1910 Pansy Corset Cover Top

A couple years ago when Lauren of Wearing History released this 1910s Camisole & Corset Cover pattern I immediately thought of what a cute modern top it would make. And then she made her own modern top to show off how versatile the pattern is. So it’s been on my sewing docket for a while. Lauren Read More...

Ruching Basics for Victorian Clothing

Ruched panels – in all their glorious, gathered loveliness – seem to pop up frequently throughout the Victorian Era (1837-1900). You’ll find ruched bodice panels, puffings as skirt trims, and gathered accents in ribbons for all sorts of marvelous decorations. The process of ruching isn’t hard. But in some ways it looks so complicated! Ruching, Read More...

The 1913 Blue Floral Corset

My latest historical costuming project – the first completed in 2016 – is a long-line, late Edwardian corset. Yay for period correct undergarments for a good start to the proper silhouette!! I also made a c.1917 chemise. Here’s my review and how it went together. Read More...

The Big Scary World of a New Time Period

You keep coming back to it. Over and over. It draws you in with its delicious appearance as a moth to a gaslight flame at a Victorian ball. It calls to you; speaks your name. Torments your dreams…. Ruthless in its pursuit of your desire to make it come to life. That long ago fashion 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...

Attaching Hooks & Eyes to the edge of a Bodice

It so often seems that after you spend hours on a project that you’re very proud of, you come down to that bodice opening that you dread finishing. You know, ALL those hooks & eye to hand sew on. How many to sew on? How far apart do I place the hooks? Do they need Read More...