Sleeves seem to be that *thing * that bothers a lot of dressmakers, costumers and sew-ers. The term “sleev-evils” has been tossed around for a while now. But I don’t want you to think of sleeves in that way. It only hinders you in getting that sleeve sewn and set into the bodice as quickly Read More...
Tag: Beginners
How to Grade Seam Allowances
Do you make the grade? It’s super important to get into the habit of grading your seams, and I highly recommend it! The process of grading your seam allowances (aka trimming to various widths) is fairly easy to understand. However, this sewing technique can be time consuming. But don’t let that stop you! Making the Read More...
Easy Machine Gathers
I’ll admit I [HEART] gathers, and I love doing them with the machine… the classic, two-thread method. Some people freak out about this. Maybe they’ve never been taught good tips to make machine gathers go quickly and come out looking fantastic. This makes me sad, so I’m sharing those tips with you so you can Read More...
Podcast 013: Sewing Threads
Aside from fabric and needle, thread is the other absolute necessary component for sewing. lol But is there thread that’s better than others? Join Jennifer in this episode to find out her favorite threads to use for general sewing by machine and hand. Take notes for tips on colors, conditioners, and available quality products. Show Read More...
Podcast 004: Getting Started in Historical Costuming
We all came into historical costuming through various channels and with varied goals and inspirations. Maybe you are new to sewing or just getting started in your research and building historical fashion. In this episode Jennifer gives tips for newbies – and the rest of us too! – with no matter how you came to Read More...
Podcast 002: The Process of Creativity
You have a new historical costume idea. But how do you approach making it? What does the process look like in putting it together? In this episode Jennifer breaks down the development of creating an ensemble through her own action steps with tips you can apply to your projects. We’ll also chat about places Read More...
How Much Yardage Do I Need??
We’ve all been there. Standing in an aisle of gorgeous fabrics… swooning at the computer screen… gazing lovingly (and with drool at the mouth) at THE.PERFECT.FABRIC for that next dress. Question is… how much to buy?? Will 5 yards be enough? 10? Or do I have to sell a kidney to afford some unmentionable amount Read More...
Flatlining 19th Century Sleeves
Flatlining – or the process of mounting an underlining to a fashion fabric – is a hallmark of garment construction in the 19th century. You find it everywhere in all decades of this era – in bodices, skirts, collars, reticules… and also sleeves. Essentially, flatlining in these antique pieces is what we’d call putting in a Read More...