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...
Tag: Bustle Era
A Breakdown of How to Make the 1872 Blue Velvet Dress
Many of us, I think, use paintings, photographs and fashion plates as inspiration for our historical costumes. I mean, why not? They are beautiful and fully represent the time period of our choice. So what happens when we approach the creation of a particularly (seemingly) difficult garment? It’s so easy to be trapped into inaction Read More...
Quick Note & Pattern Ideas for an 1880s Winter Dress
Anyone know the stress of trying to get multiple projects done before the deadline?? That’s me this month. Busy, busy little bee. So for today, a quick, short post to answer a question that was asked yesterday on the Facebook page. Jacqui’s question: Hi Jennifer, do you know of a pattern that comes close to Read More...
Year in Review: Costuming in 2013
It’s that time of year again to marvel at the projects you completed during the year and kick yourself for ones that didn’t get done. (Or maybe it’s just frustration at having the lack of sewing time to complete the to-do pile…) As noted in my 2012 list, reviewing my completed projects is not something Read More...
1886 Pink Bubble Gum Diamonds Dress
Every time a photo of this dress pops up somewhere I get requests for how I made it… you know, all the details like what patterns did I use, what are my fabrics, how much time, etc. Without further delay, here is how I developed this pink bubble gum confection to wear at my first Read More...
1875 Scotch & Soda Dinner Dress
For years I’ve wanted to make a gown using my family’s tartan. But I didn’t necessarily want it in wool. So that left a silk fabric. Yeah… expensive silk. From Scotland. hehe 😀 Also, I hadn’t sewn a plaid in years (and no, I don’t mean going back to when I was 14 and made Read More...
Costume College 2013 Review
We came, we played, we sewed, we learned, we (didn’t) sleep much, and it was Fantastic!! Simply a great Costume College event! Being my 13th year attending, you would naturally expect some years to be great and some so-so. But honestly, the last few Colleges have been really good! It comes down to “it is Read More...
Selecting the Correct Bustle to Create the 1870s or 1880s Silhouette You Want
Scrolling through the hundreds of photos of Bustle Era dresses and patterns makes you wonder – so just what goes under that dress to make that silhouette? How does that skirt get into that shape? This period is all about the skirt! It is what defines this era and further divides it into three distinct Read More...