Illustration from McCalls Sewing in Colour, 1960. I know this seems complicated but I use Herringbone Stitch for all my hems. I first got taught this technique when I was working at the- now sadly closed down & sold off for parts- BBC Costume Department in West London. The reason it was being used on […]
Browsing Tag: costumes
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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 […] […]
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Wonderful little tutorial from Vivid, Please!
Not just for Halloween!! For this, my first Tutorial Thursday, I wanted to share this because I love this little Tutorial, and I love Vivid too! Click on the above picture for the Tutorial, then have a good poke around the Vivid Blogspot site, they’re crazy talented & I always see something I want, or […]
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Machine Embroidery insights
I am teaching a course on Machine Embroidery tomorrow & thought I share the worksheet… I absolutely are free hand Machine Embroidery for its many and varied uses! General Free Hand Machine Embroidery tips: Always make sure you keep your hands on the edge of the embroidery hoop. This is essential for safety and will […]
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Draping a Victorian Bustle
As my Midnight Sewers’ Group wants to make Bustle Skirts next I have been digging around online & I’ve just stumbled across a wonderful illustration from Peterson’s Ladies National Magazine deconstructing how a bustle would have been draped. As a Costume Designer & Maker, I find I can figure out fairly accurately from the illustrations, paintings & photographs […]
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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!
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Making my soul sing.
My life has always been a little hectic, in the past I have sometimes found it difficult to say no to projects, work & ideas & even now find myself easily distracted when something shiny heads my way! All of which means I can find myself as I do now with many different and interesting […]
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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 […]
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Sewing Hints & Tips #2
To make a hem on a chiffon garment: Sew a straight stitch about 0.5cm or 1/4″ to 1.5cm or 3/8″ away from the cut edge. Iron the hem up at the stitched line. The stitched line will help the iron naturally turn the fabric. Stitch the turned area down with a straight stitch, just above […]
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This crazy business.
So, my Etsy shop finally went live on Tuesday. It went live very quietly, no big bang, no fireworks, no crowd of adoring fans & critics (as my 14 year old self would have imagined it!), but with the furious clickity-clack of my laptop keys as I waded through the fairly laborious process of listing. […]