Lauren W. models a powder blue 1740s riding habit, surrounded by Kensington and Pompadour 18th century shoes This month marks the two year anniversary of starting the Historical Footwear side of this…
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Interview with Karen Bowler of “Classic Costume”
Hi all! It’s been some time since we last interviewed a savvy historical costumer. Today I’ve interviewed Karen of “Classic Costume,” a custom maker of some seriously gorgeous 18th century and Regency…
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ORANGE! Regency Test Dress In Progress
Howdy! I’ve been battling to get my sewing mojo back recently, and thought I would test out a quick n’ easy Regency pattern I’ve had in my stash for some time –…
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Introducing “Highbury” Dyeable Satin Regency Flat – Pre-Order April 1st!
I’m excited to be presenting our new dyeable Regency shoe, Highbury. I’ve been working on this one for quite some time, getting the shape just right, and finding the best dyeable fabric…
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1880s Green Acres Gown: Steampunkin’ Photo Shoot Preview
Happy Easter! Yesterday was photo shoot day with one of my favorite girls, Angie, wearing one of my favorite gowns, the 1880s giant green bustle dress. I can’t wait to share the…
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Sewing Cake “Pavlova” Pattern 1940s Photo Shoot
Howdy! Back in January, I worked on a “collabvertisement” with Steph C. of “Cake Patterns,” to showcase one of her awesome, indie, vintage-inspired patterns, “Pavlova.” It was a freezing cold day, but…
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Restoring Antique Shoes – How to Polish Leather Shoes
Ever since I started collecting antique shoes, I’ve been a little obsessive about restoration, primarily bringing leather shoes back from the dead. I look for the *worst* leather shoes on eBay and…
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New 18th Century Shoe – Your Opinions Please
Howdy! So…I’ve been working on a new 18th century Colonial shoe about 1700-1770. She’s gorgeous, complete with snazzy French heel and white rand, and I’d like your opinion on what color you…
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The Very Inspiring Blogger Award
Thank you to Deborah, for awarding my blog here the Very Inspiring Blogger Award! I love awards, primarily passing them on and seeing them whiz around the internet. So here we go……
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Butterick to the Big Screen – Historical Hollywood Contest!
Thanks to Francis, who posted about this on Facebook… Butterick is holding a contest to create your own Hollywood-inspired outfit, using a contemporary Butterick pattern, specifically any period from 1860 to modern.…
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Style in the Sky: British Airways Fashions Through the Ages
I can’t help but love aviation fashion. I was a complete sucker for “Pan Am ,” and before that, “View from the Top ,” and just about any photograph of a sharply…
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How Wide Should Your 18th Century Panniers Be?
I’ve set out on the adventure of making a Grand Pannier to wear under voluminous 18th century apparel, and the first question that came to mind is – how wide was the…
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The Many Types of 18th Century Gowns
I realized today with the 18th century gowns I have made I have only scratched the surface of how many different types there were. It’s easy to fall into the idea that…
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Regency Shoes – Delightful Flats
I’m a little in love with Regency right now, can you tell? I’ve got new duds for both myself and Mr. C to do, but we’re also prepping a new Regency shoe…
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Problem Solving with Regency Stays
Boobs are such an issue in the Regency. Seriously, they’re just in such *weird* places! Naturally, or rather unnaturally, we as costumers want to try to achieve these, um, heights, and do…
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Tim Gunn-ing the 1912 Day Dress
Every once in awhile, a “simple” project comes along and kicks my butt. Usually it’s after I’ve just successfully completed something really complicated and I’m feeling good about my sewing skills. Does…
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Starting a “Simple” 1912 Day Dress
I’ve got a case of Costume ADD! My squirrely brain has landed on this “quick and easy” 1912 daytime tea dress. I thought I would just throw it together…ha…haha…HAHAHA. I started with…
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What is Osnaburg?
I was pretty stoked recently when I found osnaburg fabric at Walmart, of all places. I bought what was left on the bolt, dreaming of all the awesome interlinings and buckram I…
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Bright Yellow Regency Gowns
…because there’s never enough yellow in my life! I have to admit that Regency isn’t my period, so when it came time to look for inspiration for something to wear to Maggie…
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Men’s Regency Inspiration
I’ve been a bag blogger, I know! It’s just that, well you know how it goes – brain fried with all kinds of in-progress projects, future projects, crazy stuff happening. My “big”…