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 Projects
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 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 […]
Peli Motto: The Teal Dicky
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 […]
Making My Winter Holly Overdress
I’ve been botanically witchy lately. After having so much fun making a Loblolly pine cone witch for Halloween, I decided to keep the witch costume theme going for each season. My winter witch was inspired by ice berries one might see after an ice storm, more locally to Houston is a deciduous holly (or meadow […]