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 […]
dickens on the strand
A Quick Regency Sleeveless Spencer
Towards the beginning of this summer, and pandemic, we got invited to a socially distant Regency picnic by a member of the Houston Regency Society on their private property. It was so nice to have a historical costuming event to prepare for, as other events were being cancelled left and right. I had a Regency […]
My First Foray Into the Regency Era
Following yesterday’s post on my gown and open robe, I’m sharing the rest of the outfit for my first foray into the historical costuming the Regency era. Depsite being in a huge hurry to make and throw this outfit together in about a week, I’m proud of how it turned out, flaws and all! While […]
Regency Gown and Open Robe
Following yesterday’s post on my Regency bonnet, I’m sharing the 1790’s gown and open robe I made to go with the bonnet, inclduing a short pattern review of American Duchess/Simplicity 8941 pattern. This was my first foray into historical costuming the Regency era, and it has felt like a bit of a gateway drug. [Related: […]
A Quick Regency Tartan Bonnet
For my first foray into historical costuming the Regency era, I was in a huge hurry to made a full outfit for Dickens on the Strand in Galveston after prior plans were canceled. I decided to start with a simple bonnet to get my momentum going. Using only supplies I had on hand, and a super […]
My First Foray Into Steampunk
My first foray into steampunk started with boots and a corset. And as I worked my way through items and supplies I already had, patterns I could download and print at home, and playing dress-up on the mannequin, my Steampunk Seamstress was born. Here’s how the outfit came together, with links to previous posts on […]
Steampunk Seamstress: The Utility Belt, etc.
Following my last Steampunk Seamstress on my arm bracers, I’m sharing the so-quick-I-barely-took-any-pictures build for my undercorset utility belt and optional fan holder, parasol holder, and belt bag. I say optional because until I put everything on and head to an event, hopefully Dickens on the Strand in Galveston this December, I won’t really know […]
Steampunk Seamstress: Arm Bracers
More steampunk updates! Following yesterday’s post on my Steampunk Seamstress bowler hat, I’m sharing the build on the arm bracers. In my steampunk research, I found that all or most accessories are usually leather. I’m not particularly great at leatherworking, and I felt like fabric accessories would be more appropriate for a steampunk seamstress (and way more comfortable). […]
Steampunk Seamstress: The Bowler Hat
Following yesterday’s post on my Steampunk Seamstress thread spool bandolier, I’m sharing the build on the bowler hat. The hat presented three challenges: making a child size hat fit and look feminine, using only items from my surplus craft supplies, and honoring the principle that all steampunk accoutrements be functional. With an exception of the hat itself, […]
Steampunk Seamstress: The Bandolier
I’ve never given much thought to costuming in the steampunk realm, until I did. My sewing fairy godmother once told me that steampunk costumes should have a theme or purpose, and while that might not be the rule for all, it stuck with me. So for my steampunk character, what’s the one hobby I’m pretty […]