Sometimes we spin our minds trying to come up with a cool gift for a costuming/sewing friend. Aside from the “generic” gift cards to the fabric store (online or in town), an actual box of a neat, useful tool or notion is just the thing for the pretty paper. I’ve searched around and compiled a Read More...
Podcast 009: Cottons for Bustle Dresses
Is cotton historically appropriate to use for Victorian bustle dresses? Enthusiastically -YES! Day and evening wear from the 1870s and 1880s abounds in various cotton weaves used in the late 19th century. In this episode Jennifer talks about her favorite fabric, cotton, with its wonderful properties of being easy-to-sew, breatheable, washable and with strength and Read More...
Podcast 008: Keeping a Sewing Journal
Start increasing your sewing efficiency by using a sewing journal! Make your journal as detailed or as open as fits YOUR sewing style – we are all different with our creativity and organization. This episode covers Jennifer walking through how she puts together project pages in her journal. She includes tips for how you can organize Read More...
Podcast 007: The Biggest Challenge in Achieving the Historical Look
No matter how long you’ve been sewing and making historical ensembles, one of the biggest challenges that presents itself with each project is getting the silhouette “correct.” That look you create that identifies your costume as being from a specific fashion era and is recognizable as such. The key is to work with your specific Read More...
Podcast 006: Favorite Sewing Tools
Where would we be without tools in our sewing box? Amongst all those wonderful items, we each have our favorites – those that give us joy when we use them. Yet, we also have those gadgets that we use often but aren’t necessarily a favorite (seam ripper, anyone?). Listen in as Jennifer goes through her Read More...
Sewing Subscription Box from The Sewciety
Now that’s an interesting idea! Back in September a call went out in a pattern testing group I’m in on Facebook. It was for a subscription sewing box full of goodies like fabric, a pattern and notions. Sure! I’ll try that out. Full disclosure: the gals at The Sewciety picked me, among several others, to Read More...
Podcast 005: Victorian Halloween Celebrations
It’s Halloween time! As costumers and Victorian lovers it’s a holiday that many of us embrace. In this episode Jennifer shares a bit of backstory to this All Hallows Eve along with some activities even Queen Victoria herself participated in. You’ll also get inspiration for your holiday meals and a few costume ideas too! Happy Read More...
Podcast 004: Getting Started in Historical Costuming
We all came into historical costuming through various channels and with varied goals and inspirations. Maybe you are new to sewing or just getting started in your research and building historical fashion. In this episode Jennifer gives tips for newbies – and the rest of us too! – with no matter how you came to Read More...