This year, after eight years in the same house (our first one), I find myself having to pack up and move a *stuffed* 8 x 10 ft room full of sewing “stuff” and miscellanea. When I started out, ok… when I started thinking about doing that I froze. I procrastinated. I sighed. How in the Read More...
6 Traits of Accomplished Historical Costumers
We all have those few REALLY good costumers who we look up to and admire. Your list of names may be similar to mine but both contain brilliant, creative people who astound and inspire us. We want to be them when we grow up! No matter the simplicity or detail produced by your sewing heroes, Read More...
Starching Petticoats
Do you starch your petticoats? Like those that are required if you want a good historical silhouette? I’ll admit I don’t keep my petticoats freshly starched & pressed as much as I should. But I still remember the very first time I pressed a plain petticoat after starching for the first time. OMG! That “paper Read More...
1895 Nine-Gored Skirt from The Delineator No.7856
Straight from the pages of the September 1895 issue of The Delineator…. Pattern number 7856 a nine-gored skirt with matching bias seam edges. Oh, to be able to purchase this original pattern of the Late Victorian era! Here is the complete description of the pattern along with yardage requirements given in the magazine. I’ll also Read More...
Fabrics to Make Pretty Petticoats
Petticoats are those undergarments that invoke romantic notions, feelings of nostalgia, and visions of swirling colors from Oklahoma! If you’ve followed me for even a bit, you know I strongly support the wearing of petticoats. First, for historical costuming they provide much needed under-structure to support the silhouette; second, they are one of the easiest Read More...
Regency Corded Corset
Finally finished!! My, but this took me longer than I anticipated. I’d made Regency corsets before but not a fully corded one. I love all the details and can actually say this one is 100% done. (Yes, I even flossed all 8 gussets. Ha!) It’s very comfy, has six metal bones, wood busk and I Read More...
Why keeping a sewing journal is important
If you sew you probably have bits of notes and scribbled text written in various places. You know – that measurement on the pattern sheet there, and that fabric content or yardage on the envelope over there. Could even be a sticky note attached to a pattern piece to help you remember a change you Read More...
Curvy & Dressing Historical
My, but the response on covering plus-sizes was intense when I asked for article ideas on the Facebook page! Thank you for the input! Appears many of you who are “busty lasses,” larger than size 18, and plus-size need to know more about historical patterns suitable for your “stout” figure and how to trim garments Read More...