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Costuming and Chaos

The world is a pretty overwhelming place right now. Here in Washington, all the schools in 3 counties just closed for 6 weeks. The grocery store is absolute chaos. Life as we know it is suddenly suspended. For my own sanity, I want to escape into a world of pretty dresses and tea parties. To
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The Historical Costumer’s Etsy Gift Guide

Christmas is almost here, and I’ve gathered together a list of items on Etsy that I’d love to see under my tree. They might be just the thing for your favorite historical costumer, as well! *Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission
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Embroidery Inspiration – Valentine’s Day – Love Tokens

Happy Valentine’s Week! Love never seems to go out of style, so this week I’m taking a look at embroidery that features expressions of love, hearts, and other romantic elements. This 18th century letter case would be the the perfect place to store love notes, don’t you think? It’s made from red silk damask embroidered
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Costume College 2015

I look forward to Costume College every year, because not only do I learn a ton from other talented costumers, I get to reconnect with friends from around the world. Previous years have planted the seeds for some of the collaborations that blossomed this year, and I value the connections I’ve made with other female business
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Collaborations

I’ve met so many wonderful people in the costuming community over the years, and this spring and summer I’ve been lucky enough for several of those connections to turn into collaborations. Since one has already launched and another is very close, it’s high time I told you a little more about them. After a trip
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Reform Corset

One of my current client projects is a reform corset to be worn with a WWI nurse’s uniform. This corset presents an interesting challenge because while there are plenty of old advertisements to be found, images of existing corsets are hard to find and often don’t show much detail. Back views are even harder to find,
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Costumes for Sale

I am such a sporadic blogger that I don’t know if anyone is even still reading along.  However, I am selling off some of the sample pieces I’ve featured here, and I wanted to spread the word to anyone still following.  Time to clean out the closets and make room for new projects! NOTE: Most
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Regency Stays

This is my 2011 Double Period Project for Foundations Revealed.  I worked on this project in my free time around clients, and kept forgetting to take pictures of the process.  I took some notes for the dress diary, and will try to fill in as much as I can. Inspiration: When trying to research stays
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The Importance of Correct Corseting

by Clarice I. Wile The Modern Priscilla, March 1911 Inasmuch as, all through the coming season, we are to be debarred from the charming, not to say daring, color schemes which have been devised for our benefit and beautifying, it is obvious that, if we wish to achieve success and distinction in our dress, we
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New Year’s update

I keep saying I am going to blog more, and then the days get away from me and I am silent for far too long. Last fall was busy with a few big projects. 1) a complete overhaul of a client’s Civil War era wardrobe and all the underpinnings. This included day bodices, evening bodices,
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