Community Pride: Historical Sewing Online

Costume bloggers at Costume College 2012

I just want to take this moment to say how proud I am of the online historical sewing community.

This is a truly amazing group of international hobbyist and professionals that has grown so much over such a short time.  When I started following costuming blogs back in 2007-or-so, there were the few GREATS that paved the way – Harman Hay, Demode, Festive Attyre, and many others come to mind – and what has followed their example is truly inspiring: literally hundreds of costumer’s blogs, with new seamsters joining the online community every day.

Bloggers Marja of “Before the Automobile,” and Kendra of “Demode,” worked together to make this moment of glory happen at Costume College, 2013

Through this community we have all been able to learn and improve our skills.  Just a day or two ago I received helpful tips on my wedding gown project, recommendations for books on tailoring, and assistance with pattern drafting, from incredibly knowledgeable artists willing to share their skills.  And, of course, without you guys, I would never have been able to open American Duchess Historical Footwear.

I have also been thrilled to see fellow bloggers working out patterning issues, conducting world-class research on Regency stays, and experimenting with original cosmetics recipes to re-create a completely authentic historical look.

Festive Attyre Curtain-Along members, and this wasn’t even all of us at Costume College.  There are more world-wide, even.

In truth, this community is *AWESOME,* and growing in awesomeness every day.  Just this year we’ve seen The Historical Sew Fortnightly, The Festive Attyre Curtain-Along, and now, just springing to life, the 18th Century Court Ensembles and sister Robe de Style sew-a-long, all group projects stretching across the continents.

So just take this moment to pat yourself on the back and continue to enjoy being a part of this wonderful, world-wide group of talented, generous people.

With Much Love,

11 Comments

  • Jennifer

    August 30, 2013 at 10:00 PM

    GASP! There's a robe de style sew-along? Damn you, internet, for giving me too much awesome and not enough hours in the day to do it all.

    Reply
    • Mistress of Disguise

      August 31, 2013 at 8:33 PM

      Agreed! Where can more info on the Robe de Style sew-along be found? I've always wanted to add one to my closet!

      Reply
  • Caroline

    August 31, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    Cheers to everyone! I am so grateful to be in contact with so many talented, inspiring, gracious and helpful people. I feel like I know everyone, though most I have never even met. It's a great thing to be part of 🙂

    Reply
  • Mistress of Disguise

    August 31, 2013 at 8:35 PM

    Couldn't agree with you more! It's a community full of wonderful, creative people, and I love seeing it grow. 😀

    Reply
  • Kiyotea

    September 1, 2013 at 11:11 AM

    I agree with how great it is that this community has grown so much, and that there is such a willingness to help each other. Also I feel it's very welcoming and supportive, because (being a gay boy who wears dresses), one might expect that I'd find a lot of opposition, but no one has ever slighted me.
    This is why I love the online costuming community.

    Reply
  • Anna

    September 3, 2013 at 4:01 PM

    Lauren, you were the very first blog I happened along when getting into 18th century clothing, and your experimentation and admission that sometimes projects just DON'T turn out perfectly was such an encouragement to a nervous beginner. And I appreciated you linking to other bloggers' tutorials, a whole world of help and inspiration was opened up right away!

    Reply
  • bauhausfrau

    September 4, 2013 at 1:11 AM

    It's amazing how much has changed since the old days, I remember when h-costume was about all there was! It's nice to see so the community grow so much.

    Reply
  • Kendra

    September 26, 2013 at 10:57 PM

    I'm late to comment, just wanted to say – yay!! We are all so fab, and it's so great to find new ways to connect with our like minded geeks.

    Reply

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