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Teens era

2020 Project Recap

I’ve been feeling like another year went by, and yet again, I don’t have a lot to show for it. It’s true, I didn’t make any historical costumes this year. I keep forgetting that I did do some vintage sewing though, and that counts! Especially given how this year has gone. My favorite project was
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Camisole Eyelet Tutorial

The 1910 Camisole with Bows is almost ready for release! As I was working through a sample based on the Wearing History 1910’s Camisole or Corset Cover, I found one tricky bit that’s easier explained in pictures, so I wanted to put together a camisole eyelet tutorial for you. This is a great technique for any
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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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Two steps forward, and one back

Two steps forward, and one back

I locked myself out of the sewing studio for a few days, which meant no sewing at all aside from some hand-sewing I had in the house.  I finally had more keys made and a long weekend home alone, so I designated it an all-sewing weekend, and invited over a couple of friends. My plan
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Try, Try Again

Try, Try Again

We all have that project that is going so well, and then – bam! Not so much.   This silk petticoat has been that project for me.  The pattern was going fine, even finishing with bound seams instead of the serger was going fine, and then I got to the ruffle.  I’ve made plenty of
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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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Up-cycling, from 1918

Woman’s World, April 1918, from the article “Hooverizing” with the Needle: There’s nothing new under the sun, so don’t worry if you have to make over your last year’s dresses, by The “Make-Over Lady” For Daddy’s Little Girl: When a certain young lady begins to creep and use herself as a dust mop over the
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