Those who know, know. But for everyone else wondering “what’s the deal with all the Adidas?”, here’s a little story about the ridiculousness that has three-striped my life (and a few costumes), so you can be in on the inside joke too. It all started a few years ago before a transatlantic flight from Houston […]
Author: Sheila
My First Foray Into the Victorian Era
When I first learned how to sew about 5 or so years ago, I made an Ursula inspired ball gown. Although I loved that Disney villain costume at the time, I’ll never wear it again, because I know now that I could’ve done better. Rather than remake it, I took the skirt apart and reworked […]
Sewing My First Robe à la Française
In preparation for Fetes Galantes 2020 (yes, the one the pandemic canceled), I made a robe à la française, or sack-back gown, mock-up to wrap my brain around the confusing construction of this garment that had intimidated me at first sight. I hand stitched, machine stitched, and learned a lot along the way. I ended up finishing […]
Sewing 18th Century Garters
Last year while working on my gown and accessories for Fetes Galantes (yes, the one the pandemic canceled), I made four sets of 18th century ribbon garters. I made two pair for myself, and two sets for friends who were also going to attend the event. They were quick, easy, and so pretty! Here’s how […]
An 18th Century Bergère Hat Upgrade
Several years ago I trimmed an 18th century bergère (a flat-brimmed straw hat with a shallow crown) rather modestly for a Claire inspired Outlander costume. I’ve since never worn it. So last year while working on my gown and accessories for Fetes Galantes (yes, the one the pandemic canceled), I upgraded my hat using The American Duchess […]
Sewing 18th Century Chemise & Stays
Hard to believe a year ago this month I was busy making my 18th century chemise and stays in preparation for Fetes Galantes at Versailles. And then the pandemic happened and I got as far as the mock-up for my robe a la francaise. With no idea when things will normalize, globally, as least I’m […]
Costuming Peli Motto from The Mandalorian
Most women who watch The Mandalorian and cosplay would chose to make a Cara Dune costume, and while that also might be me (I’ll come back to that later), I love love love Peli Motto even more. This spicy space mechanic, played by Amy Sedaris if you squint, repairs ships at the spaceport of Mos […]
Costuming Adèle Blanc-Sec
In “the before times” (aka pre-pandemic), my Costume College partner-in-crime, Tina and I were planning some sort of steampunk or Edwardian/Victorian explorer costumes to wear together. While scrolling Pinterest for ideas, as one does, I was repeatedly captivated by a character in a foreign film I had never seen or heard of. Tracking her down, who […]
Peli Motto: The Finishing Touches
Most women who watch The Mandalorian and cosplay would chose to make a Cara Dune costume, and while that also might be me (I’ll come back to that later), I love love love Peli Motto even more. This spicy space mechanic, played by Amy Sedaris if you squint, repairs ships at the spaceport of Mos […]
Peli Motto: The Coveralls
Most women who watch The Mandalorian and cosplay would chose to make a Cara Dune costume, and while that also might be me (I’ll come back to that later), I love love love Peli Motto even more. This spicy space mechanic, played by Amy Sedaris if you squint, repairs ships at the spaceport of Mos […]