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...
Writing Morning Pages
Aside from being a seamstress… a dressmaker, I’m a writer. I wasn’t sure of that title until many years ago my friend mentioned all the writing I do in blog posts and ebooks and sewing instructions. Yeah, ok. I loved writing short stories in junior high and high school English classes too. I’m a writer. Read More...
1873 Blackberry Cream Victorian Ensemble
It’s finished!! After over four years I finally have completed my first objective of the day bodice to this incredibly fun ensemble! As in true Victorian spirit, the initial plan was to make the day bodice first then add an evening bodice later. It is the accurate way to get more mileage out of those Read More...
Book Review: Regency Women’s Dress
This book, Regency Women’s Dress: Techniques and Patterns 1800-1830 by Cassidy Percoco, had been on my radar for a couple months after first stumbling upon it on Amazon last August. I waited for the release date of October 1st only to have it appear as “out of stock.” Sigh…. So when it was available again Read More...
Fabric Piecing
So you only bought seven yards. You need eight. Of course. Because you didn’t check the yardage listing before you went shopping or the store only had the seven. But you’re determined to make the dress anyway…. When you’re a bit short on fabric, the [historically accurate] method of Making It Work is to piece the Read More...
Quit Overthinking Cartridge Pleats
Over the years I’ve seen many, many costumers question and ponder and debate and frustrate themselves over how to calculate cartridge pleats. I get it. It’s pleating. Pleats need to be calculated (or can be, but it’s not absolutely necessary). But cartridge pleats – or gauging as is the 19th century period term – are Read More...
What to Do With Small Yardages in the Stash
This week Elise sent me an excellent question on historical projects that can be made with little fabric. You know… The 1/2 to 2 yard pieces left over from other projects or the beautiful fabric you had to buy (and did so before you knew how much a period costume would actually use). To Elise, Read More...
3 Tips for Researching a New Fashion Era
Hello my friends!! I’m back from the adventure of moving 700 miles to a new home. I’m now in Utah about a half hour south of Salt Lake City. If you are in the area and know of dress-up or reenacting events please let me know. I want to join the fun and meet you Read More...