Comments on: Inventing the Wheel, or Clues to How to Start a Design

By: 1887 Summer Berry Trifle Dress – Historical Sewing

1887 Summer Berry Trifle Dress – Historical Sewing — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:01:12 +0000

[…] from the Truly Victorian 1884 French Vest Bodice. Because I had already made that pattern, I took it to make a new mockup where then I drew in new […]

By: The Red Dress: 1883 Caramel Apple Dress – Historical Sewing

The Red Dress: 1883 Caramel Apple Dress – Historical Sewing — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 02:22:22 +0000

[…] The bodice is like the 5th or 6th reincarnation of one Truly Victorian bodice or another. Hey! – if the pattern fits, don’t reinvent the wheel and start with a new pattern. […]

By: Podcast 008: Keeping a Sewing Journal – Historical Sewing

Podcast 008: Keeping a Sewing Journal – Historical Sewing — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 22:33:37 +0000

[…] –Blog post on NOT reinventing the wheel (or sewing pattern) […]

By: Connie

Connie — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 22:56:28 +0000

Great advise and information! I have used purchased patterns for my costumes up until now. I am feeling more confident and have started a mock-up using parts of two different patterns and my own drawn pattern piece to replicate a Fashion Plate. Im really excited to see how this ends up. If it comes out I think it will give me the boost I need to start making my own when I cant find what I want.

By: Vani Joy Parker

Vani Joy Parker — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 17:34:37 +0000

I love historical costumes! My only problem is I’m a plus-sized woman. I’ve had to create my own style simply for the fact that I hate tight fitting ‘Modern Clothing’. I use pattern pieces from various patterns to get the look I want only I’ve had marginal success. Regency is my favorite but I often find the patterns are too small. I have learned by error mostly that it is wisest to use a muslin (a test garment) so you don’t waste fabric; a hard lessoned learned. I can’t remember what they’re called, but how do you make a muslin that you fit a pattern to? I’ve read a lot about them, but I’ve had little success in making one of my own. How do you make one for yourself without someone else’s help? Where do you find your fabrics? I’ve never seen Organdy at the shops I’ve been too, even the ones who cater to re-enactors. I though I’d died and gone to heaven when I found Dimity a few years ago, but I’ve not seen any since then and it is one of my favorite fabrics now. I wish I had used both pieces for period outfits now. One is a more modern shirt and the other is my modern take on a regency dress. Basically I’ve shortened it to wear with pants though I wish the neckline fit me better. Am I just dreaming? I’ve had to add up to ten inches or more to some patterns to get them to fit and even then they’re not right. I’ve been sewing for nearly twenty years now and I feel like a beginner still in some things. Can any one offer some good advice?

By: Mireille Weller

Mireille Weller — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 16:37:25 +0000

All of my regency stuff is from the same pater. I will post a picture of all of them When I finish my latest gown.

By: Ruth

Ruth — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 10:05:20 +0000

Well, my first sewing experience was over 40 years ago, I still remember falling in love with patterns. I seriously wish now I had taken more dressmaking courses and learned about muslins (I learned from mother, grandmother, and home ec sewing course). I know years ago I would just put some pieces together, sew them up, and wear them, but I was thinner and younger and could get away with those things. Now I have patterns I have worn out, replaced and remade over and over, because they fit me well. I’m at the age where I need a little more stuctured fit, but I love my comfort more! I envy you people who have the dedication to make and wear the period clothes, they are so lovely.

By: Susan Burns

Susan Burns — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 15:07:35 +0000

That is funny. Most of my projects begin with buying a gorgeous blue fabric! The beginning of your story made me laugh, but I also love patterns, and only hope I can make some of the ones I have collected.