If you’re at all like most historical costumers, you tend to focus on the main part of a new costume – the dress. I know I do. Sure, you give a thought to the corset; maybe even make a new one which we know is the substance for a well-presented silhouette. Then you follow with Read More...
Tag: Beginners
Trying to Keep Up With Other Costumers?
“If you sew for fun, don’t feel like you’re falling behind if you see others talking about their sewing progress. Stick to what works for you – time & budget. It’s not a race. Enjoy the ride accomplishing new designs & techniques.” ~Jennifer Rosbrugh The response I got from posting the above status on the Read More...
Sifting Through Endless Edwardian Patterns
With all the fervor surrounding the centennial celebrations of the Titanic sinking, statehoods for Arizona & New Mexico, the Girl Scouts and LL Bean, and many other Edwardian events, I wanted to put together a list of clothing patterns available. Please note that this list is certainly not exhaustive. I only want to give a Read More...
Getting Fabric to Play Nice in the Washing Machine
Whenever I make something with cotton I always run it through my washing machine to pre-treat. I do this even if I plan to rarely clean the costume or take it to the dry cleaners. And most of the time I will throw the newly purchased fabric into the washer as soon as I get Read More...
How to Define The Costume-y Look and Decide If That’s What You Want
When something is described as “costume-y” what do you think of? Do you try to avoid this dreaded term being applied to your own projects? Everyone has their own idea of what makes a garment or outfit look costume-y. Is it the fit? Or the fabrics used? Or a crappy sewing job? What about simply Read More...
Clothing Articles to Make When You’re Just Beginning Historical Costuming
For a newcomer to the world of historical costuming it can seem overwhelming. “Where do I start? What should I make first? What about my hair, my shoes?” Perhaps you’ve sewn a few period things but want to branch into a new time period. You don’t have to be a newbie to feel like Read More...
Fabric Choices for 19th C. Costumes – Part 3 – Cotton
Do you have a type of fabric that just calls to you? You know, the type that even though you’re looking for something completely different in the fabric store you just can’t help walking over to it and reveling in its deliciousness. Yeah, me too. It’s called cotton. Read More...
Fabric Choices for 19th C. Costumes – Part 2 – Wool
“You’ve made a wool Civil War dress?… For events in Southern California?” I was chatting with a good friend about her new dark gray bodice & skirt with lime silk trimming. I thought she was nuts for making such a thing. I mean, it didn’t get *that* cold at reenacting events here. But then she Read More...