Gray 18th century embroidered mitts

18th century embroidered mittMy first pair of 18th century mitts are finally finished!

For some reason, the thumbs were giving me fits.  It didn’t help that I was also feeling like I was “all thumbs,” especially on the second mitt.  I was literally dropping things left and right.  I would drop my needle and have to re-thread it.  Then I would drop the mitt and have to re-thread the needle again.  Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to take the photos for my website (I didn’t even bother to try wiping off the guide markings) and toss them in a drawer.

They’re very pretty — I love the color, especially, but I’m just ready to move on.

In fact, I’m ready to just have fun and not sew for a change.

I’ve had to sew so many layers just to even get to an outfit and accessories, I think it’s time to just wear an outfit and have fun with my friends!  In fact, this Saturday will be my first event with my friends.  I look forward to having a completed outfit and relaxing.

I still have to finish embroidering and sewing the second pocket, and my husband will not be in costume, but it will be fun regardless of finishing the pocket or not.

Some quick info on the mitts:  I used the pattern from this page, the fabrics are taffeta (most likely not silk) and cotton for the lining.  I used DMC cotton embroidery floss.  Check out the costume gallery mitts page for more information.

18th century embroidered mitts

18th century embroidered mitts

18th century embroidered mitts

About Cynthia Griffith

I have way too many interests and hobbies, and continually cycle through them -- paying attention to some, while others wait for when I can get around to them again. My main interests are sewing and costuming (I enjoy historical clothing, such as 18th and 19th century, as well as fantasy costumes like elves and hopefully someday even dwarves), as well as getting back to art by drawing fan art of Thorin Oakenshield and Company. My husband Christopher and I spend a lot of time together, enjoying the outdoors and shared hobbies such as juggling. This blog and website is my way to share what I'm up to with friends and family.
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12 Responses to Gray 18th century embroidered mitts

  1. Mary says:

    Stunning. Beautiful embroidery and silly though it may sound, I’m impressed by the seams in the last picture.

  2. Annabelle says:

    Those are so very pretty! I am hoping to get around to mitts at some point but am stuck sewing gentleman-clothing right now, ugh.

  3. Thanks so much, everyone! I must admit, I see why fingerless mitts are very popular right now with a lot of people. I’m looking forward to making a few more (although maybe not as decorative — more for comfort and warmth).

    Annabelle I just followed you on Blogger, your garments look lovely too! How exciting for you about the gentleman-clothing, though! I can’t wait until my husband has a couple finished outfits so he can join me (and then of course I must get back to even more outfits and accessories for me! 😉 heheh!).

    Best wishes, and thanks for the replies!

  4. Ali says:

    They are beautiful! I wish I had something like that when I got married 😉 What an accomplishment!

  5. Thanks! I love them, and they definitely get a lot of attention. I made them a little too tight by accident, and once the food and drink came out at the party, I took the mitts off and put them in my basket.

  6. Lydia G says:

    Ooh, that’s so pretty! I love the embroidery!

    I’ve also started blogging now! Here’s the link to my blog if you want to take a look at it: http://rococoatelier.blogspot.com/ I thought you might because I’m also going to post a lot of 18th century stuff 🙂

  7. Thanks Lydia! And thanks, too, for the link to your blog. I’ll follow you through my blogger account — it looks like you’ll have some wonderful projects there. 😀 Best wishes!

  8. Sanna K says:

    Ooh, how beautiful!! I’m going to make mitts next.. Definitely! I got so excited about embroidering while making the garters. It was fun and I love the way it looks in the end!

  9. Thank you! While there are a few minor details about the mitts I wish I could change (mainly the fit — it changed quite a bit from the mockup. More than I expected), I still adore them and I must say they really get a lot of attention! Embroidery may take a little longer, but it’s so worth it in the end. I managed to figure out a design that wouldn’t be very much work, so I could finish them quicker than if they’d been more detailed, but the design still stands out quite a bit.

    I’m really looking forward to seeing your garters finished, and I can’t wait to see what you do with mitts!

    Best wishes, and thanks for the reply 😀

  10. Was wondering if your mitt embroidery design is based upon an 18th Century original?

  11. Kimberly: No, I tend to be inspired by various designs, but this was just something I came up with to whip out a pair quickly. I hope that helps! 🙂

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