Many of us, I think, use paintings, photographs and fashion plates as inspiration for our historical costumes. I mean, why not? They are beautiful and fully represent the time period of our choice. So what happens when we approach the creation of a particularly (seemingly) difficult garment? It’s so easy to be trapped into inaction Read More...
Category: Pattern Tips
Quick Note & Pattern Ideas for an 1880s Winter Dress
Anyone know the stress of trying to get multiple projects done before the deadline?? That’s me this month. Busy, busy little bee. So for today, a quick, short post to answer a question that was asked yesterday on the Facebook page. Jacqui’s question: Hi Jennifer, do you know of a pattern that comes close to Read More...
Understanding How to Use a Needlepoint Tracing Wheel
In high school clothing class I was taught to trace darts, seamlines, button placements, etc. with a round tracing wheel – you know, the one with the blue plastic handle? You cut your fabric then make a mess trying to get that carbon paper in-between the fabric and pattern to mark. Well, I ditched that Read More...
Patterns for the Well-Dressed 19th Century Gentleman
Lest you think we forget our handsome gentlemen around here… Without them where would our Elizabeth Bennet be? What about Molly without her Roger? Or Scarlet without her Ashley AND Rhett? For these dashing men to be appropriately dressed, they must make a visit to their tailor – who probably dressed them to the T Read More...
How to Deal With Too Much Width in Your Sleeve Cap
Sleeves can be one of the most frustrating elements of a bodice. The pattern can be too long, they hang funny and there is this struggle with getting them set into the armhole and still look nice. Many times a sleeve has to be enlarged in width to fit a larger bicep measurement (a very Read More...
Pattern Review: Truly Victorian Edwardian Undergarments
When Heather of Truly Victorian published her new Edwardian patterns in 2011, I knew it was time for me to move into the 20th Century. For some reason Edwardian clothes intimidate me. You’re probably thinking, “Yeah, but you sew all those detailed bustle dresses. How can a shirtwaist and skirt frighten you?” It does… despite Read More...
19th C. Pocket Solutions Because You Have to Put Your iPhone Somewhere
Hidden pockets. Wide pockets. Tiny pockets. Welt pockets. Watch pockets. Patch pockets. Pockets with flaps. Pockets in seams. Decorative pockets and functional pockets. Inside pockets. Breast pockets. Back pockets. It truly is amazing the variety and locations of pockets in 19th Century clothing! For easy reference, let’s look at where our ancestors carried personal Read More...
Simplifying the Search for Undergarment Patterns – Chemise & Drawers
If you’re at all like most historical costumers, you tend to focus on the main part of a new costume – the dress. I know I do. Sure, you give a thought to the corset; maybe even make a new one which we know is the substance for a well-presented silhouette. Then you follow with Read More...