It’s summertime for most of us – time to debunk the myth that layers of Victorian costumes are so much hotter than today’s clothing. Read More...
Category: Jen’s Musings
Duplicating Antique Garments – Do you really want it THAT historically accurate?
It’s a most wonderful thing to study antique garments then create your own reproduction based on your research! Our ancestors were wise when it came to sewing up their clothing. But then again…. It was only their clothing. We modern day costumers look at antiques with such reverence. We want to know their secrets. How Read More...
Where do the historical costuming goods & services come from?
A thought that has been on my mind lately is the appreciation (or lack thereof) of those who provide goods and services to the historical costuming community. It’s true we have a small community. But it is growing too – hooray! Sometimes I think we forget that many of those who provide patterns, fabrics, trims, Read More...
Writing Morning Pages
Aside from being a seamstress… a dressmaker, I’m a writer. I wasn’t sure of that title until many years ago my friend mentioned all the writing I do in blog posts and ebooks and sewing instructions. Yeah, ok. I loved writing short stories in junior high and high school English classes too. I’m a writer. Read More...
Book Review: Regency Women’s Dress
This book, Regency Women’s Dress: Techniques and Patterns 1800-1830 by Cassidy Percoco, had been on my radar for a couple months after first stumbling upon it on Amazon last August. I waited for the release date of October 1st only to have it appear as “out of stock.” Sigh…. So when it was available again Read More...
Tips for Packing & Moving a Sewing Room
This year, after eight years in the same house (our first one), I find myself having to pack up and move a *stuffed* 8 x 10 ft room full of sewing “stuff” and miscellanea. When I started out, ok… when I started thinking about doing that I froze. I procrastinated. I sighed. How in the Read More...
6 Traits of Accomplished Historical Costumers
We all have those few REALLY good costumers who we look up to and admire. Your list of names may be similar to mine but both contain brilliant, creative people who astound and inspire us. We want to be them when we grow up! No matter the simplicity or detail produced by your sewing heroes, Read More...
Being real. A note from the heart
While listening to a podcast from Steven Furtick last week, a moment of inspiration and conviction came over me to share some thoughts with you. An honest confession of my (costuming) life in the last few months. Most of my readers think of me researching Victorian fashions and prancing around the house in bustle dresses Read More...