Enlarging a sleeve is something I have to do all the time! I don't have the pencil arms patterns seem to think are normal, so I am constantly redoing the sleeves. I helps that I love a gathered sleeve head, that makes it even easier to alter. I'm working on a project that requires a … Continue reading Science of Sewing: Enlarging a Sleeve
When I originally bought this dress from Ann Taylor, I didn't inspect the fit as well as I should have. Totally my fault, I fell in love with the stripes and the shirtdress style combined, so I was blinded to the issues that were quite apparent that made the dress rather unflattering. While not too … Continue reading Altering an Unflattering Dress
Pattern Description:Misses' Vintage Dresses With Sleeve & Neckline Variation (1960's) Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?It definitely did. Though I did make some rather major cosmetic changes. The construction minus those cosmetic changes was rather close to the pattern. I did completely change out … Continue reading Pattern Review: Simplicity 9104
Let's talk about fabric choices, details, and why we pick the fabrics we do. I touched upon this briefly when I talked about making Arwen, but that was a project where I was working to achieve a close recreation of a particular look, while sourcing materials that didn't break the bank. This time around, let's … Continue reading Elevating Eilonwy
Pattern Description:This style is particularly suited to 1878 – 1882, and is perfect for daytime events. This jacket has a roll down collar with lapels, and is cut away at the center front below the waist. The bodice hem can be made in two styles, either with two points and shaped over the hips, or … Continue reading Pattern Review: Truly Victorian 428 (1880 Jacket Bodice)
Pattern Description:Misses Walk-Away Wrap Dress: Three pattern pieces, darted in front and back, with back waist and shoulder seams. Back wraps around to the front for a sheath-and-overskirt look. A: Contrast back and skirt. Bias tape finished edges.Circa 1952 Pattern Sizing:8-14 & 16-22. I made a 16 with a bust of 18. Did it look … Continue reading Pattern Review: Butterick 4790
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 … Continue reading RedThreaded’s 1860’s Gored Corset 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 … Continue reading Simplicity 8161 18th Century Costumes Review
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 … Continue reading Science of Sewing: Creating Custom Striped Fabric
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 … Continue reading Truly Victorian’s TV170 Petticoat Review