Pattern Description:1860's Gored Corset sewing pattern, individually sized. These patterns are based very closely on historical extant corsets and patents, but the draft is our own, adapted to fit a woman of average modern proportions. Designed for steel boning and front busk closure. An instruction booklet is included with photographic how-to instructions in a mix [...]
Simplicity 8161 18th Century Costumes Review
Pattern Description:Misses' 18th century highland costumes includes outfits in two styles: the first is a gown with stomacher and petticoat, and the second is a bodice with petticoat and stomacher. Pattern Sizing:6-14; 14-22 I cut a 16 with some 18 for shoulder/arm. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were [...]
Science of Sewing: Creating Custom Striped Fabric
I fell in love with this fashion plate and knew I had to make it into Captain America. But the problem was the striped skirt, I didn't want the stripes falling into the seamlines and creating chevrons. Instead I decided to make my own stripes and sew them on to recreate the look. This was [...]
Truly Victorian’s TV170 Petticoat Review
NOTE: There is one petticoat in the picture with the pink ribbon. The 2nd picture has the second petticoat with the red ribbon layered over the petticoat with the pink ribbon. Just so you can see how it fluffs with the layering. Pattern Description:This pattern contains instructions for four different petticoats, suitable for the years [...]
Science of Sewing: Finishing Seams without a Serger
Fraying seams are the worst. They’re scratchy and uncomfortable, they can leave threads hanging out from under you clothes, but worst of all, they can be unstable, cutting the life of your garment to nothing in a flash. Here a few different ways to finish a seam that will increase the longevity of your garment [...]
Science of Sewing: Basic Stitches
Today's post is all about the basic and common stitches you'll need to learn to make your costumes! These stitches are found on almost every machine these days, so get ready for the 12 most useful stitches. (Note: though your machine may not have the exact stitch pattern, there is going to be something close. [...]
Iconography & Color Identity in Disneybounding & Cosplay
Disneybounding and cosplay run along the same lines when it comes to original design. Arguably, Disneybounding itself is cosplay-lite. They both have two very simple, but extremely important, characteristics that make the design successful or not: Iconography and Color Identity. Let's look at just the Disney Princesses as those are so often cosplayed and Disneybounded. [...]
Science of Sewing: Cutting Implements
Let's talk about all the scissors you might want or actually need for cosplay creation! There are quite a few, so I've broken them down here with their uses and place in the cutting world: Types of Shears and Scissors Dressmaking ShearsEmbroidery Scissors/ Thread SnipsPinking ShearsTailor's ShearsRotary CuttersHair Cutting ShearsThinning scissorsHair Razors Dressmaking Shears Dressmaking [...]
Fabric Selection 101
Beyond a doubt, fabric selection is the most crucial part of sewing - it literally is the costume. When I was a starting seamstress, my fabric choices were ALL over the place, especially for skirts, I used lining fabric, charmeuse, silky solids, and a myriad of completely inappropriate fabrics for the styles I was making. [...]
The Great Big List of Stuff!
Starting sewing is intimidating, especially when you're going through rows and rows of sewing notions in Joann Fabrics. I've distilled those walls into a list of the basics you'll need to get started and with the 'advanced' tools you will likely want to acquire over time if your needs call for them. Click on the [...]