Comments on: Costuming Keeps Us Dreaming

By: Perfectionism in Historical Costuming – Historical Sewing

Perfectionism in Historical Costuming – Historical Sewing — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 23:30:38 +0000

[…] I’ve said for years that costuming keeps us dreaming and stomping on someone else’s dream and creativity is no way to advance the art and keep it […]

By: Getting a Clue About Accessories – Historical Sewing

Getting a Clue About Accessories – Historical Sewing — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 22:10:42 +0000

[…] costume to look. ASK them what they did, what patterns they used, where they went shopping. (And if they snub you for asking, you don’t need to draw ideas from them […]

By: AmateurCostumer

AmateurCostumer — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 03:44:41 +0000

Here’s a thought. I try to get the right fabric and colors for my garments and patterns that are as close to how they would have used. But, I don’t feel the need to construct them exactly the way they would have put them together by hand and I feel guilty for it.(even though I really shouldn’t) I’ve justified using modern machines in this way and maybe it will help any of you that feel the same…..
Those that are adamant and rude about putting yourself in their place need to think about THEM being in our place. Anyone from the 19th century or before would marvel and stand with jaw agape staring at all the wonderful science and technology we have at our disposal to construct garments or accessories and think us crazy not to use the methods we have to make something! Instead of thinking about them in the past, embrace what they would think of our world and our toys putting together clothing and garments from their’s.!

By: Why You Can’t Be 100% Historically Accurate

Why You Can’t Be 100% Historically Accurate — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 21:37:18 +0000

[…] they would have access to and no machine stitched clothes before the late 1850s. (It gets bad when this viewpoint gets forced on others – for […]

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 06:17:11 +0000

Great article! I am still in the learning/beginning stages of costuming and am trying to get a good knowledge of the construction techniques first. They will be applied to not-so-authentic fabric; that I already know because of my budget, but my idea is to learn a new skill properly and then bring it up to speed once the foundation is solid. This is how I taught myself sign language, piano, and quilting; and it is how someone else taught me driving and cooking! 🙂 Many of you will be happy to hear that I WILL have the proper unmentionables though! Years ago with my first Civil War dress I quickly realized the need for such things. This time I’ll have them! And hopefully that, combined with proper construction, will help distract from the more modern fabric. Guess I’ll wait and see! And I figure it is a good way to test a new pattern and see if I like it before investing in an expensive fabric. 😉

By: Karen Ralston

Karen Ralston — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 23:14:24 +0000

Bravo, Jennifer! I know what is period correct, but when costuming for the stage or just for fun, I just use what looks good, and what will hold up for numerous performances. And, I hope I would never criticize a newbie’s work. In my talks, I give historically correct info, but allow for creativity to reign when it comes to costumes.
Thanks for writing this!

By: Jennifer Rosbrugh

Jennifer Rosbrugh — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 21:58:40 +0000

In reply to Julie. I don't play Sims but found this by Google search, of course.

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 20:57:38 +0000

Such a wonderful article, thanks Jennifer! ~ I think it can already be some what intimidating to learn new things, and when knowledgeable people behave in an arrogant manner, it is definitely discouraging to the newbs. It’s really great to see that you, and many others are willing to share your skills, and be so kind, and helpful. My biggest problems are over researching, and getting distracted by other interests, such as… I will be looking for the Sims Victorian Town, you have posted here, or is it something that you created?