Reproducing a Late 1830s Pleated Sleeve

One of the most fun projects that I’ve had the chance to bring to life is a reproduction of a late 1830s dress held at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Having sewn 1830s garments before, the bodice and skirt seemed rather easy to me. But the sleeves were where the fun began. Besides the museum Read More...

Getting off the Couch & into the Sewing Room

Everyone who crafts whether it be sewing, knitting, quilting, or whatever, goes through phases where the inspiration is bland or even non-existent. It may last only a few days or weeks or even months. Somewhere along the way, we crash. We take a break. Life happens. Have you been there? Yeah, me too. You’re not Read More...

Blackberry Cream for Dinner

The 1873 dress turned out exceptionally yummy. The poufy-ness. The gorgeous heliotrope/wisteria color. The kazillion yards of ruching…. It debuted at the Gala at Costume College 2011 and couldn’t have found a happier setting. Here are a few more photos and notes on the making of this delicious piece. Read More...

Just Keep Ruching, Ruching, Ruching…. The 1873 Blackberry Cream Dress

It’s not exactly swimming but I feel I’ve been drowning under miles of lavender taffeta. The 1873 purple gown is made of awesome ruched panels that are glorious in all their puffiness. You’d think running a few rows of basting stitches then pulling them up and sewing down to a base wouldn’t be all that hard. Hard, 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...