Resources and Quick Tips for Historical Sewing {Vol. 1}

I've been doing historical sewing for awhile (seven years) and sometimes I wish that I would have had a mentor when I was just starting out. Of course, I had mom and Grandmom to teach me the basics of sewing, but neither of them had sewn a corset before! So, I've been my own trailblazer and that's taught me a lot.

 

Now, I shall endeavor to be a mentor of sorts to those of you who are just starting out on your journey of historical sewing.

I remember picking up a pattern and thinking

 

Where in the world do you find wool these days? Maybe Pa can pick some up when he goes into town for white sugar and chicken feed! Hope he'll bring me some hard candy this time!

 

That's what it felt like, anyway. Thusly, I had to forge my own path and figure things out for myself. Thankfully, we have a lovely new-fangled thing called INTERNET! And that is from where I am writing you this day.

 

This is the first of several articles in which I put out of some of my favorite resources for historical sewing. I'm not going to share links to sites where you gasp, "I can't spend $50/yard on fabric!!!" Hey! I'm on a tight budget, too. Occasionally, you buckle down and save up for the fabric that's going to make your garment perfect and it's totally worth it. But, I'm thinking of you ladies (and guys, I suppose), who just need a little nudge in the right direction. That's not to say that these resources aren't helpful to those seasoned seamstresses, but I have the beginners in mind today. Without further ado...

 

 

Sense and Sensibility Patterns

 

Jennie Chancey's patterns and articles have probably been the single most influential springboard into the hobby that has turned into a source of income (costume design) for me. Even simply reading the pattern notes on the title page of the instructions is a learning experience! Simplicity and McCall's patterns (though sometimes necessary) don't hold a candle to the caliber of design and versatility of Jennie's patterns. I started with her Regency Dress pattern after seeing Pride and Prejudice (2005) for the first time and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Historicalsewing.com

 

This site is especially for those of you interested in the Victorian Era! Jennifer Rosbrugh's mission is to make historical sewing more accessible and she does a wonderful job. I'm subscribed to the emails and they're fantastic. I could spend hours scrolling through her site and learning. See? I just took a break from writing this post to read through about 5 articles; I am now a smarter person. Be a sponge. Go to historicalsewing.com.

(And I'm going to highlight THIS article. Because it has basically changed my sewing life.)

 

Music

 

This is my personal advice to you. I have about a bazillion Spotify playlists (because I can't afford to buy all those yummy soundtracks). I like to listen to film soundtracks or classical music from the era I'm working in. For example, as I work on a 1912 picnic dress, I will listen to the Miss Potter soundtrack. And if I'm working in the Regency era, well, you know. And French music goes with literally any project (Hugo, anyone?) I would love it if you would follow me! My "Jane Austen and Friends" playlist has some great selections from Regency, Victorian and Edwardian films.

 

 

Pinterest

 

 

This might seem like, "duh, McKenna", but Pinterest is an amazing resource for costumers! Tutorials like THIS one (above) are amazingly useful and they're all over the place! And articles and images galore! For a quick peek, click HERE to go to my historical costuming board. Find and follow other historical costumers and see what they pin, too! It's very encouraging and inspiring.

 

R. Turner Wilcox

 

 

 Any book by R. Turner Wilcox is a goldmine. If you're looking for straight up historical costuming commentary, here's your chance! The value of information contained in her books (which, to buy, most are not expensive at all) is, in fact invaluable. And the drawings are detailed and positively drool-worthy! Go to the library. Get yourself some knowledge! This one of the finest resources I ever have or ever will find.

 

 

That's it for now. Were these resources helpful? Do you have a favorite pattern company or tutorial that you use? A favorite costuming book? Let me know in the comments below. Or, if you have additional questions or just need some encouragement, please don't hesitate to drop me a line at missmckennaray[at]gmail[dot]com. Have a beautiful day, everyone!

 

 



A Few of My Favorite Things {Vol. 2}

Good evening, my friends! Life has been insanely beautiful and crazy lately. Tell me how you've been. Seriously; comment below! I would love to hear from you, my faithful followers (you know who you are) and would also love to see some new faces!

It is high time for another favorite things post, so here you go!

Clark Terry

I have recently rediscovered my passion for jazz and the artist at the forefront of my binge-listening is legend Clark Terry. My first exposure to his music was on an episode of "Little Bill" (anyone watch that growing up? Lemme hear ya!). Mr. Terry still plays and teaches and is just awesome. Go to Spotify (Here's the link to my Clark Terry Playlist ). Give him a listen; you won't regret it.

Source

I just bought a gorgeous blue leather jacket at Goodwill and I absolutely adore it! It looks really similar to the one above, except it's a really India-inky blue (and, admittedly, not quite as cool) with a front zipper.

Pacifica's Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow in Ethereal

This amazing shadow came in this month's Ipsy Glam Bag. It's a lovely taupe-y color in the package, but shows up on my fair skin as more of a shimmery pearl and I love it! I also use it as a cheek highlighter. 

Today, I paired it with Rimmel Eyeliner (upper lid and lower waterline) and Cailyn Cosmetics Eye Shadow  in the crease

 (The $15 Cailyn Eye Shadow came in last month's Ipsy bag that I pay $10/month to get). 

This specific eye shadow comes in a palette of other colors; I suppose mine is a sample. You can purchase it HERE

Natalie Yco

(Pronounced like Eco)

For the past three weeks or so, I've been doing Natalie Yco's GymRa workouts on YouTube. Gals, she's amazing! Her workouts are serious burners and she's so encouraging. In the middle of the Kickboxing/Jump Rope workout, she said,

"I can't see you, but I hope you're not slacking off.

Because, if you slack off in your workout, you're probably slacking off in life."

That burned almost as much as the workout itself!

Dashing Dish
by Katie Farrell
 Katie Farrell is one of the contributing bloggers at
 Overcomer Outreach 
 and since my Mom is also one of the other ladies writing for the site, she sent her a copy of her amazing cookbook. These recipes are fantastic! I made a double batch of her Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (the third time since we got the book earlier this month) and they are soooooo delicious! I made her Santa Fe Stuffed Peppers for breakfast, too. I'm telling you, we use her recipes all the time and you will too! Hop on over to Amazon and purchase your copy HERE

And there you are. What are some of your favorite things? A writer you discovered lately? A new song? An eyeliner? Let me know in the comments below. Have a beautiful evening everyone! 

Fashion Guest Post

Hey Everyone!

I'm Eden from Eden's Evaluations and I'd like to give a huge thank you to McKenna for inviting me to guest post on her blog!

Today, I have a modest outfit to share with you all...

Oh, and just a side note... the only person available to take my pictures was my adorable 8 year old brother... so although he did an excellent job, the pictures turned out... slightly on the blurry side. ;) But that's ok!

 Here is the overall look. I've been experimenting a lot with sweaters this winter, and I *love* them!

... There's a close up of my necklace ... 

 And there you have it!

Outfit Details: 
Sweater ~ FREE!!!! I got it from Twice, and online consignment store.  Click HERE to make your first purchase for free
Blouse ~ $3.00 (?) It came from some sale event.
Belt ~ $3.99 (?)- Goodwill
Necklace ~ $2.99 (?) - Goodwill
Skirt ~ $30.00  Kosher Casual
Boots ~ $6.99 (?) - Goodwill 
Earrings ~ $0.50 - Antique Shop

What do you think? What is your favorite way to wear sweaters? Leave your thoughts in the comment section! Don't forget to check out my blog and YouTube channel at www.edensevaluations.blogspot.com

Thanks again, McKenna, for letting me do this! :)

Outfit Guest Post

   Hello all! I hope you're having a splendid day so far. If we haven't "met" before, my name is Paige. McKenna asked me to post in her absence (I'm excited for her, aren't you?!), so today I'd like to share with you an outfit that I put together yesterday.

Simply Stripes

Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of blogging for Miss Eden of Eden's Evaluations . I did a "Fashion Friday" post for her and decided to share it here, too (not because I'm out of ideas or...anything...). 

Silly Pose

Now, I like stripes. Correction: I love stripes! This worked out nicely because, I don't know if you can see, the skirt is striped as well. I rummaged around my closet (and my mom's) to find these items, then came across my strappy summer shoes and it tied the shirt and scarf together. Voila! 

The "I'm going to angle the phone and crane my neck really uncomfortably so I can get this shot" picture.

Outfit Specs:
Olive Sweater | Loft (Gift)
Striped Scarf | Gap (Gift)
Striped Skirt | Coldwater Creek (Goodwill/$3.99)
Wedges | Natual Soul by Naturalizer (Gift)

First-Timer Lip-Liner (Ipsy Glam Bag: September 2014)

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!?!

C'mon son!* Who'd have thunk that I would ever wear lipstick? Apparently, the stylists at Ipsy did! 

Ipsy is a makeup and beauty company started by Michelle Phan. For $10 a month, they send you a georgeous, customized "Glam Bag." It's a makeup bag with 5 samples and full-sized beauty products. Based on a beauty quiz you take, they match up products just for you and mostly, it's spot-on. Plus, it comes in a fabulous pink sparkly envelope!

If you're interested in signing up, follow this link and I will get points toward extra products :D
http://www.ipsy.com/r/d2he?sid=ipsypoints&cid=general

Now, I've never had anything against lipstick. It's just that I was born with "natural" color on my kisser. When I went on set to be an extra in a First-Century film, I was asked by the makeup artist if I had any on. When I replied negative, she double-checked ("Are you sure you're not wearing lipstick?"), then went in search of the nearest liquid concealer.

Plus! That shade of lipstick almost matches Counsellor Troi's from Star Trek: The Next Generation!!!

Cosplay on the way!

Here are my reviews pertaining to each product:

Hikari Lipstick
5/5

I applied the lipstick with a brush (I tried freehand at first, but I ended up looking like the Joker).  It went on smoothly and is a very nice Fall color to have on hand.

Be a Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder
5/5

Okay, so I had to look up what on earth this mysterious powder was, but when I discovered what it was and how to use it, I was thrilled (it's a finishing powder)! As long as you don't use too much, it's absolutely a dream! Just a tiny bit really goes a long way. I'm never leaving home without it again!

Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream
5/5

This is really luxurious (per the title) and it's nice to put on, especially before bed :)

Nourish Organic Face Cleanser
2/5

I give it two points for being organic. That's about it; the product has this odd smell...kind of musty. Blech!

Pacifica 7 Free Nail Polish
4/5

It's a much more daring color than I would normally wear, but it's quite lovely! Perfect for evening toes and it matches a lot of what I wear!

I was most pleased with last month's Glam Bag. They usually arrive around the middle of the month, so I'll do another review in a couple of weeks. Hope you enjoyed and I think you'll love the Glam Bag if you decide to try it!

*Psych reference.

A Regency Half-Robe and Round Gown Post {AGAIN}

No, you're right! That is my other Round Gown but the Half-Robe is new. The new Round Gown is pictured below. I understand the confusion. Actually, this pink linen Half-Robe is a refashion, just like my other Half-Robe. It's a refashion of the first Regency gown I ever made! 

See, the old gown from 2008 (that I don't have pictures of) was my first garment projet! But, I, in my ignorance, fitted the bodice to a mannequin torso. The only fault in that was the fact that it was a male torso. But I didn't realize that until I had finished the dress. There were a million other mistakes; the sleeves were going to be puffed, but I didn't bother and left them bandless so they were like butterfly sleeves (inaccurate), and I put the bodice and lining wrong sides together so had to improvise a facing among other isues. So, I set the dress aside until I had the experience to fix it...try 6 years!

Making the old gown into a new one was simple, but time-consuming. Thankfully, I had saved the leftover material and had *just* enough to rebuild the sleeves and make a closure. I am very pleased with how it turned out! I wish the closure was a bit wider but it's still accurate :)

My sister's shoes. I think they look like accurate walking boots!

I love this parasol!

My gown did fall a bit below the closure. I guess nothing's perfect!

Here below is my new blue linen Round Gown! As always, I used Jennie Chancey's "Elegant Lady's Closet" Regency pattern :) It's a super thin linen, almost like gauze so the first time I was threading the drawstring in, I ripped right through the bodice front!!! Thankfully, my dear Grandma was visiting when this catastrophe happened. I called her to the basement as I was pacing around in my Regency underthings (chemise, stays, fichu and bodiced petticoat with a shawl around my shoulders), trying not to cry...and failing. She brought a tissue and assesed the situation. 

She swooped in with her super-sewing powers and convinced me that all I needed to do to fix it was sew a band over the rip and...viola! She saved me from having to cut out a whole new bodice front and rip the entire dress apart to fix it. Sorry if it offends you, but my Grandma is the best one there is! That's the truth.

The moral of the story is...be patient. If you mess up, it's not the end of the world. Just move on and you may come back to it later. You might shed a few tears, but it's all worth it! 

Green and Denim

Here's a quickie post to tide you over for greater posts are forthcoming. Noble pursuits are in the works and they have to do with fashion, healthy living, corsets and The 1920s! Get ready, June, we're gonna have a blast!

These were taken back in Ohio and I've had them sitting around "gathering dust" in my picture files. Fun Fact: Kansas does not have any maple trees!

Sorry there aren't any decent pictures of my shoes. They are brown flat sandals.

Shirt--Old Navy//Gift
Jacket--Gift
Skirt--Made by Me
Necklace-Gift
Owl Earrings--Burlington Coat Factory//$.99
Shoes-Faded Glory//$12.99