Flipping through all the beautiful surviving garment photos makes me feel overwhelmed sometimes. SOOO many designs I simply HAVE to make. Have you experienced this too? Out pops a gorgeous gown that is so stunning it nearly makes you cry for the beauty of it. Ok – that one is definitely going on the list…. Read More...
Category: Jen’s Musings
A Look at an Original 1840s Corded Petticoat
Many years ago I started researching corded petticoats. It all began because I wanted to make an 1830s dress and needed the proper silhouette underneath. There wasn’t much information out there. But I picked up bits and pieces and started to put together what they really were and how they were made. Then I started Read More...
Pearls of Wisdom for Lone Seamstresses
“I need to know how to help MYSELF when I don’t have someone around who can pin me and let me out of my muslin time and again. I’d like to be able to drape a bodice… and actually get it to fit ME! I am so frustrated about making skirts that fit spot on, Read More...
A Christmas Ribbon Rose
In honor of Christmas week, I want to celebrate by showing you how to make a ribbon rose. Perfect for a gift package, wearing in your modern hair, or adding to the side of a mid-19th c. bonnet! 🙂 Although you can’t finish this one quickly, you *can* make it during a fantastic mini-series like Read More...
Top 10 Resource Books for Your Sewing Library
Ahh… books. Those friends for life. And no matter how long you’ve been sewing, you probably have a few of these friends around. Some are undoubtedly better than others. A few belong in the Goodwill donation stack. Others you would grab in case of fire. While there are dozens of really good books on sewing Read More...
Building a Dream Regency Wardrobe
Have you ever dreamed of opening up your closet and it’s packed with dresses from another time? Of course you have or you wouldn’t be here reading! Isn’t it fun to dream of silk dresses, wool coats and bonnets? To think of afternoon tea and reading Pride & Prejudice as a contemporary novel? So Read More...
Being Safe in the Wilds of the Sewing Room
Do Not Try This At Home The deadline was approaching. The annual Costume College was the next weekend, and I was desperately trying to finish my costume for the Gala. You know the panic. I had a narrow ¼” seam allowance with several fat layers of fabric under my presser foot to stitch on the Read More...
The Biggest Mistake Costumers Make
Reproducing historical costumes is a heavy task. We work and labor; we finagle and cry; we bleed and curse and cause our family to wonder why we do this crazy stuff for something we’ll display to the world once or twice. It’s because we’re chasing after that elusive goal of hearing: “Wow! You look like Read More...