Think back to when you were new to sewing. Perhaps it was last week. Or maybe 40 years ago. Remember how intimidating a new design was? You thought, “I want to make THAT.” You bought a gorgeous blue fabric only to find yourself staring at the picture wondering how to even begin such a thing. Read More...
Category: Pattern Tips
For the Love of Dirndls – Pattern Options
In the last few weeks I’ve been overloading on dirndl research… You may have noticed this from my last post and from a recent Facebook Live video where I shared packages of official dirndl fabric from an online site based in Germany and two dirndl pattern magazines I ordered from Stoffcorner in Austria. (FYI: that FB live Read More...
Happy New Year! What Are You Sewing?
Hello my costuming friends and Happy New Year!!! I jumped on Facebook today for a Live feed chatting about new projects and giving you some sources for 18th and 19th century sewing projects including patterns, books and websites. Enjoy! You’ll find my new online class: Hand Stitches for 18th Century Sewing on the Historical Sewing Read More...
A Plaid Chore Skirt
First – I LOVE this skirt!! Janet the creative mind, designer, and pattern maker over at Decades of Style Pattern Company contacted me last month asking if I’d like to test her newest pattern. She graciously send me an in-progress version so I could make it up and blog about my project which is what Read More...
Tracing Paper Patterns
Save the original pattern! It is generally suggested in the sewing world that you copy that precious, new paper pattern you recently received and are getting ready to sew with. This is so you keep the original intact. I would agree – about 80% of the time. Read More...
1895 Nine-Gored Skirt from The Delineator No.7856
Straight from the pages of the September 1895 issue of The Delineator…. Pattern number 7856 a nine-gored skirt with matching bias seam edges. Oh, to be able to purchase this original pattern of the Late Victorian era! Here is the complete description of the pattern along with yardage requirements given in the magazine. I’ll also Read More...
Patterns for New Costumers
First and foremost it’s all about the silhouette of the time period you want to achieve. You build the undergarments first then all the pretty things that go on top. But as a beginner you’re starting from ground zero. You have nothing…. Except maybe a bonnet or a petticoat or your grandmother’s fur jacket. And Read More...
Ironing Paper Patterns
Yes, it may sound kinda strange to be ironing patterns… but you really can do it! Although, I only do this on tissue patterns – not the heavy bond paper patterns that are so common amongst independent pattern publishers. But for the Big 4 companies (Simplicity, Butterick, McCall’s and Vogue) and others who publish tissue-printed Read More...