Clik here to view.
The Countess Howe Gown Project (ca. 1764) A journey back in time ~ PART 4
If you've been following this project, I'm happy to say that I can finally declare it complete! A short recap: after three tries at getting the right combination of featherweight fabric, proper...
View ArticleClik here to view.
TEXTILE TALK ~ Part 1: Linen & Ramie
Flax (linen) plants in bloom Ramie plants This is the first in a planned series of articles intended to help familiarize sewing enthusiasts with the origin, botanical features, history, and production...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Cutting a Stylish Figure: Calculating Yardage for a Sacque Gown (Robe à la...
A ca. 1750-55 reproduction robe à la française in striped silk taffeta One question that comes up frequently in online historical costuming discussions is that of how much fabric would be needed to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
High Style: Constructing an Edwardian High Boned Collar
French fashion sketch of a 1908 fancy afternoon ensemble with lace plastron and high collar. If one element of women's fashion defined formal daytime elegance during the Edwardian era, it was the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
For an Enchanted Evening: A ca.1755 Formal Sacque in Taupe Silk Taffeta
It's hard not to love the graceful beauty of the 18th century robe à la française (often called in English a "sacque" or "sack" gown), with its elegant lines and ability to flatter practically any...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Out & About in Historic Annapolis Royal ~ Summer 2022 ~
Three of the "Wandering Interpreters" (including myself, at right) that will be seen around the town this summer. (Photo credit: Town of Annapolis Royal) It was an honour for me to be asked by the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
One Good Sacque Deserves Another!
I admit, I'm crazy about sacques! For this second iteration of my design for a ca. 1755 "grand habit" (formal evening gown, in the "robe à la française" or French style) I decided to use a glorious...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Summer 2023: Interpreting history in Annapolis Royal once again
It was wonderful to be asked again this summer to act as a roving historical interpreter for the town of Annapolis Royal, reflecting dress that might have been seen here in the 18th century...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The 1810 Corded Corset: A nod to a worthy competitor
As a maker of historical patterns, I'm the first to acknowledge the value of another maker's work if it's technically well-drafted (what I call "good pattern engineering"), reflects historical...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Regency Vision
Bodice of my new 'apron-front' Regency gown, pinned in place and ready to complete. It seems that everyone is creating Regency fashions these days, although I must admit it wasn't Bridgerton that...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Sumptuous ca.1750-70 Robe à la Française
Sometimes you just want to go over the top! This sacque gown (robe à la française) is without doubt the most opulent gown of its type I've made yet, inspired by a small number of extant gowns of the...
View Article
