Hi my costuming and sewing friends! As life changes in its ebb and flow, it has come time that I close the online Historical Sewing School with the sewing classes I’ve taught and hosted since 2012. It has been a great JOY to walk with you in your sewing and crafting over the past couple Read More...
Category: Jen’s Musings
The Potential of a New Sewing Room
It’s been nearly six months in the making. At least… on the current journey. You see, recently I moved back to my hometown after “traveling the world” (i.e. living in various places around the country) for 30 years. It’s been an adventure indeed! My husband and I had talked about moving (again) since early 2021. Read More...
Update: Blog and School are NOT Going Away
I’ve received emails and comments regarding my previous post on closing the Old Petticoat Shop (read the post here) and wanted to clarify that news. The Old Petticoat Shop (link to closing sale) selling sewing patterns is the only thing closing. As much as I’ve enjoyed serving the community offering patterns and such I’ve decided Read More...
Old Petticoat Shop News
After a wonderful seven years, I’ve decided to close the online store Old Petticoat Shop. One large reason being that a large pattern line we carried moved into offering only digital PDF patterns a few months ago, discontinuing their print versions. Also, as my service to the community at large is changing and pivoting into Read More...
Perfectionism in Historical Costuming
This post was first published in November 2017. With all the crazy happenings of 2020 and 2021 within our community I thought it good to take a look at this topic again. Being perfect. What does that mean? When you strive for “perfect” you nearly always fall short of it. As one of my mentors Read More...
Where in the World is Jennifer?
You might have wondered where I’ve been…. Noticeably absent on social media and here on the blog (but for a couple of posts) in the last year. Well, I’m still around! And yes, continuing to help students in my online classes, answering emails, responding to blog comments, and even producing a new podcast episode. Last Read More...
More Dirndl Goodness
So many of you have followed me throughout the years – thank you! – and noticed when I started talking about Bavarian (Germany) and Austrian dirndls. It was just over two years ago. You can watch a Facebook Live I did in February 2018 when my excitement blossomed. It’s so thrilling to have discovered in Read More...
Costume College 2019
Another great weekend event! So fun to spend time with old friends, and meet SO many new people – even if you’ve been following me for years – yay! After all the online drama that occurred this past year regarding Costume College (specifically at the beginning of the calendar year) I was doubting my attendance. Read More...