The classic folkwear dress of southern Germany and Austria is not a new one to me. The Trachten and Lederhosen are lovely ensembles with a patriotic (and varied) heritage. Yet recently I’m finding the women’s dirndl – the fashion Tracht – popping up more in my path. Maybe it’s just me wanting to find “my Read More...
1890s Plastrons – Is that a Victorian Bib?
“Plastron” – say what?? It sounds so formal. Or rather gladiator. I mean, it’s traditionally the chest and sleeve pad worn by fencers. So how do they connect into Victorian fashion? (Hint: they aren’t chemisettes but are related in being Victorian accessories.) As with all things Late Victorian with feminine frou-frou and gorgeousness, you’ll come Read More...
Why You Can’t Be 100% Historically Accurate
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2012. In many reenacting circles, there is a force that drives participants to historical accuracy. Have the right tent structures, keep plastic out of sight, wear clothing only your period character would wear, etc. This is fabulous thought and great effort should be given to be Read More...
A Look at a 1860s (or 1870s) Original Girl’s Dress
Late in summer 2017 I had a follower (Ruthann Gray) send me a girl’s dress that is in wonderful condition aside from the few random holes in the skirt and spots on the bodice front. I shared it recently in a Facebook Live video (posted below) going over each detail in the construction. For a closer Read More...
Happy New Year! What Are You Sewing?
Hello my costuming friends and Happy New Year!!! I jumped on Facebook today for a Live feed chatting about new projects and giving you some sources for 18th and 19th century sewing projects including patterns, books and websites. Enjoy! You’ll find my new online class: Hand Stitches for 18th Century Sewing on the Historical Sewing Read More...
Doing Your Own Costuming Thing – Live Chat Replay
My last post on perfectionism and judging in our costuming circles was quite popular. It’s worth sharing our love of historical sewing with other, but we must be careful not to put our own viewpoints onto others creativity. I wanted to chat about this more, so when my friend and class assistant, Gina White of Read More...
Book Review: The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking
In late summer 2016 Lauren Stowell, creator of American Duchess, announced that plans were in the works for her and her new assistant, Abby Cox, to publish a book on sewing 18th century garments. Whoo-hoo!! The shouts were audible from her friends and followers. Since I focus primarily on 19th century sewing but have wanted Read More...
Hey, You Have Farm Animals on Your 1880s Dress!
We have a lot of options for fabric selections when sewing up our Victorian ensembles. I personally like to use cotton and silk (taffeta) for most of mine. Apparently, our ancestors had some varied choices, too….. Read More...