This plate from July 1, 1812 La Belle Assemblee was so well received on the Facebook page that I though we’d take a closer look at the wonderful trimming and how to replicate it. The basic trim effect looks to be made separately then mounted onto the dress fabric. The dress fabric could be an Read More...
Tag: Regency
19th C. Pocket Solutions Because You Have to Put Your iPhone Somewhere
Hidden pockets. Wide pockets. Tiny pockets. Welt pockets. Watch pockets. Patch pockets. Pockets with flaps. Pockets in seams. Decorative pockets and functional pockets. Inside pockets. Breast pockets. Back pockets. It truly is amazing the variety and locations of pockets in 19th Century clothing! For easy reference, let’s look at where our ancestors carried personal Read More...
Figuring Out How To Do Pleats on the Back of a Bustle Bodice
Lately I’ve had fellow costumers ask me about those deep pleats you see on the back of 1870s and 1880s bodices. Those gorgeous fluffy pleats tucked into crisp folds floating above the puffed up bustle. The pattern pieces don’t seem too crazy – a little jaunt out about 90 degrees from the seam then straight Read More...
Searching for Historical Supplies from Chain Fabric Stores
It seems like every historical costumer’s journey to a closet full of pretty things to wear always includes a trip… or two… or three… to the local fabric store. We inevitably find ourselves on the quick run to grab thread, hook & eyes or even ribbon. But for so many of us (and yes, I Read More...
Simplifying the Search for Undergarment Patterns – Chemise & Drawers
If you’re at all like most historical costumers, you tend to focus on the main part of a new costume – the dress. I know I do. Sure, you give a thought to the corset; maybe even make a new one which we know is the substance for a well-presented silhouette. Then you follow with Read More...
How to Define The Costume-y Look and Decide If That’s What You Want
When something is described as “costume-y” what do you think of? Do you try to avoid this dreaded term being applied to your own projects? Everyone has their own idea of what makes a garment or outfit look costume-y. Is it the fit? Or the fabrics used? Or a crappy sewing job? What about simply 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...
Fabric Choices for 19th C. Costumes – Part 3 – Cotton
Do you have a type of fabric that just calls to you? You know, the type that even though you’re looking for something completely different in the fabric store you just can’t help walking over to it and reveling in its deliciousness. Yeah, me too. It’s called cotton. Read More...