Some of the lovely, lovely items I received for Christmas…
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| Costume books! The one beneath is an illustrated shoe reference guide – good stuff! |
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| A lovely beaded 1920s style purse. I’ve been sorely in need of one. Also, a feather hair clip adornment. Feathers are always welcome 🙂 |
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| More costume/history books! I can’t wait to read “Plumes,” all about the history of the feather industry. Beneath is “Circus,” a Taschen feast-for-the-eyes full of beautiful photos and artwork. |
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| A set of French curves. I don’t know how to use these yet, but I shall learn! I know they are handy for pattern drafting. |
What lovely costume/history/geek things did you get for the Holidays?
24 Comments
Laura Morrigan
December 28, 2012 at 12:06 AMWow! What fantastic presents! My highlights were two steampunk books, a pretty little watch on a neck chain and a sewing machine to start my sewing projects on! And my little bird friend Isambard.
Lauren Stowell
December 29, 2012 at 3:58 AMooo, lovely, and what a cool name for a bird!
Unknown
December 28, 2012 at 2:12 AMI got 5 books(Gertie's New Book For Better Sewing, Couture Sewing Techniques, The Pattern Making Primer, The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting, and How To Use, Adapt and Design Sewing Patterns) and an 1880s French Bonnet pattern from Truly Victorian. This was all from my dad. Still waiting on mom's to get here which I know is patterns. And, though not an actual Christmas present, my Aunt is giving me all my Grandmother's patterns from the 40s, 50s & beyond that she found in the attic.
Lauren Stowell
December 29, 2012 at 3:59 AMWow, wonderful items! I really like Gertie's book and the Couture Swing Techniques. I don't have the others, but I think I definitely need them. Sounds like you have weeks of entertainment ahead of you, and I am SO jealous of the vintage patterns!
Jenny
December 28, 2012 at 3:02 AMMy mum gave me a gift card to Joann's so I can get the materials to make my steampunk outfit for Dragon Con! 🙂
Lauren Stowell
December 29, 2012 at 4:01 AMWooo! Always a good one 🙂
Sandi
December 28, 2012 at 4:26 AMI got a serger, does that count?
Lauren Stowell
December 29, 2012 at 4:02 AMLucky! and yes, it counts 🙂
Anonymous
December 28, 2012 at 5:01 AMWould you share the author of the Circus book? I think it would be an excellent reference for my Steampunk Circus Clown costume that is based on Victorian Fancy Dress. Also, I have that first photo book and it is just eye candy of clothing!
Lauren Stowell
December 29, 2012 at 4:02 AMYes, it is here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Circus-Book-Dominique-Jando/dp/143514239X/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1356753475&sr=8-5&keywords=taschen+circus
Sandrine
December 28, 2012 at 5:08 PMI received the book called "Chanel and her world". I just adore the 1900's/1910 era Chanel, and a big part of that book is dedicated to that with LOTS of pictures. (I blame Coco before Chanel, haha.)
Lauren Stowell
December 29, 2012 at 4:02 AMI love early Chanel as well. I will have to add that book to my wishlist for next year 🙂
Cait
December 28, 2012 at 9:14 PMLooks like you got a great haul there 🙂 I have the first book too and it is one of my favorites right now, great reference and beautiful people! I used a lot in my preparations for Dickens this year.
Lauren Stowell
December 29, 2012 at 4:03 AMI thumbed through it a little already, but will have to go back for a solid read-through. So much good information!
Lizzardtears
December 29, 2012 at 1:41 AMCan you please tell me who the author of the circus book is? it looks like the type of book I have been in search of, for years. thanks.
and by the way, those are some awesome gifts you received. those French curves look like a lot of fun.
Lauren Stowell
December 29, 2012 at 3:58 AMIndeed, this is the one: http://www.amazon.com/The-Circus-Book-Dominique-Jando/dp/143514239X/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1356753475&sr=8-5&keywords=taschen+circus
AuntieNan
December 29, 2012 at 1:20 PMWow! My best present to myself was finding your blog, and through it those of several other historical fashionistas! Together your insights, humor, and fascinating rummaging in the past of my fave subject–clothes!!!! Makes a day of office drudgery FLY. Hats off to you all for a ripping Anew Year!
Lauren Stowell
January 1, 2013 at 10:06 PMAuntieNan, that is the kindest thing anyone has said to me! Thank you so much!!
Anonymous
December 30, 2012 at 3:36 AMA present I received from my husband was this pretty violin belt:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61252130/the-muse-tooled-leather-wide-mahogany
I'd been admiring it for a while and thought it would look very cute in a lolita or steampunk outfit! My goal for 2013 is to sew a few steampunk outfits.
Lauren Stowell
January 1, 2013 at 10:07 PMOooo, that is so cool! /envy
Unknown
December 30, 2012 at 4:48 AMI received "Fashion: the definitive history of Costume and fashion" from the Smithsonian, and the much coveted "Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd" by Janet Arnold. squee! I really want to check out that plumes book for myself!
Lauren Stowell
January 1, 2013 at 10:07 PMThose are two I don't have. I envy you! I have read a very small snippet from Elizabeth's wardrobe accounts, online, and found them quite fascinating. 🙂
Gwenyver
December 31, 2012 at 1:04 AMI haven't received anything costume related (yet) unfortunately – I'll have to treat myself.
Your set of French curves will be very useful if you draw your own patterns. Take it from a certified pattern maker: those babies are absolute necessities to draw an a-line skirt hem, waistlines, princess seams on bodices, necklines, and most importantly, armholes and sleeve heads.
Lauren Stowell
January 1, 2013 at 10:08 PMI'm looking forward to learning how to use them. I've already played around a bit, and watched a video on how to use them for armscyes. I'm looking forward to trying them out on the next pattern draft 🙂