Tag Archives: Victorian

Faux French Seams

Tuesday’s Tutorial: Faux French Seams I discovered this technique by accident, when I was in a pickle and couldn’t figure out how to finish a seam so the raw edges wouldn’t show. Up until that point, I’d used French seams … Continue reading

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Elegantly Frugal Costumes

Thursday’s Book Review: Elegantly Frugal Costumes by Shirley Dearing

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1831 French Evening Gowns

Friday’s Fashion Plate: 1831 French Evening Gowns Today we have a pair of French gowns that are most likely for evening. With this era, it can sometimes be difficult to tell, but the low, off-the-shoulder necklines, the short, puffed sleeves, … Continue reading

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Threading Eyelet With Ribbon

Tuesday’s Tips & Tricks: Threading Eyelet With Ribbon There is a particular kind of lace known as beading, which has holes woven into it so that you can easily thread a ribbon through the lace. The ribbon can add a … Continue reading

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A Plethora of Petticoats

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

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

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

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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Complete Guide to Needlework

Thursday’s Book Review: Complete Guide to Needlework by Reader’s Digest Rating 4 stars = Satisfactory Description A complete guide to the many arts of needlework, including embroidery, crocheting, knitting, quilting, and lace-making.

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1889 Summer Dresses

Friday’s Fashion Plates 1889 Summer Dresses These two dresses come from an American fashion plate and are described only as being for late summer. They are certainly day dresses and might be considered visiting toilettes or walking dresses.

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