Hello! I’m Jennifer Rosbrugh.
I’ve always felt like I belonged in the 1800s. I grew up dreaming of Victorian puffed sleeves (like Anne Shirley), romantic homes and one day living in a house that looked just like Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion (without the ghosts but with the attic full of treasures). I couldn’t get enough of ruffled skirts. And my 16th Birthday was a Victorian tea party on the back lawn.
By high school I was making most of my clothes with added historical elements like those puffed sleeves, long hems, full skirts, Edwardian ruffles and lace inserts.
My grandmother, Elizabeth, started me with a solid foundation in clothing construction (along with other crafts), and now, around 35 years later, I still yearn for that 1855 spooky Italianate home but my sewing talent has brought the 19th Century into my life.
In 1998 I stumbled upon Jennie Chancey’s Titanic Project at Sense & Sensibility. The next year I discovered Truly Victorian and Past Patterns.
Did you hear my squeal of delight? It echoed for miles: “There are patterns to make Victorian clothes?! Oh my gosh! No Way!”
Four years after graduating with a Bachelor in Entrepreneurship/Finance, I decided to go back to school simply to learn new techniques and didn’t care a jot about the degree. I enrolled at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles) to absorb all I could about pattern making and garment draping.
I felt freedom from not having to rely on finding that perfect commercial pattern anymore to make my Victorian garments a reality. (But I DO think commercial patterns are still a great jumping off point for a design and use them extensively.)
To further my love of sewing historical clothing for time-traveling events, modern workplace clothes and just to have fun dressing up, I joined the Costumer’s Guild West and experienced my first Costume College in 2000. Because of all the valuable knowledge I gained there, I decided to give back by becoming a teacher (in 2004) to pass on the creative hobby of costuming.
In 2006, with an increasing awareness of civilian importance in Civil War reenacting, I helped found the Historical Citizens Association. The group specializes in creating town life at Civil War reenactments but also organize and host all manner of historical activities including Regency, Victorian and Edwardian dinners, events, picnics and workshops throughout the Southern California areas. (I’m not actively participating in HCA events due to moving to Utah in 2015.)
I consider myself a Neo-Victorian believing that you CAN merge 19th C. aesthetics, manners, thoughts and behaviors with modern living.
I do not view the 1800s through rosy lenses, but rather, I take the good things of the past I am fond of and combine them with my modern lifestyle. My projects reflect that creative blend because I use contemporary and innovative methods to fabricate my 21st Century life – doing exactly what my ancestors did.
God has blessed me with a tremendous talent that I choose to honor Him with by passing on my passion of sewing and creative work to others who want to express their personality and incorporate a bit of the past into their life so together we may understand the strength of our ancestors who passed the torch through time to ignite our being.
Hi I also live in utah and im looking for some sort of group that idk does activity. I make historical clothes and have no where to where them or show them off. I guess I’m wondering if you know of any in utah im having a hard time finding anything on the web.
Depends on where you are in Utah. St. George area is near Cedar City and Las Vegas, which have activities you could look into. In northern Utah check with Old Glory Vintage Dancers in SLC and some historical sites there that might have events to attend.
Hi Jennifer,
Most of my period clothing is from the War of 1812. I found your website while researching a “new” outfit I want to make and wear. My place of worship is celebrating it’s 200th anniversary this year and in the 1860s it was a Methodist congregation. As I will be leading some “period” worship services as part of the year long celebration I’m hoping to dress accordingly. I’m trying to find out as much as I can about 1860s sewing, fabrics and what exactly a Methodist Deaconess on a circuit would wear circa 1863. (I chose that year because I have a day dress pattern I think I can rework.) Thank you for your valuable foundation garments instructions. Could you recommend other sites so I may continue my research?
Hi Dawn. Welcome!
Although I’m not doing 1860s costuming anymore I do have a couple blog posts here you can search for. These include cartridge pleating, flatlining bodices and a front dog-leg closure.
As for other sites, many, many other blogs exist for research. A little Google searching will give you some to start with. I can offer you pattern resources and fabric shops, but other blog/research sites are too numerous to share. Best of luck in your sewing!
After following your blog for several years now for some reason I clicked on “About Jennifer.” It’s great to find another FIDM graduate. I’m the class of 1981. Living in Albuquerque, NM , I was surprised to find one other graduate living here, as well. Love your website!
Yay! I attended FIDM in 2000-2001. And although I currently reside in Utah, I grew up in NW New Mexico. 🙂
Hi Nora,
I went to FIDM “79-80 and was friends with a Nora Chavez who also worked at a charity. My friend Nora’s father had the nickname “eagle eye”. Would love to connect if this is you!.
Hi Jennifer,
My adult son is interested in learning historical hand sewing techniques and making garments. He is a beginner. Your classess look like an excellent way for him to explore and learn. I’d like to buy him a course or two and some starting materials (like needles thread, scissors, fabric etc) for Christmas…I’m thinking the Hand Stitches and the Shift class will get him well-grounded. Is there some way I can see the list of supplies so I know what else to buy?
Thank you! Happy holidays!
Hi Sue,
I’ve sent you an email!
Jennifer,
I got it–so helpful! Thank you! I will put together a package for him. Thi is going to be fun.
Thanks again!
Sue
Hello!
I just found your website by searching for historical regency gown closures and was delighted to find your article! I went to university for theatre performance and worked in the costume shop my entire college career. Designing, creating, and sewing costumes is perhaps my most ardent passion, second only to following Jesus 😊.
For my birthday this year I held an Edwardian tea party, in full garden style. Most recently, I been reignited with a longing for the romantic regency style in my every day life, spurred by a renewal in my love for Jane Austen’s novels (and films to follow). I’ve just created a ball gown I’m thrilled about…with nowhere yet to wear it, so I may just have to throw a ball.
I just wanted to let you know I so appreciate your website, both as an informative resource and as a means to relate to someone else who understands the thrill and fulfillment that comes with such an avocation.
Warmest blessings for a prosperous year!
Welcome to our Joyful Community, Grace! 🙂 Blessings to you, too.
Hi Jennifer- just saw your website and was interested in your instructionals. I am an embroiderer and have 2 Bonnaz machines invented in 1856 and used for applying soutache and cording to dresses. I primarily do embroidery on other people’s garments but now am interested in making some myself. Thanks for the great info!!!
christine
Oh wow! Those sound like very cool machines!
Hi Jennifer 😀 I wanted your assistance on a project I am doing. I’m trying to make a dress with the back parted (?) Sort of like a curtain style. I have no idea how to do it. Can you help me?
Hi Jennifer,
I just found your wonderful website through Facebook. I too feel like I was born in the wrong era. I love 18th and 19th century clothing…especially Victorian era clothing and do a lot of reenacting as such. My speciality is the domestic side of life of these eras mainly historic cookery. Thank you for this amazing website I love looking at all the beautiful costumes and it gives me a new insight into the clothing aspect of the time. Sewing costumes is a fairly new adventure for me as I have been a quilter for years. I am looking forward to seeing everything on your site and maybe even trying some patterns.
Thank you
Tammy
Welcome to our Joyful Community Tammy! Best wishes in your “trying some patterns.” Enjoy! 🙂
I’ve always had an obsession with historical novels and movies. I always thought I was born in the wrong time, but of course I know that God has me exactly where He wants me. I love to sew and have been thinking of making some historical garments for photo shoots. Thanks for the resources! I’m also in Southern CA and had no idea there were so many events to attend.
Yes I have used the long zip ties very successfully as corset stays, cut to length and ends candles. They will not break (even when frozen) and run no risk of rusting. They do however require slightly wider channels as they are thicker than metal stays and will also make your corset a size smaller in circumference depending on how many pieces are used. Washing and drying are a breeze although I wash by hand and use the tennis shoe rack in my dryer to speed up that process. After 30plus years of costume and clothing design some advances like this help on cost and ease.
Hi. My daughter is doing a research project on the corset, and plans to quote some of your information listed on your website (cited, of course). She needs information about your education. We see that you have a 4 year degree , but where is it from (what college). Thanks.
Rod
Hi Rod,
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. (Couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful campus!)
Tell your daughter I wish her cheer and luck with her research.
Jennifer
“God has blessed me with a tremendous talent that I choose to honor Him with by passing on my passion of sewing and creative work to others who want to express their personality and incorporate a bit of the past into their life so together we may understand the strength of our ancestors who passed the torch through time to ignite our being.” This puts so beautifully into words what I often struggle to say about my own passions. Thank you.
You are welcome. 🙂
Hi,
I follow your blog from my sewing website, but I just nominated/awarded you a blogging award from my genealogy blog.
http://genealogylady.net/2013/03/25/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
I enjoy your work very much!
Thank you,
Deborah
Hi Jennifer,
Found your website through Pinterest. Soooo happy with this. Am very impressed. Thank you for sharing your passion with so many people.
Regards,
Viv
Welcome Viv!