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We all have our “comfy clothes” we wear around the house. For some that may be yoga pants and a t-shirt; for others, jeans and sweater or cotton dress. If friends come over for a Saturday BBQ we might put on something a bit nicer… like shoes. But in thinking about those who lived in Read More...
Where do the historical costuming goods & services come from?
A thought that has been on my mind lately is the appreciation (or lack thereof) of those who provide goods and services to the historical costuming community. It’s true we have a small community. But it is growing too – hooray! Sometimes I think we forget that many of those who provide patterns, fabrics, trims, Read More...
The 1913 Blue Floral Corset
My latest historical costuming project – the first completed in 2016 – is a long-line, late Edwardian corset. Yay for period correct undergarments for a good start to the proper silhouette!! I also made a c.1917 chemise. Here’s my review and how it went together. Read More...
Working with Mockups
If you’ve been around garment sewing, and especially historical sewing, for any length of time you’ve probably heard of mockups, aka toile (pronounced twal), muslin, run-through, or fitting test garment. The purpose is to do a test run of the pattern for sewing errors and also to fine-tune the fit to a body. Mockups are Read More...
Fitting Guidelines for Flattering Victorian Costumes
Seems every one of us who make reproduction historical garments are after that crown jewel of construction – The Perfect Fit. Of course we are. Now, I’ll admit that after sewing and fitting for a while you can begin to recognize good fit on yourself and others too. But even “good fit” isn’t perfect. Our ancestors Read More...
Passionate About Petticoats
We’ve all seen it. A beautiful period gown spoiled by a limp, dragging skirt. Besides good flatlining in that skirt, the use of petticoats can take that loose mess and make it a beautiful reproduction worthy of a fashion plate. Read More...
Easy Method to Make 3-D Trim Motifs
Those gorgeous trim clusters on Victorian dresses – sigh! But how were the dresses cleaned with all that trim attached? I first realized the value of making 3-D trim removable after the first wearing of my 1876 Wedding Cake Evening Dress. After copying the fashion plate for the exact placement of roses and lace and Read More...
Sleeve Shifts of the 1890s
Fashion doesn’t change overnight. There’s a subtle movement when a new thought is presented. The idea is taken to the full extreme over a period of a few years. Then it seems to be discarded quickly; put on the shelf and forgotten. Another new idea is presented and we start the cycle again. This path Read More...