Let’s go to Paris! I’ve needed a small lobster tail bustle for a while. I made one years ago from Jean Hunnisett but didn’t size it up for my hips. A few years ago I made the imperial size bustle from the Truly Victorian pattern in a wonderful red paisley. Although the red one works Read More...
Tag: Bustle Era
Passionate About Petticoats
We’ve all seen it. A beautiful period gown spoiled by a limp, dragging skirt. Besides good flatlining in that skirt, the use of petticoats can take that loose mess and make it a beautiful reproduction worthy of a fashion plate. Read More...
1873 Blackberry Cream Victorian Ensemble
It’s finished!! After over four years I finally have completed my first objective of the day bodice to this incredibly fun ensemble! As in true Victorian spirit, the initial plan was to make the day bodice first then add an evening bodice later. It is the accurate way to get more mileage out of those Read More...
1883 Summer Rose Tea Dress
Do you remember your first true historical costume? Did you like it? My first Victorian gown was made specifically for the first Costume College year I attended (in 2000) for the Sunday Fantasy Tea that year. Since I had been making my own clothes from the time I was in junior high (mid-1980s) I knew Read More...
Flatlining 19th Century Skirts
The importance of flatlining skirts cannot be understated. Although, there is a time and place for using underlinings or a lining or both. Or even leaving off linings altogether and simply relying on hem facings and petticoats to keep the silhouette in place. To follow up my post on how to flatline bodices, let’s Read More...
A Piping Tutorial – The Basics for 19th Century Costumes
OMG – piping! Some costumers cringe even just thinking about piping, others squeal with delight. Or some are simply: “What’s the big deal about piping?” What’s the big deal?!? Well… everything! Piping is THE historical definition of design lines AND the support of seams that receive so much wear & tear. (Remember, our ancestors Read More...
1873 Licorice Princess Dress
What is it about black dresses?? Apparently they are very well liked by the general population as I received more compliments on my new evening gown than expected. (Thank you!) And this happens to be, essentially, my first black costume aside from my 1862 cotton mourning dress. So… is it the black, or is it Read More...
1876 Trained & Ruffled Petticoat
Back in 2008 when I was making one of those every-other-year masterpiece costumes, I was insane and had to make all the undergarment layers too. From that detailed project list came the need for a trained petticoat to 1) support the trained silhouette, and 2) keep the underside of my skirt relatively clean (you know Read More...