Back in September 2008, the Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild (GBACG) held a lovely “Wives and Daughters Picnic” in Berkeley, CA. As the Bay Area Guild always produces fantastic events, I decided to carpool up with a friend for a time period event that is rarely seen. Corded petticoats, here we come! I’d already made Read More...
Costumes Parisiens Chapeaux -1830
Now how lovely are these three head pieces? Those Romantic Era ladies had some design imagination to come up with these large feathered and laced-up toppers. Which one do you like best? Read More...
Something Fun for a Regency Ball
From the January 1812 La Belle Assemblee – a Fancy Ball Dress of a white embroidered gown with green overdress and a matching mustard yellow plaid sash/scarf and turban wrap. Read More...
Seamlines of 1860s Fashions
As I browse through the myriad of fashions in my Godey’s Lady’s Books from the 1860s, I take note that underneath all the ruffles, rows of velvet bands, trim panels, fringe and other various items, the shape of the dresses themselves stays relatively the same. Honestly, if you study any mainstream fashion you’ll notice the Read More...
Oh, For Pretty Purple Bustle Gowns!
In preparation of my probable attendance at the Gaslight Gathering in San Diego in May 2011, I’ve been casually searching for late Victorian designs and silhouettes to replicate. There’s no better time than to fall into a pile of gorgeous purple silk and come up with this… Read More...
A Winter Costume Accessory
Add That Finishing Touch to Your Winter Costume with a Muff Every time I see a fellow costumer all dressed up with the proper accessories like a bonnet, outer garment and reticule I instantly think of the accessories with me at that moment and take a mental note of what I need to make for Read More...
A Gown for a New Year’s Party
Here’s a pretty gown that would amaze the whole room at a historical fancy dress New Year’s ball. The lace at the neckline is perfect while the skirt hem is tucked like a puffy quilt. Remember to add the rouleaux at the hem to support that heavy puffed trim. Complete the look with tiny arrows in Read More...
The Modern 3-in-1 Historical Garment
My husband has one of those HUGE coats with a lining that zips out. It’s a 3-in-1 where you can wear it 1) complete with outer part and lining, 2) just the outer part, or 3) just the thinner lining part. He loves it too. Well, I said: What a perfectly modern idea for historical Read More...