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 #2
Can’t get those buttons closed? Ease-y does it – Part 2
Ever have that moment when you’re dressing for an event only to put on your bodice and the front doesn’t close? And you’re cinched down in your corset as far as you can go? Yeah, me too. You know the mockup was perfect. You spent hours fine tuning the darts and armhole. Now it Read More...
Struggling to get that waistband closed? Ease-y Does It – Part 1
When I first started sewing historical skirts (mainly bustle costumes) I didn’t think of just how many layers go around the waist. I knew I had my bustle plus a petticoat or two, then the skirt and overskirt. Of course I would be wearing all of those…. But I forgot to calculate that all those Read More...
Bonnets to Fit Your Pretty Little Head
Bonnets – A Fitting Start By: lana/Lily Sometimes they inspire a new dress design, sometimes they are the finishing touch, and sometimes they are the pièce de résistance of an ensemble. No matter where they are in the design process a Bonnet can be a work of art! These small but mighty creations are miniature Read More...
Seamlines of 1860s Fashions
As I browse through the myriad of fashions in my Godey’s Lady’s Books from the 1860s, I take note that underneath all the ruffles, rows of velvet bands, trim panels, fringe and other various items, the shape of the dresses themselves stays relatively the same. Honestly, if you study any mainstream fashion you’ll notice the Read More...