A certain look is produced when trim, such as lace, fringe or a ruffle, is tacked to the hem of a skirt. The basic thought is to first finish the hem (by hand or machine). Then sew on the lace on top. I did this method for many years and many costumes. But then I Read More...
Cotton Fabrics for Bustle Foundation Skirts
Do you love cotton? You already know I do. In fact, many of my costumes get their start from a cotton textile and my historical garments have at least one cotton material in them. This is true for all of them – especially those poufy bustles of the 1870s and 80s. The base for all Read More...
3 Strategies for Overcoming Project Procrastination
Procrastinators of the world unite – tomorrow! If you are a historical costumer, you probably put off doing certain tasks to finish a project. I do. You WANT to sew. But you want to finish surfing Facebook or reading the new blog you found. You agonize over picking up that skirt to sew the final Read More...
Pattern Review: Truly Victorian Edwardian Undergarments
When Heather of Truly Victorian published her new Edwardian patterns in 2011, I knew it was time for me to move into the 20th Century. For some reason Edwardian clothes intimidate me. You’re probably thinking, “Yeah, but you sew all those detailed bustle dresses. How can a shirtwaist and skirt frighten you?” It does… despite Read More...
Deconstructing an 1812 Evening Dress Trim
This plate from July 1, 1812 La Belle Assemblee was so well received on the Facebook page that I though we’d take a closer look at the wonderful trimming and how to replicate it. The basic trim effect looks to be made separately then mounted onto the dress fabric. The dress fabric could be an Read More...
Who Else Has Trouble Figuring Flounces on 1850s Skirts?
I love ruffles! Lots of them. I love flounces too which are essentially long ruffles. I also love skirts with a few deep flounces attached. (I’m such a nerdy girly-girl.) Perhaps you love flounces to. So when your design calls for three flounces on your wide c.1855 skirt, where do you begin? I mean, it can’t Read More...
18 Simple Steps for a Dog Leg Closure on Your Mid-Victorian Dress
Perhaps you’re putting together a new summer dress. Or maybe it’s a new work dress for camp. All you know is that one piece dresses in the 1850s and 1860s had the bodice and skirt attached together. Then there is something about that closure that looks funny and seems daunting…. I mean, you could easily Read More...
How to be a Shield Maiden
You’re standing under the two foot square of shade under the tree, fanning yourself as fast as possible. The cool air you crave is elusive…. Twirling around and around, you laugh and collide with fellow dancers on the packed floor…. If you do any sort of costume events in warm weather or in a ballroom, Read More...