It's taken me a week to unwind, unpack, and catch up at home, after the conference at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. I was super focused on writing my paper, plus I had a ten day trip to see family, so it's been nice to putter along this week. My paper on Early Modern needlework pattern books was very well received! I got great ( Read more... )

First UFO completion of 2014! My husband first wore his 14th c doublet in December 2011 when we went to the medieval Faire in Provins, France for our anniversary. I just sewed him into it though. This week I finished the last of the 37 eyelets, 4 buttonholes, and 4 cloth buttons. It's a richer red than in this photo. I worked from The Medieval ( Read more... )

Starting on those rusty hat pins... I have hope for these potential beauties. The longest are 30cm!


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I have a degree in fashion design. I am a quality seamstress. I seldom find clothes that I feel good in. Why do I not sew modern clothes for myself??! I recently made some design alterations to a couple of clothing items in my wardrobe that had always rated "meh." They are much improved! Walking around Paris and doing a little shopping has my mind ( Read more... )

I would feel more accomplished about what I HAVE done if I didn't have a 2010 costume bonanza planned (unlike last year's ONE costume). I patterned and toiled and fit the bodice for my striped polonaise, but I've been putting off cutting into the silk, because... well... I've been trying to lose a few pounds before I put all the effort into a new ( Read more... )

1. So in addition to getting my embroidered pocket going, I also started working on my 19th c. chemise. I discovered that the white embroidery on white needs better light than what I had, so I have to find a solution before continuing ( Read more... )

Do you ever have so many projects in mind that it paralyzes your ability to actually start any of them?? Maybe I should flip a coin ( Read more... )