Think back to when you were new to sewing. Perhaps it was last week. Or maybe 40 years ago. Remember how intimidating a new design was? You thought, “I want to make THAT.” You bought a gorgeous blue fabric only to find yourself staring at the picture wondering how to even begin such a thing. Read More...
Tag: Patterning
Tracing Paper Patterns
Save the original pattern! It is generally suggested in the sewing world that you copy that precious, new paper pattern you recently received and are getting ready to sew with. This is so you keep the original intact. I would agree – about 80% of the time. Read More...
7 Modern Tools for Every Historical Sewing Room
Consider your sewing area for a moment. What tools or supplies do you use the most? Are some of them unique or specialized? Generic? Perhaps you create with a few of the most basic tools. Since I’ve been sewing for over 30 years, I occasionally get asked what sewing implements are required for my work. Read More...
Book Review: Regency Women’s Dress
This book, Regency Women’s Dress: Techniques and Patterns 1800-1830 by Cassidy Percoco, had been on my radar for a couple months after first stumbling upon it on Amazon last August. I waited for the release date of October 1st only to have it appear as “out of stock.” Sigh…. So when it was available again Read More...
Ironing Paper Patterns
Yes, it may sound kinda strange to be ironing patterns… but you really can do it! Although, I only do this on tissue patterns – not the heavy bond paper patterns that are so common amongst independent pattern publishers. But for the Big 4 companies (Simplicity, Butterick, McCall’s and Vogue) and others who publish tissue-printed Read More...
Understanding How to Use a Needlepoint Tracing Wheel
In high school clothing class I was taught to trace darts, seamlines, button placements, etc. with a round tracing wheel – you know, the one with the blue plastic handle? You cut your fabric then make a mess trying to get that carbon paper in-between the fabric and pattern to mark. Well, I ditched that Read More...
Top 10 Resource Books for Your Sewing Library
Ahh… books. Those friends for life. And no matter how long you’ve been sewing, you probably have a few of these friends around. Some are undoubtedly better than others. A few belong in the Goodwill donation stack. Others you would grab in case of fire. While there are dozens of really good books on sewing Read More...
Points to Keep Your Darts on Target
Darts. Those funny shaped elongated triangles that help mold a flat piece of fabric to the body. Once our Regency ancestors learned how to use them properly, we didn’t look back. The 19th Century is filled with darts in garments. Darts may seem like a standard construction element, but their specific placement and manner of Read More...