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Regency

Overview of Historical Embroidery Styles, Part 4

Today I’m taking a look at the embroidery of the early 1800s. Not much changes in the first few years, with 18th century embroidery styles still very popular. I left off with Whitework, and so that’s where I pick back up. Whitework As we move into the Regency era, the use and variety of Whitework
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Embroidery Giveaway – 1812 Clover Border

With St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon, this month’s giveaway is my  “1812 Clover Border.” This design is based on a sketch for muslin embroidery originally published in the August 1812 edition of Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, Literature, Commerce, Manufactures, Fashions and Politics (top design, below top). It’s a delicate design, with tiny clovers branching off
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Embroidery Giveaway – Holiday Dinner Dress

The holidays have me in a giving spirit, so I’m starting a monthly giveaway of embroidery designs. First up is this 1820s Holiday Dinner Dress, based on this example at the Met. This design is meant to be used with Madeira Lana Wool Blend Embroidery Thread* or crewel wool threads for hand embroidery. The original gown is decorated
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7 Tips for Perfect Wool Embroidery by Machine

In my previous blog post I showed you the new crewelwork design I’ve been working on. I love wool threads for their texture, but they can be tricky to work with. I’ve created a list of 7 tips for perfect wool embroidery by machine. I hope these tips help you get perfect wool embroidery the next
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Regency Crewelwork Gowns

I have a fascination for Regency crewelwork gowns.  The combination of sheer fabric and bold, heavy wool embroidery is unexpected and charming. It’s a nice departure from the white on white seen so often in Regency dresses. I was reminded of this holiday gown when it was shared by Two Nerdy History Girls earlier this month.
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Musings on Regency Waistcoats

Do you have one of those friends who will come over and ask the exact question you’ve been trying not to think about because it will slow down your project? Well, I do, and his name is Christopher. It’s always that question I know I should do something about, but it’s difficult or tricky or
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Coming up in 2016

Thank you to everyone who voted in the design poll!  It’s closed now, and I’m happy to share the results with you. #1: 18th c. and Regency borders:  I admit I was a little surprised by this, since I had worried you might be bored with borders by now. However, it was clearly the winner, so
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A Regency bonnet veil

Earlier this summer I received an inquiry about making a Regency bonnet veil, which was exciting because I hadn’t considered that application for my embroidery designs. The inspiration example showed a length of wide antique lace, very delicate and flowing. Of course, embroidery and lace are different, but good lace in wide widths can be difficult
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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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The myth of perfection

Lauren at Wearing History posted a very honest and inspiring piece last week about how people often only show the shiniest, happiest parts of our lives on social media, and how you never really know what is going on behind the pretty pictures. This blog is full of moments that look good on the surface, but it’s also rather empty for
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