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! 😉
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:
After a little research, looks like the Dating Fabric book is back in stock! Click HERE.
Favorite Blogs to Follow for Advice and Inspiration:
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! 🙂
“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. 🙂
I can’t believe we are already at Thanksgiving! While I feel that the summer went by at a normal pace, this fall has simply flew!!
I have been very busy sewing these past days, not only getting ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday on my shop (click HERE to see all the deals), but also with some fun projects just for the heck of it! One such project, was this 1810’s day gown in such a fun shade of coral-ly pink.
FALL IS HERE!!!! I am so excited and can’t wait to embark on all my favorite autumnal activities! From apple picking to watching football, I plan to enjoy each and every deliciously cool day!
And with the start of a new season and a new month, it is time for another favorites post…and boy, do I love what I have to share today!
So lets not wait another minute and get right into it!
Stunning, vibrant, and delicately trimmed, everything about this gown is stunning! I especially love the ribbon and medallion on the skirt.
A week ago, I was contacted by the Wardrobe Shop. They are a lovely online shop and blog that specializes in vintage clothing from the early 20th century! Definitely worth a look. One of my favorite pieces is the pearl handbag!! Very elegant!!
Click links below to check them out!
Vintage Inspired Pearl Handbag
I am obsessed with cardigans this season! One of my favorites is this wrapped version from Loft. Not only do I love the color, but I love how it closes in such an elegant way!
So I know I have mentioned this movie before, but it has become one of my favorites! A sweet coming of age story that is only made better by a young and feisty Debbie Reynolds!
I love all things green right now and this nail polish fits the bill! Not only is it a fabulous color for your nails, but I love the name!!! Click link below image to purchase.
Essie Nail Polish in Color Sew Psyched
What you will need:
* To create a larger size, simply create a larger square – 40″ x 40″, 42″ x 42″, etc
This pattern can be created by simply measuring and cutting the actual fabric, however the pictures below are shown on a large piece of craft paper.
I think I have drained my current pool of patterns. I mean, I love many of them and will always use them…but, I’m am definitely feeling a little bored. Especially with my due date coming closer and closer, I am trying to stay occupied with sewing…it’s sort of working! 🙂
So yesterday, with the warm sun on my face, I spent a little time looking up some new and different patterns to try.
Here are a few of my favorites!!!
Links to the patterns are below each image!
I love the unique and various caps in this particular pattern. Especially the Round Eared Cap with double ruffle!!
1740-1820 Women and Girls Caps from Amazon Dry Goods
I am sure anyone wearing this amazingly beautiful, pleated mantle would feel elegant and very summery! The only thing I’m not sure of is what fabric I would use…..
1863 Summer Mantle from Amazon Dry Goods
With a yardage requirement of 16 yards, this gown would definitely be a commitment, but I love all the ruffles and draping! I would also want to use a polka dot fabric just like the sample photo below!
1873 Dress Pattern from Patterns of Time
One should have just as pretty undergarments as outwear, and this pattern has a wonderful range of options!!!
1912 Women’s Linen Collection from Patterns of Time
The front draping on this 1930’s dress is amazing! I’m pretty sure I will have to redo it several times until it hangs just right, but its all in a day’s work! 🙂
1930’s Dress pattern from Pattern Treasury
I decided to bring back an old post favorite which I haven’t done in a while: On My Inspiration Board! For this post, I choose either a color, pattern, shape, or type of gown and collect my favorites to share from the years 1800-1950. For today’s version, I decided to choose gowns made out a of patterned fabric. Whether geometric, floral, or striped, these gowns are wonderful examples of fabric design and gown creation!
In my daily wardrobe, I don’t really wear a whole lot of patterns. Yet when it comes to my sewing, I adore using patterns. Any type of pattern using any type of colors. I simply love it. And based on all my research, I am not alone! From morning gowns, to tea gowns, to evening gowns, patterns have been a favorite for decades.
This particular painting shows how embroidery create a lovely pattern on this elegant 1810’s court dress. Perhaps not a gown to be worn by the average woman, bust still stunning!
Duchess Talleyrand-Périgord, Princess Dorothea by Joseph Chabord
This gown from the late 1800’s is a wonderful example of the striking impact a good pattern can create! Not only does the cut of the gown highlight the pattern, but the black and white stripe is absolutely eye catching!
While there are so many options out there, I did my best to select a variety of gowns from a variety of time periods. So, without further ado, here is this month’s Inspiration Board!
