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 […]
pattern review
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 […]
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 […]
For the Love of Linen: Luciana Dress Pattern Review
I usually sew costumes, not clothing intended for long wear. But the one time Facebook direct marketed an ad in my feed that was spot on was an ad for Fabrics-Store. I love working with linen, and it’s stupid hot here in Houston so linen is an ideal fabric for this climate. So I created […]
A Quick Regency Sleeveless Spencer: Historical Hogwarts Edition
During this pandemic, I’ve been bouncing around different historical eras and cosplay projects. And following the socially distanced Regency picnic that we attended earlier in the summer, I’ve continued to upgrade my Regency wardrobe, including this quick Historical Hogwarts sleeveless spencer in Ravenclaw blue. [Related: My First Foray Into the Regency Era] I’ve sewn now three […]
A Simple Regency Summer Picnic Gown
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 outfit […]
A Quick Regency Picnic Bonnet
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 outfit […]
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 […]