I think linen is lovely even though I don’t use it much. I’ve had to almost force myself to sew with it. But why? My very first truly historical costume (not counting that blue velvet Italian Renaissance gown or any other Halloween stuff) was an 1880 polonaise courtesy of Past Patterns. You know the pattern. Read More...
Category: Fabrics & Trims
Where the Dickens is That Pattern List?
The autumn season is creeping up upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere. (Yay!!) And as cooler weather events start being organized and hosted, I’m sure many Dickens’ Fairs will be included. And don’t forget Christmas caroling and outdoor walks through state parks. When I think of these activities with my costume mind I usually Read More...
The Victorians Did Love Pink! – Original 1860s Bodice
Several years ago I acquired this original bodice that I date to the 1860s. It’s very well made by both hand and machine. Here are some highlights of this darling, but unusual garment. And yes, it is PINK. Read More...
1894 Summer Dress Goods
Direct from the era! Here are extensive descriptions from The Delineator June 1894 for materials recommended for stylish summer fashions. Click on the thumbnails to see the scans of the original pages then read below for the complete transcription. (Note: It is rather long & wordy but packed with period ideas!) The links in the Read More...
Regency Curtain Dress
1813 Embroidered Voile Dress Here’s a look at my last Regency dress made for the Day in Regency England in April 2011. To get the beginning of the project please read HERE and HERE. Read More...
Embroidered Voile Regency – Cutting & Pattern Work
Initial progress has been made on my ca. 1811 embroidered voile Regency gown. I pulled out all my most recent dress patterns and decided to go with a combo of my last Regency ballgown and the bodiced petticoat I made for under it. Here I’m tracing the original pattern. I then cut down the neckline, lowered Read More...
Drapes for Dresses
As a response to the February 2011 article on Regency fabrics, my friend Gina posted on the Facebook page that she didn’t see her curtains mentioned as possible raw material. Ha! Well, here’s where that came from. (And no, I didn’t actually steal her curtains for my project.) Read More...
Fabrics for Danceable Regency Ball Gowns
Ok, I admit I love day wear more than evening dress. This is true for both my historical wardrobe and in my 21st C. life. But when it comes to the invitation to a ball, I have to have *something* to wear to the event, right? With a new year of historical costume events planned, Read More...