Yeah… you’ve finally reached that point where you want to tackle a huge project. Something that challenges you. An undertaking that takes your skills to a new level. It may be a trained 1882 dinner dress; a Civil War ball gown; or an embroidered Regency dress. But where to begin? You have a brief idea Read More...
Category: Sewing Tips
Take Your Victorian Dressmaking to the Next Level
Being creative creatures we are always striving to better ourselves and our work. Of course, there are always those quick projects where we just want to get it done and ready for the event. Those we simply “cut & paste” using the supplies and abilities we’ve developed over time. But then as I was sewing Read More...
How to Sew Cartridge Pleats
This tutorial is dedicated to Corinne Pleger who taught me the beauty of cartridge pleating in July 2000. Cartridge pleats are eye-catching! Neat little pleats stacked in a row, stitched together and standing at attention. Those little pleats do a heck of job too with getting an enormous amount of skirt fabric into a tiny Read More...
Tips for Whipping up a 1880s Summer Berry Hat
The latest millinery project to come from my sewing room is my 1880s Summer Berry Hat. It was made to complement my all-stripe 1887 Summer Berry Trifle dress (still in progress), and also became the foundation for the 1880s online hat class. Whipping up something this yummy takes a bit of time, the right ingredients, and Read More...
Trimming a Regency Bonnet – Ideas & Instructions
Jane Austen you say? Lizzy Bennet? A walk to Meryton? The War of 1812? Napoleon and Josephine’s court? If you are at all into the early 1800s you know you can’t dress up without completing the ensemble with a bonnet. (Heck! That’s why those films we swoon over are called “bonnet dramas.”) The Regency Era Read More...
Pleated Trim to Jazz up Your Victorian Neckline
Want to add pizazz to your Victorian dresses? Well, pleated trim is a fantastic way to go. You can cut strips of your dress fabric or use ribbon. Fold it, pleat it, gather it, or ruche it to make trim that complements your gown perfectly and adds that “Pop!” we all want from the historical Read More...
11 Uses for a Seam Gauge in Historical Costuming
Do you have a seam gauge in your sewing basket? Do you love it as much as I do? This little 6″ strip of metal with a slider in the center is THE handiest of tools in any sewing room. If you don’t have one, drop everything and go get one now! (You can find Read More...
Upon Dressmaking circa 1851
Contemporary periodicals written in the past are such wonderful original sources we can pull from when researching costumes! Written by those who actually made and wore the clothing we so romanticize and re-create, these articles inspire and give us a glimpse into their world. I want to share with you a particular article about dressmaking Read More...