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 this wonderful hobby or what pushed you to begin sewing historical garments and accessories. Whether you are a researcher, engineer, or decorator, your creative input in our community is valid and valuable.
So happy you are joining us. Enjoy your journey! And above all – remember to follow your gut instincts and WHY you want to be creative in historical costuming.
Show Notes and Mentions
–Movies that inspired me in childhood: Slipper and the Rose (1976), Anne of Green Gables (1985) and Summer Magic (1963)
–Truly Victorian sewing patterns
–Sense & Sensibility sewing patterns
–Costumer’s Guild West (CGW) group based in the Los Angeles area
-19th Century painters mentioned: James Tissot and Franz Xaver Winterhalter
–Seam Finishes blog post
–You Can’t Be 100% Historically Accurate blog post
–Jennifer’s Pinterest page with boards divided into fashion time periods
–Victorian Corset Class taught online by Jennifer Rosbrugh
–Foundations Revealed article website
-Corset makers mentioned: Redthreaded and Period Corsets
-Get over the perfectionism that exists in this hobby
-Online Regency Corset Class taught by Jennifer
-Find Jennifer on Gab: @JenRosbrugh
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Contact us by email at sewing@historicalsewing.com or on our Contact Page.
Thank you for your emphasis on one’s own creativity! As a beginner I see a lot of information insisting on historical accuracy at all costs. Some people find the recreation of s specific dress a fulfilling challenge and I admire them but that does not work for me. There are so many outfits that have not survived to our day, why should we not imagine what someone could have made, loved, and worn to threads!
I know I’ve said this before, but the biggest reason I came into this hobby was you! I was always fascinated with the fancy dresses, but you were the reason I was brave enough (and inspired enough) to get started! So, thank you! 😀
<3 <3 I am humbled by your kind words. Thank you. It's been a delight to see your journey progress. :-D
Good thoughts to ponder on!
I love that you addressed that some people came to sewing because of depression. That was my case and I think people are a bit afraid to talk about it in the community, it’s really amazing that you’re open about it!
[hugs] I mention it, not because I came to sewing that way, but because I took up knitting as a way to handle postpartum depression a couple years ago. I figured sewing, as a craft and handwork, would be how others come to it in a similar manner.
I certainly hope people are examining my day to day clothing in a couple hundred years….and getting seriously confused. The thought of this makes me happy 😀
Excellent point about day vs. evening wear! I always thought of it being normal vs. formal clothing, but for the periods you focus on the way you put it is certainly applicable.