Video Series – Planning Your Next Historical Sewing Project

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New Year. New plans and new goals.

So to celebrate, here is a video highlighting and explaining how I go about planning and preparing for a new project. AND I am sharing with all of you the handout I use while planning and researching for a gown.

Historical Project Planning WorksheetDownload

As always, thank you all of your continued support and encouragement! If you are new here…welcome! Please take some time to check out my About page and explore the many topics on this blog. From recipes to patterns to videos and reviews, there is lots to read about and try!

While I will continue to pop on here every so often, make sure you are following me on Instagram (@aimeevictorianarmoire) and Facebook (@aimeevictorian) for daily posts, videos and more.

Altering and Drafting Historical Patterns Instructional Video

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The next installment in my historical sewing video series is here!…and long over due!

Today it is all about pattern drafting.  Join me as I show you how to take a simple grid pattern or pre-made paper pattern and alter it to fit your desired shape and look.

 

Close up of pattern grid used:

Images of my 1870’s Plaid and Brown Day gown which the bodice pattern was used….and altered! 😉

 

Sources used:

Janet Arnold’s Pattern of Fashion 2

 

Until next time my friends!

 

So You Want to Try Vintage Sewing?

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Alright, today’s talk is all about vintage sewing!  When I was planning out my talking points, I only had a few highlights to go over.  But jeepers, put that camera on record and the words just flowed! So join me as I go over what is vintage sewing, how to find patterns (both modern and vintage), along with special tools and fabric needed!

Helpful Links:

Missed last week’s chat on Historical Sewing?  Check it out HERE!

Want to see how to take a modern sewing pattern and adapt it for a more vintage look?  Check out my video tutorial HERE!

Recommended Vintage Inspired/Reproduction Pattern Companies:

Wearing History

Mrs. Depew

Decades of Style

Vintage Dancer

 

There are, of course, numerous other businesses out there that create vintage/vintage-inspired patterns!  If you have a favorite, please share it below in the comments! 🙂  

Host an Outdoor Seafood Party

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Warm days and lazy weekends call for hosting outdoor parties!  Today’s post gives an outline and menu for an outdoor seafood party….complete with dessert!  Drawing inspiration from a 1956 New England Cookbook (see source at end of post) this party will sure to be a hit whether you live on the east coast or the midwest!

Lets start with the menu – all recipes/ideas follow menu outline:

Seafood bake or Boil

Parker House Rolls         Mustard Pickles

Marble Cake

Watermelon Refresher

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So You Want to Try Historical Sewing?

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Last week, we talked all about my process of creating and designing historical gowns.  But that led many to ask:

“How do I get into historical sewing?”

“What if I’m new to sewing?  Can I still start?”

And the answer is ABSOLUTELY YES!  Join me as I chat about what exactly historical sewing is, some easy beginning patterns and pattern brands to try out, along with tools you will need!  ***Hint – you probably already have everything you need! 😉

 

Helpful Links to Get You Started:

Videos on various types of patterns available:

Intro to Patterns from Books

Intro to PDF Patterns

Intro to Paper Patterns 

 

After a little research, looks like the Dating Fabric book is back in stock!  Click HERE.

 

Favorite Blogs to Follow for Advice and Inspiration:

American Duchess

The Dreamstress

Before the Automobile

Wearing History

Historical Sewing

 

There are of course many, many other wonderful blogs and costumers out there, but these are my number one go-tos!

Join me next time for a chat all about vintage sewing! 🙂

 

 

Old Fashioned French Dressing Recipe

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I truly admire individuals who live their truth 100% of the time….whatever that truth is!  When it comes to living a lifestyle akin to the 1800’s, I can think of no better example than Tasha Tudor.  Although she passed away in 2008, her way of living, gardening, and yes, even historical sewing, still captures the imaginations and hearts of kindred spirits today.  While this post is not meant to be an overview of her life, you can be sure that I will be sharing more about her in the future.  To learn more about this little spark plug of a woman, I highly recommend checking out the family website or the fabulous book The Private World of Tasha Tudor. 

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A Little Chat on the Historical Designing Process

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“Aimee, how did you make that?”

“Did you just follow instructions?”

“Wish I could figure out how to design a gown like that!”

Well, I’ve been listening and have decided to share the process I go through when I design a historical gown.  From original inspiration to my next steps, you will learn about what books and patterns I go to first for help along the way!

Let’s get going!

Have another topic you would like me to chat about?  Dying to know some of my construction or designing secrets?

Leave a comment below! 🙂

PS: The book I was referring to is Fashion: The Collection from the Kyoto Fashion Institute. 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aprons to Wear in the Garden!

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As you may have noticed, my blog has undergone a few cosmetic changes.  Nothing to worry about….just trying to streamline and revamp the overall look with the aim of expanding topics and tutorials!  I am slowly starting to get back into the blogging swing of things and have planned a few fun posts and videos to come out over the summer – as long as nap times stay consistent (you know #MOMLIFE!)  More details and such will make their way over the next few weeks, but in the meantime, I hope you enjoy today’s post.

It is half way through June and I finally feel that summer is officially here!  My gardens are overall doing well…although I have certainly fretted and fussed over my kitchen garden sprouts.  While I may not be able to spend hour upon hour in the garden, I can definitely squeeze in a solid twenty minutes after my daughter goes to bed.  And nothing feels more therapeutic then slipping into garden shoes and my garden apron.  Although based on my neighbors reactions and gentle ribbing, it feels as though I am the only person in the world who wears an apron to garden.  I suppose I may be the minority, but it sure beats having to change into “work” clothes which can mean a loss of precious gardening minutes.  So I proudly don my apron, step into my small yet efficiently designed garden, and weed away!

Are you looking for a garden apron?  I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites!

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