Those of us who make Victorian dresses are all after one particular feature – a small waist. We do this primarily through corset cinching but also a visual trick with wide sleeves and full skirts. Another hidden method is to reduce the amount of fabric layers around your waist, specifically on skirt layers. When you Read More...
Search Results for: petticoat
Corded Petticoat Pattern
The Corded Petticoat Sewing Workbook Historical Costuming… Starts with the Foundation Detailed instructions on how to make a corded petticoat! Purchase Workbook Here! Anyone who’s done research on historical clothing has surely come across the garments that support the silhouette underneath those garments. This is especially true for the Romantic Era (1820s & 30s) and
Mammy Says Scarlett Can’t Wear Her Corded Petticoat Anymore
If you’re a woman Civil War reenactor you’ve probably had a few discussions on hoopskirts – their size and construction – and their older cousin the corded petticoat. You may also know of the debate that rages about the historical accuracy of corded petticoats worn during the 1860s. Not to go into great detail Read More...
The Amazing Look of a Corded Petticoat
I think a lot of costumers, especially newbies and those that haven’t sewn from the Romantic Era, start out by thinking the best way to achieve the skirt silhouette is to begin with a hoop skirt. That couldn’t be farther from the authentic truth as the metal cage crinoline/hoopskirt we know of wasn’t invented until Read More...
5 Questions About Corded Petticoats
From the late 1820s through to the 1860s, there was a structural undergarment that was required in order to get the “proper” bell-shape to your skirt: the Corded Petticoat. It came into fashion right after the Regency era when the waist line was slowly dropping and before the American Civil War when hoop skirts were Read More...
Update: Blog and School are NOT Going Away
I’ve received emails and comments regarding my previous post on closing the Old Petticoat Shop (read the post here) and wanted to clarify that news. The Old Petticoat Shop (link to closing sale) selling sewing patterns is the only thing closing. As much as I’ve enjoyed serving the community offering patterns and such I’ve decided Read More...
Bustle Era Changes – The Highs & Lows in the 1870s & 1880s
Ahh.. the Victorian Bustle Era. It’s so pretty! And aside from the huge poufy sleeves of the 1890s, it’s what most people think of when they hear “Victorian.” It’s the trimming. The opulence. The expensive laces. The multitude of fabrics – all on the same gown. But did you know there are three distinct varieties Read More...
Spoonflower Fabrics: My First Experiences
In a world with thousands of fabrics in various prints and designs and colors, sometimes you just don’t find what you’re looking for. Enter Spoonflower (in 2008) to allow us to order fabric in custom prints. Whoot! The concept is fabulous! However, as the company was starting to grow many of us sew-ers were curious Read More...