How to Apply Boning to Darts
You may have read a recent article I wrote on boning in bustle bodices. How you HAVE to have boning to keep the shape of bodice in place. Yes. You do. Well, Frank asked the question about just how one...
View ArticleHow to Make Ribbon Bows for Victorian Costumes
I’ve had quite a lot of costumers ask me recently about making bows for bustle dresses. Since bows are THE Victorian trim this tutorial will work for most 19th century garments. This video tutorial...
View Article11 Uses for a Seam Gauge in Historical Costuming
Do you have a seam gauge in your sewing basket? Do you love it as much as I do? This little 6″ strip of metal with a slider in the center is THE handiest of tools in any sewing room. If you don’t have...
View ArticleHow to Sew Cartridge Pleats
This tutorial is dedicated to Corinne Pleger who taught me the beauty of cartridge pleating in July 2000. Cartridge pleats are eye-catching! Neat little pleats stacked in a row, stitched together and...
View ArticleTake Your Victorian Dressmaking to the Next Level
Being creative creatures we are always striving to better ourselves and our work. Of course, there are always those quick projects where we just want to get it done and ready for the event. Those we...
View ArticleTips for Easier Seam Ripping
If you sew you rip. Period. No “Oh, I won’t make any mistakes” or “If I sew a seam wrong I simply cut out a new piece.” Yeah… that’s a bit ridiculous. Everyone knows you use a handy-dandy seam ripper...
View ArticleWaist Tape Wrangling, or the Unseen Bodice Support
The inside of antique bodices. If you sew historical costumes you know THAT is what you want when you research. How did they do it? Where and how is the boning put in? What is that underlining fabric?...
View ArticleApplying Hook & Eye Tape
Yay! You’ve just finished the bodice proper but now you are faced with hand sewing on a dozen little hooks and corresponding eyes so you can actually close the bodice. Boo… At this point many costumers...
View ArticleFabric Piecing
So you only bought seven yards. You need eight. Of course. Because you didn’t check the yardage listing before you went shopping or the store only had the seven. But you’re determined to make the dress...
View ArticleSeam Finishes for 19th Century Garments
If you’re like me, as you sew up a garment you wonder how you’ll finish the raw edges of the seams. You know I cheat on nearly all my historical projects by serging the exposed raw edges. But what if...
View ArticleBook Review: The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking
In late summer 2016 Lauren Stowell, creator of American Duchess, announced that plans were in the works for her and her new assistant, Abby Cox, to publish a book on sewing 18th century garments....
View ArticlePodcast 012: The Value of Mundane Sewing
Not every project needs to be a BIG one. Even in the process of sewing basic things there is the advantage of keeping the mind fresh, exploring new techniques, and finding the joy again – with no...
View ArticlePodcast 013: Sewing Threads
Aside from fabric and needle, thread is the other absolute necessary component for sewing. lol But is there thread that’s better than others? Join Jennifer in this episode to find out her favorite...
View Article
