How to read your blogs after Google Reader bites the dust.

Very soon -- July 1st, if I remember correctly -- Google Reader will be shut down. Have you figured out how to follow your favorite blogs?

I've switched over to Bloglovin, and I love it!

For a few ideas on how to move your blog list, Bloglovin suggests these posts:

http://heartifb.com/2013/03/15/how-to-move-your-google-reader-rss-feed-to-bloglovin/

http://nutritionella.com/2012/12/my-new-favorite-reader-a-bloglovin-tutorial/

http://drabtofabdesign.com/2013/03/bye-bye-google-reader-hello-bloglovin/

And from Bloglovin, a FAQ page:
http://www.bloglovin.com/en/support

How are you going to deal with the end of Google Reader?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Since Google Reader is going away soon, I've joined Bloglovin. I hope to see you there. :-)

Announcing a New Victorian Bathing Suit Pattern

After a long hiatus, I'm back with a new pattern – a Grecian-Style Bathing Suit for 1870 to 1890.

Around 1850, the Bathing Dress for ladies came into existence – before that time women wore a long shirt-like garment.  The earliest reference to a suit with drawers I've found was in 1852. But once fashion got hold of the bathing suit, the dress evolved rapidly.  Some bathing suits were downright gorgeous. Like, in my opinion, this one!

The August 1870 issue of Peterson's Magazine shows a lovely outfit: "Fig. X. – Bathing-Costume of White Flannel. – Trousers fastened at the knee by a cross strip braided with a Grecian pattern in black wool.  Peplum blouse, with short sleeves, with a braided Grecian pattern, buttoned on each side and on the shoulders."  This is the outfit featured in my pattern.

The bathing dress opens at the shoulders and both sides.  The blouse can be made with or without sleeves.  The drawers can be made in calf or ankle lengths, and can be gathered into cuffs. You can make it with or without the separate skirt.

Victoria's skirt came out a couple of inches too short – I forgot she's a good six inches taller than I am. LOL!

Can't you see yourself lounging beside the pool in this outfit?

You can purchase it now at Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/153370811/victorian-bathing-suit-pattern-new

Happy sewing.

Deb Salisbury, the Mantua-Maker