Author Archives: Lisha Vidler

About Lisha Vidler

I am a sewing instructor living near Memphis, Tennessee.

Eyelet Ruffle

Posted on May 7, 2011 by

Saturday’s Stash: Eyelet Ruffle Eyelet (pronounced aye-lett) is a lightweight cotton or cotton blend that’s decorated with shaped holes bound with thread, much like buttonholes or eyelets (hence the name). Sometimes they’re round holes with a simple floral motif around … Continue reading →

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18th Century Undergarments: Pt I

Posted on May 4, 2011 by

Wednesday’s Projects 18th Century Undergarments—Part I Some time ago, I realized that I needed a complete set of undergarments to wear under an 18th century dress. I did the research, found some accurate-looking patterns, and got busy. The ensemble would … Continue reading →

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1881 Winter Dresses

Posted on April 29, 2011 by

Friday’s Fashion Plate 1881 Winter Dresses Here are two winter “in-door” dresses from Peterson’s Magazine, February 1881. (As always, click on pictures to see larger images.) 1881 fell at the end of the Natural Form period, just before the bustle … Continue reading →

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Wrist Pincushion

Posted on April 26, 2011 by

I’ve just added a tutorial for a wrist pincushion. It’s small and very useful for keeping your pins at hand (no pun intended!) while you sew. Find it under “Tutorials” or just click here. Enjoy!

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All About Me: My Sewing Room

Posted on April 25, 2011 by

All About Me: My Sewing Room Note: This blog post was written in 2011. It’s now 2020 and my sewing workspace has changed drastically. Same room, but better furniture, a great layout, and improved organization.   What is my workspace like? (2011) Some … Continue reading →

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The Corset & the Crinoline

Posted on April 21, 2011 by

Thursday’s Book Review The Corset & the Crinoline: An Illustrated History by W. B. Lord Rating 4 = Satisfactory Description An unabridged reprint of The Corset and the Crinoline: A Book of Modes and Costumes from Remote Periods to the … Continue reading →

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Historically Inspired Shoes

Posted on April 12, 2011 by

Tuesday’s Tips & Tricks Historically Inspired Shoes All costumers know the difficulty involved in finding shoes that are historically accurate. Genuine antique shoes are expensive, hard to find, hard to fit, and may not be in good enough condition to … Continue reading →

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18th Century Caraco

Posted on April 10, 2011 by

Sunday’s Someday 18th Century Brown Caraco When I found this fabric, I knew it would be perfect for a dress from the late 1700s. From what I’ve seen of antique textiles, the pattern is very authentic—and I love the colors.

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1860 Masquerade Gowns

Posted on April 8, 2011 by

Friday’s Fashion Plate 1860 Masquerade Gowns This is a set of three masquerade or “fancy dress” ensembles from an 1860 French fashion plate. Masquerade fashion plates intrigue me, because they show the Victorian version of historic costuming. Interestingly, no matter … Continue reading →

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Victorian Lingerie For Dolls

Posted on April 3, 2011 by

Sunday’s Someday Project Miniature Victorian Lingerie For some time I have wanted to make doll-sized replicas of historic garments, starting with the undergarments. I once made a pair of bloomers and a corset for my 16” Rose from Titanic doll, … Continue reading →

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