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 […] […]
Browsing Tag: historical clothing
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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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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 […]
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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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Bustle Illustrations and a good read.
I just came across these rather nice illustrations of bustles from a pretty cool vintage book I snatched from under an old ladies nose in a thrift store a couple years ago. . . Gloriously entitled ‘Taste […]
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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 #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 & […]