What Everyone Ought to Know About Wearing a Victorian Corset

I first experienced wearing a corset eleven years ago. I thought it was the coolest thing ever as I LOVED Victorian clothes. So much wisdom has been gained over the years of making and wearing that “body armor” that I gladly pass on my experience to you to keep you on your feet and moving. Read More...

The 1913 Blue Floral Corset

My latest historical costuming project – the first completed in 2016 – is a long-line, late Edwardian corset. Yay for period correct undergarments for a good start to the proper silhouette!! I also made a c.1917 chemise. Here’s my review and how it went together. Read More...

Are You Wearing Your Chemise Wrong?

Are you? Is that even a question to discuss? Apparently it is. Who’s to say I’m wearing my underwear wrong? Or even if I’m wearing it right? This is such a personal question even for modern conversations, but how does it apply to those of us who make and dress in underwear from another time? Read More...

Dispelling the Myth of the Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Waist

It’s true when you look at photographs from the 1800s or observe antique dresses on custom-made mannequins it’s not hard to envy those petite waistlines. Do you do this? This perception usually leads to the generic thought: “Teeny, tiny waists are what women strived for back then. Everyone wanted an 18″ waist!” But did they?… Read More...

Clothing Articles to Make When You’re Just Beginning Historical Costuming

For a newcomer to the world of historical costuming it can seem overwhelming. “Where do I start? What should I make first? What about my hair, my shoes?”   Perhaps you’ve sewn a few period things but want to branch into a new time period. You don’t have to be a newbie to feel like Read More...

Patterns for New Costumers

First and foremost it’s all about the silhouette of the time period you want to achieve. You build the undergarments first then all the pretty things that go on top. But as a beginner you’re starting from ground zero. You have nothing…. Except maybe a bonnet or a petticoat or your grandmother’s fur jacket. And Read More...

Want to be More Historically Accurate?

Everyone who loves creating historically-inspired garments, at some point or another, will want to improve their skills in the accuracy department. As we are all on various creative journeys, this urge falls upon us at different times and with diverse intensity. For some, the “accuracy thing” hits as soon as we sign up with a Read More...