All posts filed under: Sewing

Things I sew – historical and modern

My 1930s patterns – the non-Excella patterns

My apologies dear readers.  I know the blog has been very quiet.  I’ve been very overwhelmed.  Busy seamstress = absent blogess.  But it also = exciting sewing things done (whenever I have time to blog about them!). I’ve got so much to show you on the 1780s chintz pet en l’aire, and a glorious 1900s project, and a 17th century inspired project.  So lots to look forward to! For now, here are the last of my 1930s patterns.  I’ve showed you the Excella patterns, parts I & II.  Today’s patterns are by a variety of makers, and I’ve arranged them in rough chronological order. First, the classic, mid 1930s evening dress: For a more casual look, how about these natty nautical options.  I used the top to for S’s nautical playsuit: For a more mature look, these day frocks are pretty spectacular.  I love the asymmetrical collars. And another, more glorious, variant on the classic ’30s evening dress.  The back options are totally swoon-worthy. And last, options for a number of little tops.  Even if …

Baroque & Rococo Out-takes

Last week I was privileged enough to do a photoshoot with Mandi of A La Mode Photography  for Radio New Zealand.  The photoshoot will be featured on the Radio NZ website to coincide with a programme developed by Clarissa Dunn, who collaborated with me on the Grandeur to Frivolity talk. The day was just fantastic – three gorgeous models, and Clarissa as an (also gorgeous) advisor and model all in my 17th and 18th century outfits, hair and makeup fully done. Mandi took a whole series of formal studio portraits while I madly ironed and laced and did hair while all the models who weren’t in front of the camera helped.  She’s posted a sneak-peek of the shoot on her website, and now I’m even more excited about seeing the rest, if that is possible! After the formal studio shots it was time for fun.  We ventured out into the streets of Petone, and I captured a series of very un-serious and un-historical, but totally fabulous, images of the models blending modern life and historical …