It so often seems that after you spend hours on a project that you’re very proud of, you come down to that bodice opening that you dread finishing. You know, ALL those hooks & eye to hand sew on. How many to sew on? How far apart do I place the hooks? Do they need Read More...
Tag: Victorian
Childhood Films that Inspired Me to Sew
I’m a movie buff. Quoting movies is a favorite pastime (“Like I could tip a cow… by myself!”). Discovering new books as a result of a movie production (either before or after I see it) shapes my current viewpoint and defines moments in my life. So it’s not too hard to further that thought that 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...
Demystifying Bustle Skirt Poufs
If you’ve never made a bustle dress they can look quite intimidating. The complicated fabrics swirling every which direction; the tightly-fitted bodice with a tail that floats on the skirt; the trimming that knocks you sideways with its complexity. But under it all are actually some basic shapes. Drill down and that skirt is just Read More...
How To Finish Your Skirt Hems For The Most Support
All the Victorians did it. They knew what to do to keep clothes lasting longer. They finagled fabric and thread until it gave them the silhouette they wanted. One of the best things they utilized was the method of using a second or third layer of fabric to stiffen a particular area of a Read More...
How to Define The Costume-y Look and Decide If That’s What You Want
When something is described as “costume-y” what do you think of? Do you try to avoid this dreaded term being applied to your own projects? Everyone has their own idea of what makes a garment or outfit look costume-y. Is it the fit? Or the fabrics used? Or a crappy sewing job? What about simply Read More...
Where the Dickens is That Pattern List?
The autumn season is creeping up upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere. (Yay!!) And as cooler weather events start being organized and hosted, I’m sure many Dickens’ Fairs will be included. And don’t forget Christmas caroling and outdoor walks through state parks. When I think of these activities with my costume mind I usually Read More...
Modern Shortcuts for Historical Sewing (or how I cheat)
You know the routine – you didn’t allow enough time to finish your dress and now you’re having to cut corners to get it even *wearable.* I’ve been there. Early on in my costume sewing. Not so bad that I had to be sewn into my dress, but still pushing the clock til it was Read More...