I'm currently stitching on the velvet trim in a military inspired style.

And I made a quick Regency reticule one evening, as you do. I'll pop that into separate post.

Speaking of Regency, I do have a spot of news, which I'm rather excited about...

After wanting to for a good few years now, I shall be attending the Jane Austen Festival in Bath this year! Unfortunately it will only be the Costumed Promenade on the 13th of September, but still, I am very much looking forward to it. 

It does mean that I have to have a complete Regency outfit under my belt by that date, and that is what I have been getting on with recently. Undies are done, jacket, gown, bonnet and shoes are in progress. 

Will try and keep you updated, but here's a photo to be going on with!