Yeah… you’ve finally reached that point where you want to tackle a huge project. Something that challenges you. An undertaking that takes your skills to a new level. It may be a trained 1882 dinner dress; a Civil War ball gown; or an embroidered Regency dress. But where to begin? You have a brief idea Read More...
Tag: Element #1
3 Tips to Prevent the Lampshade Hoopskirt
Successful historical costuming begins with the silhouette (among other things). When the dress is “just not right,” take a look at how it appears. Sometimes the proportions are off. Sometimes the undergarments hang funny. Other times it’s simply the support shape the entire costume is built on. Reproduction hoop skirts from the Mid-Victorian era, the Read More...
Are You Wearing The Dress or Is The Dress Wearing You?
Now that’s an excellent question when you’re first starting to design a new costume. And how you answer will put you on a particular path for the look you want. A few years ago I was talking about design with a long-time costuming friend. I was having trouble deciding how flamboyant to make a particular 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...
How Do You Know It’s a 1870s Bustle Dress?
First off, the girly-girls really get to have a party in the Seventies! If you’ve seen the first half of The Buccaneers you’ll know what I’m talking about. Even if you’re a tomboy and play softball with your skirts hiked up, you’ll still experience what “playing dress up” is all about. My first dreams of Read More...
Yummy 1884 Jackets
From the Delineator magazine in February 1884. See the full page below… Read More...
1861 & Dressed for a Party
Ahh.. you can just imagine Melanie’s birthday party ball right before the men go off to fight where the young ladies are dressed in their ruffled gowns trying to capture the attention of some young officer. Read More...
Quick Study of an 1880 Natural Form Gown
This beautiful silver blue silk taffeta gown was on display at the Fashioning Fashion exhibit at LACMA. It caught my eye, not just because it’s the Victorian style that I love, but the details are fabulous! Read More...