A certain look is produced when trim, such as lace, fringe or a ruffle, is tacked to the hem of a skirt. The basic thought is to first finish the hem (by hand or machine). Then sew on the lace on top. I did this method for many years and many costumes. But then I Read More...
Tag: Trims
Pattern Review: Truly Victorian Edwardian Undergarments
When Heather of Truly Victorian published her new Edwardian patterns in 2011, I knew it was time for me to move into the 20th Century. For some reason Edwardian clothes intimidate me. You’re probably thinking, “Yeah, but you sew all those detailed bustle dresses. How can a shirtwaist and skirt frighten you?” It does… despite Read More...
Deconstructing an 1812 Evening Dress Trim
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...
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...
Are You Wearing The Dress or Is The Dress Wearing You?
Now that’s an excellent question when you’re first starting to design a new costume. And how you answer will put you on a particular path for the look you want. A few years ago I was talking about design with a long-time costuming friend. I was having trouble deciding how flamboyant to make a particular Read More...
The 1886 Ivory Spring Hat
But of course I needed a new hat for my new Bubble Gum Dress! Headwear including hats, bonnets, caps, floral wreaths and such can make such a difference to the overall finished look to a costume. People in the 19th Century wouldn’t go out in public without *something* on their head. So here’s what I Read More...
Quick Study of an 1880 Natural Form Gown
This beautiful silver blue silk taffeta gown was on display at the Fashioning Fashion exhibit at LACMA. It caught my eye, not just because it’s the Victorian style that I love, but the details are fabulous! Read More...
The Value of an Organized Sewing Room
I love things being neat and clean. But I’m also a creative spirit. So that means parts of my sewing room are cluttered with random fabric heaps, antique magazines stacked on top of hat boxes, various bins of ribbons, loose pieces of pattern paper, and of course the “current project” pile. But having some Read More...