This is how I start the sewing plan for a new replica gown. With proportional measurements. I put this photo, of a favorite red dress from Age of Innocence, into my embroidery software- to use the measuring tools. I make the figure about my height to the shoulder. Then I place blocks of embroidery in…Continue reading Age of Innocence – Red Dinner Dress
1880’s Spring dress in celery green
Many Truly Victorian patterns used here! Bodice:TV460 – 1885 Cuirass Bodice, sleeves from TV410Overskirt: TV304 – 1875 Square OverskirtUnderskirt: TV261 – 1885 Four-Gore underskirt
Yosa’s My Fair Lady Ascot Dress
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