Hello readers! Things have been quiet in my sewing studio lately. I was lacking inspiration and motivation to sew. Frankly, I’m a little bored of making everyday clothes, and I don’t really need any. Also, I haven’t found a lot of the new pattern designs out there that interesting. Lots of boxy and shapeless designs […]
The American Duchess Guide To 18th Century Dressmaking: A Book review
When I was contacted by the Page Street Publishing Company to review a copy of The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking, by Lauren Stowall and Abby Cox, I was excited! The American Duchess Guide To 18th Century Dressmaking demystifies the sewing techniques used in 18th Century fashion so even a beginner can get […]
Wonder Woman! Simplicity 1035
This costume was inspired by a trip to McDonald’s earlier this month, whereupon Gigi received a Wonder Woman headband in her Happy Meal. Et, voila! An idea was hatched. I just happened to have some star spangled fabric, and there also just happened to be a Simplicity sale at Joann that weekend so it was […]
Saint Elizabeth Anne Seton costume- An 18th Century Collared Caped Cloak and Mob Cap
It’s almost time for our annual Saint’s Day pageant at school! This year Gigi chose to be Saint Elizabeth Anne Seton, the foundress of the Catholic School system in the US. She was born in 1774 in New York, an Episcopalian, and converted to Catholicism after a move to Italy for her husband’s health, whereupon […]
Free original PDF historical sewing patterns from the LACMA collection
I’m really excited to go the the Reigning Men: Fashion In Menswear 1715- 2015 exhibit at the Los Angeles County museum next week. I’m passionate about costume history and love to learn about old clothes and sewing techniques. If you are anywhere near the Los Angeles area you should try to go the the show. […]
More My Fair Lady costumes and my first hat!
So I finished making the costumes for Eliza of My Fair Lady! Using only fabric from my stash and things from my own wardrobe. I am so glad to be done! I’m reviewing a couple costume patterns, too.I made this skirt from the 1910 Ladies Empire costume from Reconstructing History. I was planning on making […]
White Lace Butterick 6190
Another version of Butterick 6190 designed by Nancy Ferris Thee from Making History, which I made for the school play, My Fair Lady. I was curious to learn more about Nancy Ferris Thee since I’ve sewn a few of her historic patterns for other plays and really enjoyed them. I found this interesting post about […]
1915 silk and lace gown Butterick 6190
Well it’s time for the annual school play again! This year we’re staging My Fair Lady. I won’t be in charge of all the costumes this year. Only the costumes for Eliza Doolittle and the maids’ outfits. We wanted to make the costumes historically accurate and the play is set in around 1915. This is […]
Costumes from HMS PInafore
Below are costumes I made for the school play. HMS Pinafore, most sewn from commercial sewing patterns…..
Butterick 4827 Medieval gown in silk
Presenting Queen Theodolinda, Queen of The Lombards Wearing a collaboration between mother and daughter.Hat designed and made by her. The dress was made by me.Pattern: Butterick 4827. A Making History pattern. Fabric: Silk re-purposed from some old curtains in my garage. Underlined with cotton flannel and trimmed with plastic pearl trim sewn into the seams.We […]