Red Riding Gown Mock up
Full mock-up of the “red riding gown” for a client, to be made in a medium weight scarlet linen.
McCalls Spring and Summer 1907 Pattern Catalogue Preview
I went antiquing with my mother-in-law and came across several awesome things that I will be posting about over the next few weeks. First up is a preview of a McCalls pattern catalogue from 1907. It is not in very good condition and have no binding so I plan to scan it and put it up… Read More McCalls Spring and Summer 1907 Pattern Catalogue Preview
A 16th Century Black Linen Doublet and Unpanned Trunkhose
First, all the photos! This project started several months ago before I moved, got married and several life thing reared their head. So my recollection of the construction process is a little fuzzy. After a few late night fb conversations, a friend of a friend needed better clothing for 16th century interpretations. I needed… Read More A 16th Century Black Linen Doublet and Unpanned Trunkhose
Pad stitching and Shaping a Linen Doublet
Some work in progress shots of a 16th century black linen doublet. Doublet front basted and shaped. Under side of the doublet front, canvas and pad stitched wool. Under side of the doublet back, more canvas and pad stitched wool.
— 16th Century, Costumes, Juan de Alcega Tailor's Pattern Book, Living History, Research, Undergarments —
Juan de Alcega Tailor’s Pattern Book: Manteo or a skirt of cloth
I’m in need of a new underskirt or petticoat for my 16th century clothing. I’ve been using the same cotton broadcloth one I made back in 2005, for years now. It is serviceable, but it adds a lot of bulk at the waist and it isn’t very authentic in construction or materials. So it is… Read More Juan de Alcega Tailor’s Pattern Book: Manteo or a skirt of cloth
A 1920’s Flapper Halloween and more
I’m not post much as I’m getting married Nov. 1st! All the wedding stress and appointments and planning means not much sewing time. I did manage to get this patterned and partly sewn up the past few weeks. It still needs a slip, binding, and hem but at least it is no longer looking sad… Read More A 1920’s Flapper Halloween and more
— Pattern Drafting —
Back to sewing in the 16th century!
I did sewing today finally! English Fitted Gown I took on to keep a friend from lighting it on fire, went on its way to the post office today along with a gift that I quickly hand sewed an hour before. I drafted, cut and sewed a pair of trunkhose. I then unpicked them because I… Read More Back to sewing in the 16th century!
Fitting Points on the Tudor Tailor’s English Fitted Gown
I’ve made three English Fitted Gowns based on the Tudor Tailor’s pattern so far, and with each one I’ve tweaked how I’ve put them together. Issue one: Sleeve Dimples
— Accessories —
Dress pins made from jewelry findings
I’m finishing up the bright red wool kirtle and this time around I need some dress pins to keep the sleeves on. I remembered Catrin’s pin making tutorial but knew I didn’t have the right gauge wire on hand, but I did have some decorative head pins left over from making the green tudor gown. I followed the… Read More Dress pins made from jewelry findings
Aqua Blue Elf Gown Work in Progress
We all have wip projects somewhere in the back of the closet. In my case I’ve been working on this Lord of the Rings inspired elf gown for the past three years (at least) using fabric I’ve had in my stash for almost nine years. But the end is near! I have some bead work… Read More Aqua Blue Elf Gown Work in Progress