Save the original pattern! It is generally suggested in the sewing world that you copy that precious, new paper pattern you recently received and are getting ready to sew with. This is so you keep the original intact. I would agree – about 80% of the time. Read More...
Tag: Beginners
Seam Finishes for 19th Century Garments
If you’re like me, as you sew up a garment you wonder how you’ll finish the raw edges of the seams. You know I cheat on nearly all my historical projects by serging the exposed raw edges. But what if you don’t have a serger? Or don’t want to use something so modern as a zig-zag Read More...
Selecting Color Palettes for Your Historical Costumes
You look fabulous in red. Or purple may make your heart sing. But green is calling to you recently. In all the colors we have to play with in creating our historical costumes, how do you decide what to use? What shades are complimentary to each other? Will they “look period”? And how do you Read More...
7 Modern Tools for Every Historical Sewing Room
Consider your sewing area for a moment. What tools or supplies do you use the most? Are some of them unique or specialized? Generic? Perhaps you create with a few of the most basic tools. Since I’ve been sewing for over 30 years, I occasionally get asked what sewing implements are required for my work. Read More...
The WHY We Are Involved with Historical Costuming
“How in the world did I get here?!?” In the middle of a making a costume, do you ever stop and question how you got into this hot mess? “Why am I sewing this project today??” Costuming isn’t just a “thing.” We are “involved.” As in a close relationship. As in, we show love and Read More...
Working with Mockups
If you’ve been around garment sewing, and especially historical sewing, for any length of time you’ve probably heard of mockups, aka toile (pronounced twal), muslin, run-through, or fitting test garment. The purpose is to do a test run of the pattern for sewing errors and also to fine-tune the fit to a body. Mockups are Read More...
3 Tips for Researching a New Fashion Era
Hello my friends!! I’m back from the adventure of moving 700 miles to a new home. I’m now in Utah about a half hour south of Salt Lake City. If you are in the area and know of dress-up or reenacting events please let me know. I want to join the fun and meet you Read More...
Patterns for New Costumers
First and foremost it’s all about the silhouette of the time period you want to achieve. You build the undergarments first then all the pretty things that go on top. But as a beginner you’re starting from ground zero. You have nothing…. Except maybe a bonnet or a petticoat or your grandmother’s fur jacket. And Read More...