It’s finished!! After over four years I finally have completed my first objective of the day bodice to this incredibly fun ensemble! As in true Victorian spirit, the initial plan was to make the day bodice first then add an evening bodice later. It is the accurate way to get more mileage out of those Read More...
Search Results for: 1873 Blackberry Cream
Just Keep Ruching, Ruching, Ruching…. The 1873 Blackberry Cream Dress
It’s not exactly swimming but I feel I’ve been drowning under miles of lavender taffeta. The 1873 purple gown is made of awesome ruched panels that are glorious in all their puffiness. You’d think running a few rows of basting stitches then pulling them up and sewing down to a base wouldn’t be all that hard. Hard, Read More...
1873 Licorice Princess Dress
What is it about black dresses?? Apparently they are very well liked by the general population as I received more compliments on my new evening gown than expected. (Thank you!) And this happens to be, essentially, my first black costume aside from my 1862 cotton mourning dress. So… is it the black, or is it Read More...
Blackberry Cream for Dinner
The 1873 dress turned out exceptionally yummy. The poufy-ness. The gorgeous heliotrope/wisteria color. The kazillion yards of ruching…. It debuted at the Gala at Costume College 2011 and couldn’t have found a happier setting. Here are a few more photos and notes on the making of this delicious piece. Read More...
Organdy: The Costumer’s Dream Fabric
It was a distinct turning point in my historical costuming. I thought I was doing pretty good – my costumes were fairly accurate in style, my undergarments were all present, and my fabric selections did not include polyester or nylon. I soaked up all I could on how to make my Victorian clothing better. What I Read More...
Podcast 003: Organdy Fabric Basics
Organdy is a beautiful fabric ideal for a variety of historical and vintage garments as well as inner layer/underlining support. Learn about the technical details including the weave, finish variances, and differences from organza and crinoline materials. Jennifer will cover various garments, accessories and trims where organdy is best used with sewing tips that help Read More...
Victorian Bustle Dresses
I get many inquiries about the various research and construction aspects of Bustle Era dresses. This period from about 1869 to 1889 is full of the best designs of the later Victorian years. If you want girly and fluffy – you’ll find it here. More tailored is your style? Yep. And smooth fitting is smack
What I Learned from NOT Going to Costume College
Costume College 2016 just ended. If you don’t know about it, it is a 3+ day annual conference held in the Los Angeles area and is for all costumers wanting to “up their game” through learning and being challenged by others. I’ve been attending since 2000 and been teaching since 2004. This year, my plans Read More...