Author Archives: Lisha Vidler

About Lisha Vidler

I am a sewing instructor living near Memphis, Tennessee.

Threading Your Bobbin

Posted on September 4, 2012 by

Tuesday’s Tips & Tricks: Threading Your Bobbin The method of threading your bobbin may vary depending on your sewing machine, so check your manual. Some machines have an automatic bobbin that just pops in place. Others require a bit of … Continue reading →

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The Science of Sexy

Posted on August 30, 2012 by

Thursday’s Book Review: The Science of Sexy—Dress to Fit Your Unique Figure With the Style System That Works For Every Shape and Size by Bradley Bayou Rating 5 stars = Shiny! Description Like the title says, this book sets out … Continue reading →

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A Plethora of Petticoats

Posted on August 27, 2012 by

Women have worn petticoats for centuries. We still do, in a manner of speaking. They’re no longer made of cotton (usually) but our modern half-slips are the equivalent of the historic petticoat. Until the 19th century, a petticoat was simply … Continue reading →

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Silk Dupioni & Georgette Curtains

Posted on August 19, 2012 by

Sunday’s Someday Projects: Bedroom Curtains I need curtains for my bedroom. My new comforter is a warm, dark purple—almost a wine color, but more purple—and my accent colors are lavender, soft gold and dusty green.

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Taffeta

Posted on August 11, 2012 by

Saturday’s Stash: Taffeta Taffeta is a luxury fabric that’s lightweight and crisp. It tends to have a slight sheen to it, and it makes a characteristic rustling sound when it moves. Many taffetas are shot, that is, cross-woven with different … Continue reading →

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The Phantom of the Opera Costumes in Miniature—”Point of No Return”

Posted on August 1, 2012 by

Wednesday’s Project The Phantom of the Opera in Miniature—”Point of No Return”—Completed! Awhile back I posted about my plans to make a series of outfits for the Gene doll: costumes from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. (Please … Continue reading →

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Making a Balayeuse

Posted on July 28, 2012 by

Unheard of in modern times, the balayeuse was a common element of the Victorian woman’s wardrobe. But what exactly is a balayeuse? How does it work? And more importantly, how can you create one? In this new tutorial, you’ll find … Continue reading →

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1869 Visiting Dresses

Posted on July 20, 2012 by

Friday’s Fashion Plates: 1869 Visiting Dresses Here is a fashion plate from an 1869 issue of The Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine. It contains two visiting dresses, one of which uses a remarkable color combination.

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Winding Your Bobbin

Posted on July 10, 2012 by

Tuesday’s Tips & Tricks: Winding Your Bobbin The bobbin is the tiny spool of thread that fits in the lower part of your sewing machine. Some pop into the front of the base, while others drop in from above. These … Continue reading →

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1930s Lingerie for Gene

Posted on June 30, 2012 by

Sunday’s Someday Project: 1930s Lingerie for Gene Simplicity 9527 features several pieces of sexy vintage-style lingerie for the 16” fashion doll Gene. They are all from the 1930s or 1940s: a full slip, tap pants, a teddy, a full coverage … Continue reading →

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