Corset Month!! On the 29th March (fingers still crossed!!), I shall be releasing my Corset Kit!! This is the biggest Sewing Pattern and Kit release to date, and has taken me months of prep and sampling to be happy with. The Corset Kit will have a re-usable graded Pattern for a Victorian inspired Over Bust Corset, with an Instruction Zine which will …
Notions: The Language of Patterns.
No doubt the sketch of the design on the front of the envelope will catch your eye first. From McCall’s Sewing in Colour A beginning seamstress may feel Einstein’s theories are as easy to understand as the intricacies of a first pattern. Here is a place where first steps should be taken slowly […] &, whether you are a …
Sewing is good for you!!
CLINICAL STUDY REVEALS THE STRESS-REDUCING BENEFITS OF SEWING Surprise! Sewing May Be Good For Your Heart! A clinical study commissioned by the Home Sewing Association (HSA) reveals that women who sew – both skilled as well as novice sewers — experience a significant drop in heart rate, blood pressure, and perspiration rate when compared to women who participate in other leisure-time …
Worth and Mainbocher online exhibition.
In 1860, Englishman Charles Frederick Worth (1825-1895) founded a Parisian atelier that defined the luxurious standards of the haute couture and set high fashions stylistic course for the balance of the 19th century… Well worth a quick peek, this is from an online exhibition bringing you works from Charles Frederick Worth (1825-1895) & Mainbocher (Main Rousseau Bocher 1891-1976), the ‘masters …
Beautiful Edwardian photos
Find this stunning picture of an enormous Merry Widow Hat at American Duchess, alongside dozens of others. All the beautiful pin tucks, lace, trims, ridiculous lacing and stunning shapes are there and I strongly recommend you take a look. http://americanduchess.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/v88-massive-merry-widow-hat.html It’s a huge source of inspiration, as is the whole American Duchess site. Happy stitching!
Sewing Hints & Tips #3
The difference between Petersham & Grosgrain Ribbon: Both ribbons are ribbed & have a matte finish however; there is a very big difference: the edge finish. Grosgrain ribbon has a sealed edge (2), and Petersham (1) has a scalloped edge that is woven in one with the rest of the ribbon. 1. 2. That scalloped edge on Petersham allows this …
Sewing Hints & Tips #1
When sewing bias binding to the top or bottom of a corset, match all seams & pin together as you would like them to be sewn. Zipzag close to the edge (so that when the binding is applied you do not see it) across the top. This will keep all of the pieces nicely together & make the job of attaching …
Plastic or steel, Ladies?
Above shows two styles of Victorian corset, the black adapted slightly, & a costume I designed & built (the character was a time traveling Lady assassin!) for a short film in 2010, illustrating the great effects a corset can have when working with period clothing. I’ve just found the most useful link to questions & answers about plastic …