How to Flatline a Bodice
Flatlining. No it’s not dying in pursuit of that ultimate dream costume. Neither is it the process of killing your bodice to make it work. Ha! (Although, it feels like it kills us sometimes!) I use the...
View Article1844 Striped Summer Dress
Many years ago (like, back in 2007 – why does that sound so long ago?!) I decided to make a 1840s dress for Costume College. The class track was The Crinoline Era so I needed a dress to go over my...
View ArticleThe Autumn Dress Fabrics, The Delineator, October 1902
THE AUTUMN DRESS FABRICS WITH ILLUSTRATIONS IN ACTUAL SIZE, OF NEW DESIGNS IN FANCY VELVETS, AND VELVET CORD This 2-page article was featured on pages 546 & 547 of the October 1902, The...
View ArticleVictorian Clothing and the Heat of Summer
It’s summertime for most of us – time to debunk the myth that layers of Victorian costumes are so much hotter than today’s clothing. Gah! It makes me want to scream when I see people talking about how...
View ArticleFor the Love of Dirndls – Fabric Options
Hello Fabrics!!! In continuing my current obsession of dirndls, I wanted to cover fabrics one can use to make these wonderful ensembles for daily wear or special occasions. Before jumping into your...
View ArticlePodcast 003: Organdy Fabric Basics
Organdy is a beautiful fabric ideal for a variety of historical and vintage garments as well as inner layer/underlining support. Learn about the technical details including the weave, finish variances,...
View ArticlePodcast 009: Cottons for Bustle Dresses
Is cotton historically appropriate to use for Victorian bustle dresses? Enthusiastically -YES! Day and evening wear from the 1870s and 1880s abounds in various cotton weaves used in the late 19th...
View ArticleOrgandy: The Costumer’s Dream Fabric
It was a distinct turning point in my historical costuming. I thought I was doing pretty good – my costumes were fairly accurate in style, my undergarments were all present, and my fabric selections...
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