I did it! I achieved my goal of someday wearing this dress. I made the entire ensemble myself in 2024.
Making a Worth Gown
This Jean Philippe Worth gown held by the MET has always fascinated me. The off-center motif of roses is so striking on the ivory satin. The choice to have the vast majority of the design be the leaves instead of the rose blooms is so odd and clever. Like many other Worth gowns of this…Continue reading Making a Worth Gown
Worth Roses Gown
The wonderful photos from Costume Costume College are ready. Here is my take on a famous Worth gown. I digitized and machine-embroidered all of the roses, then made the gown. The tricky parts: The rose panels were 40-50″, which is a lot of individual panels to digitize, split and embroider. I now need to have…Continue reading Worth Roses Gown
Costume College 2023
Plus Size Women in History All About Pockets Is That a Dead Bird on Her Head?
In Memory
I lost my Dad, Stephen Addiss on May 11th, 2022. He has inspired, educated, and shared his life with so many wonderful people over the years. The love is pouring in. Many kind folks have asked if there is anything they can do to help me through this loss. There are two things. First, I…Continue reading In Memory
Labyrinth inspired embroidered garters
A little bit of fun to brighten a long day.
Cheap Hoop Skirt Hacks
(or how to get a plus size hoop skirt for around $30.) I just wrote this out on a plus-size historic costuming page, but maybe it will be useful to someone here too. Cheap hoop skirt hacks: unprofessional, not HA, but whatever. (or how to get a plus size hoop skirt for around $30.) You…Continue reading Cheap Hoop Skirt Hacks
Charles Worth Red Velvet Evening Gown project
Goal: make a replica of this House of Worth evening gown to wear to the next Costume College gathering- hopefully July 2021. I’ll link to these parts as I progress on the project. Accountability, right? Part 1: The skirt Part 2: The petticoat Part 3: The structure for the bodice Part 4: The lace Part…Continue reading Charles Worth Red Velvet Evening Gown project
Worth Evening Gown project- the skirt
Worth evening gown project: the skirt. The entire project is outlined here: Charles Worth Red Velvet Evening Gown Starting with the pattern- I am using the Truly Victorian 1895 ripple skirt pattern TV296. https://trulyvictorian.info/index.php/product/tv296-1895-ripple-skirt/ Their patterns are simply marvelous- and on strong, reusable paper. Materials: Deep red microvelvet, with a taffeta lining. Hemline interfacing with…Continue reading Worth Evening Gown project- the skirt
Labyrinth Dance Scene Costumes up close.
I had the great pleasure to visit the Jim Henson exhibit a museum in Omaha, NE yesterday with a great friend. The ballroom dance costumes worn by Jareth and Sarah were in a circular display. I took dozens of pictures to study and share. This is a batch upload- click on the image for the…Continue reading Labyrinth Dance Scene Costumes up close.