All posts filed under: Sewing

Things I sew – historical and modern

Elizabethan Progress

The Elizabethan ensemble is moving ahead nicely, though everything is taking longer than I think it will (ergh. New periods. So much research to do. So many mistakes to make, and then unmake, or decide you just can’t fix) I have made the most important step though. I have an inspiration image! Isn’t it glorious and fabulous? And doesn’t it look very like all the stuff I’ve already made? I love the sleeves. I think they are the best Elizabethan sleeves I’ve ever seen. And the diagonal bodice decoration is just delicious. So, with a real inspiration point, I have decorated the bodice with yet more has-to-be-hand-sewn-on lace: And installed grommets in my lining. I’m rather gutted about the grommets. I’d already sewn eyelets to the lining months ago, and when I pulled it out of the UFO pile I assumed I’d made a stupid non-period mistake, and took them out and did the grommets. Then I went back to Arnold, and realised that all of the 16th century gowns Arnold has patterned fasten with …

The ultimate textile historian skirt

Published by The Dreamstress

I think it’s no secret that I love op-shopping. I love op-shopping as much as I hate regular shopping (ugh. crowds. people. poorly made stuff that doesn’t fit right). The major exception to hating regular shopping is fabric, because I love fabric stores. But I also love fabric shopping at op shops, because I find some amazing things. Like this fabric: Can you see what it is? It’s the Bayeux tapestry! (or at least selected parts of it) I teach the Bayeux tapestry as an example of politics in textiles, and the use of textiles in propaganda, so when I found this fabric I lost.my.shit.* * translation: I let out a tiny squeak and sat down with a thump. The fabric is a screenprint by an Australian textile designer. It’s on a viscose/rayon and probably dates to the ’70s or ’80s. There wasn’t a lot of it, and it’s a very busy print, and not in the best colours for me, so I wanted to make something that really took advantage of the print with …

Never tell Stella a secret…*

Published by The Dreamstress

Priscilla has a secret, and she told it to Stella: Oh my! How deliciously juicy! Did Stella keep it a secret? Oh no! The very first opportunity she had, she turned around and told it to me: Naughty Stella! I’m never telling you a secret! * This is all, of course, terrible slander on the part of poor Stella’s character, as she’s actually the soul of discretion and I’d trust her with any secret. But I do think the photos are hilarious!