Fabric & Fiction

Daisies and Bluebells: A New 18th Century Jacket

Since I started building 18th century wigs using period techniques at work, I’ve been doing more and more 18th century events. And you know what that means: I need more 18th century clothes! In preparation for 18th Century Market Fair at Locust Grove this year, I set other projects aside to give myself time to… Continue reading →

November 19, 2018November 18, 2018

stopphannah

How to Make Rouleaux Trim

Due to an overwhelming amount of demand on my social media as I’ve been posting process photos of my new green Spencer, I went ahead and put together a little tutorial on the style of trim I’m using. Rouleaux are, quite simply, thin, bias-cut strips of fabric sewn into tubes. You probably have quite a… Continue reading →

October 8, 2018October 7, 2018

stopphannah

Looking Sharp in the 1820s

There’s nothing like a time crunch to make me productive. This time around, it was the crunch leading up to author Sarah Vowell’s visit to Locust Grove, where the interpreters were appearing in the 1820s to celebrate General Lafayette’s tour of the United States. I was already well supplied with an elegant 1820s gown, but… Continue reading →

September 24, 2018September 23, 2018

stopphannah

Tambour Lace Lesson 3

To find more tambour lessons: click here. For today’s lesson, I am going to focus on one technique that will allow you to do a couple of very useful things. It’s a very helpful little trick to keep your work looking neat and tidy. It’s not complicated, and once you’ve learned it, you’ll find that… Continue reading →

August 13, 2018August 13, 2018

stopphannah

Going Postal Photos

Since we were already going to be in Ben’s studio, and I already had my corset on, we took the opportunity to get photos of our costumes from last year’s North American Discworld Convention as well as the Ravenclaw gown. Last September, we had the fun of going to a con entirely in celebration of… Continue reading →

July 24, 2018July 23, 2018

stopphannah

Ravenclaw 1870s Gown Photos

It’s almost unbelievable to realize that this project is finished. Yes, I’ve taken breaks to work on other things but still. I posted my first blog in connection to this ensemble when I finished the chemise and drawers at the beginning of May last year. I posted the original research and design post in late… Continue reading →

July 22, 2018July 21, 2018

stopphannah

Leveling Up Your Regency Look Part 2: The Devil’s in the Details

If you’ve read Leveling Up Your Regency Look: Part 1, then you’re all ready to start building your Regency ensemble. You’ve figured out which part of the Regency you want to represent, and you’ve thought about how time of day, social situation, activities, and character might affect the way you dress. In this part, I… Continue reading →

June 25, 2018June 26, 2018

stopphannah

Tambour Lace: Lesson 2

Welcome to Tambour Lace, Lesson 2! If you are just getting started, here is the link to Part 1, where you can learn the basic stitch, and how to finish the ends. Tambour Lace: Lesson 1 Now that you know how to get started, and do the basic stitch, you may as well start embroidering… Continue reading →

June 11, 2018June 10, 2018

stopphannah

Leveling Up Your Regency Look Part I: Planning your Outfit

The Jane Austen Festival in Louisville is fast approaching! Are you looking to amp up your Regency costuming experience? Maybe you love the festival, but have never dressed up. Maybe you made a dress last year, and are now intrigued by the whole idea and want to know how to make it more authentic. Maybe… Continue reading →

June 4, 2018June 24, 2018

stopphannah