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...

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...

Cleaning & Storing the Costumes We Make

If you’ve been making costumes for any length of time you KNOW the space they take up in the house… the closets… the garage… the bathroom… under the bed… How does a flat bit of fabric suddenly need a stretch limo to take it home? Or its own bedroom to pout in? And what happens Read More...

The Tail of 3 Bustles

Once upon a time there was a girl fascinated with all lovely things Victorian. Her dress-up box (i.e. closets and hat boxes and shelves) was cram-packed with dresses and accessories made in luscious silks, light cottons, and other wonderful things. She had so many delights to be satisfied for a century, but it wasn’t enough…. The Read More...

Year in Review: Costuming in 2012

I rarely go back and tally all I completed over the past year. My perpetual journal has records noted when I finish a project so I can go back anytime I wish to review my sewing progress. However, I’m usually so absorbed in the forward movement of the coming year’s sewing & activities that by Read More...

Recognizing Excellent Fit with the Untrained Eye

“WOW! That costume is amazing!!” I said out loud, wiping the drool from my keyboard. I don’t know if you’ve come across Merja’s Instagram or her Blogger site, but she is a superbly talented costumer. I think what attracts me most to Merja’s work is the incredible fitting job. Truly stunning! With her projects it’s Read More...