Back in 1930, in Hollywood, the Hays Code determined what was and was not acceptable to show in a motion picture. Things like profanity, drug trafficking, and childbirth couldn’t be shown, but…
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V122: Beginnings of a Polonaise Jacket
Gallerie des Modes, 1780. Dames a la Mode on Tumblr I’ve finally settled on a design for one of my Colonial Williamsburg pieces – a polonaise jacket, inspired by a couple of…
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V121: “The Unsinkables” at Gaskells Titanic Ball
As promised, here are a few photos from Gaskells Ball last Saturday, with our “Unsinkables” group of lovely-attired ladies. I had a fabulous time, and got to see so many people I…
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V120: 1912 Titanic Ball, Hair Stylings
I just got back from The Other Side of the Mountains (Californialand), and my trip down to Gaskells Victorian Ball. It was an amazing evening, full of beautiful 1912 gowns that I…
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V119: Are Sequins Period Accurate?
The Met: toque (hat), 1915 The short answer is YES! I’ve heard this question come up a couple of times, in regard to using sequins on our Titanic gowns. Sequins are not…
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V118: Costume Painting 3 -Scantily Clad Carolyn
Last night was class #3 of Costume Painting at the Nevada Museum of Art. Carolyn modeled for us, in her Victorian skivvies. I’m not totally happy with this painting, except the face.…
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V117: Book Review: “Couture Sewing Techniques” by Claire B. Schaeffer
Couture Sewing Techniques Claire B. Shaeffer (c) 2011 by Claire B. Shaeffer ISBN 978-1-60085-335-7 A great many of us are self-taught seamstresses. We come equipped with a suite of sewing techniques taught…
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V116: Finally, My Almost-Complete Titanic Ball Gown
Okay, so it’s *still* not done, despite the event coming up on Saturday, but hey … it’s a costumer’s life, right? At any rate, it is “very almost” done. Both sleeves are…
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V115: Update on “Astoria” Edwardian Shoes
You have all been waiting ever so patiently for the replacement shipment of Astorias to be manufactured and shipped, and for that I am eternally grateful. Now I have an update for…
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V114: Incredible 18th Century Jackets from the Imatex Online Collection
I have to give mad thanks to Emily over at My Vintage Visions, who showed me the secret of searching the Imatex costume collection, a wonderful resource with gigantic photos in which…
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V113: Photos from The Steampunk Expo, Reno
Yesterday the local Reno Steampunk club, High Desert Steam, held its first annual “Biggest Little Steampunk Expo.” The idea was to kick off a Summer season of Steampunk events – movie nights,…
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V112: Steampunk Expo Yay!
Okay, I’m SO tired, but we had the most amazing 1st annual Steampunk Expo here in Reno. It was a huge success! Now time for a nap …. more photos tomorrow. Photo…
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V111: Costume Painting, Week 2, at Nevada Museum of Art
Last night was the second session of the costume painting open studio at the Nevada Museum of Art. Our model was Jeff, wearing a “Burning Man/Steampunk/Mardi Gras/Carnie/Jester” outfit. It was colorful, and…
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V110: Pink Jackets of the 18th Century
…I want one. I want it to be patterned taffeta-silky-something. WANT. Inspo…. Okay, I know it’s a polonaise, but let’s just say it counts 🙂 ; 1775, Killerton, Devon, Nat’l Trust 1784…
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V109: Do You Know the Button Trick?
Don’t you just hate decorative shank buttons that are all dangly and wobbly? Wouldn’t it be so much better if they were nice and flat and secure on your garment? Well here’s…
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V108: “Downton Sixby,” on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
A little while ago I got a call from the costume designer at Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, asking if there was any chance they could get ahold of a pair of…
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V107: Where Are Your Pompadour Shoes, 1680-1740?
Pompadour (1680-1740) shoes in black brocade with leather-covered, custom Louis heel, and satin ribbon tie Hi Ladies! I haven’t died, promise. I’m still working on new historical shoes for you, but we…
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V106: Titanic Memorial Tea, Reno
Yesterday, like so many of you, us ladies and gents up here in Reno held our Titanic Memorial Tea at The Isles Tea Shoppe. After many pots of tea, a parade of…
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V105: April 14, 1912
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V104: Costume Painting at Nevada Museum of Art, Class 1
Last night was my first class of the costume painting open studio at the Nevada Museum of Art. I have modeled for previous sessions, and it just looked like so much fun,…