Author Archives: Lisha Vidler

About Lisha Vidler

I am a sewing instructor living near Memphis, Tennessee.

Dressmaking Course in 8 Easy Steps

Posted on April 5, 2012 by

Thursday’s Book Review: Dressmaking Course in 8 Easy Steps by Singer Rating 5 stars = Shiny Description This is a vintage 1961 dressmaking manual produced by Singer, as presented in their sewing centers. It promises just eight easy steps to … Continue reading →

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Sewing Machine Maintenance

Posted on March 27, 2012 by

Tuesday’s Tips & Tricks Sewing Machine Maintenance If you own your own sewing machine, you need to take proper care of it. This means knowing how to clean and oil it regularly. There are some newer models that don’t require … Continue reading →

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1875 Racing Dress

Posted on March 23, 2012 by

Friday’s Fashion Plates 1875 Racing Dress This dress is from La Mode Artistique in 1875 and is described as a toilette for the races.

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18th Century Robe á l’Anglaise

Posted on March 19, 2012 by

We’ve just added a new sewing diary: the 18th Century Robe á l’Anglaise. Our excursion into the 18th century began with the undergarments and accessories, and now it culminates with the creation of this green and white floral print gown … Continue reading →

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The Phantom of the Opera in Miniature: “Point of No Return”

Posted on March 18, 2012 by

Sunday’s Someday Project The Phantom of the Opera Costumes in Miniature: “Point of No Return” In October, 2011, I attended a live screening of the 25th anniversary performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. It was phenomenal. … Continue reading →

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Hannibal Ballet Costume

Posted on March 14, 2012 by

Wednesday’s Project The Phantom of the Opera—Hannibal Ballet Costume A few years ago I decided to make a miniature version of one of the costumes from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. I chose Christine’s red and green … Continue reading →

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Fashion Illustration for Designers

Posted on March 8, 2012 by

Thursday’s Book Review: Fashion Illustration for Designers by Kathryn Hagen   Rating 5 stars = Shiny! Description This is a book on how to draw fashion illustrations. It starts with the basics of figure drawing, then moves on to poses … Continue reading →

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A Rat’s Nest

Posted on February 21, 2012 by

Tuesday’s Tips and Tricks A Rat’s Nest Throughout many historic time periods, the fashion for hair was huge. As near as I can tell, it began in the 17th century with the frizzed Elizabethan styes. In the late 18th century, … Continue reading →

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Welcome Back!

Posted on February 17, 2012 by

I would like to apologize for the lack of posts in recent months. First, I had to take an unexpected hiatus for health reasons. Then, just when I was ready to come back, we had some trouble with hackers: someone … Continue reading →

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Victorian Fashions: A Pictorial Archive

Posted on June 30, 2011 by

Thursday’s Book Review: Victorian Fashions: A Pictorial Archive by Carol Belanger Grafton     Rating 4 stars = Satisfactory Description This is a book filled with scanned images from antique fashion magazines, periodicals, and catalogs. Sources include Harper’s Bazar, La … Continue reading →

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