Now, it’s a pretty well known fact that yellow isn’t the most popular colour.  It’s few peoples favourite colour, and many people actually dislike it. And it’s an equally well known fact, at least among readers of this blog, that I love yellow. Pictured: love I’m particularly smitten with the rich, saturated shades of 17th century yellow, and the deep, acidic tones of 18th century yellow, but really, I adore yellow in all its forms. So obviously, I’m extremely excited about the HSF Challenge #17: Yellow, due Mon 1 Sept. I know some of you aren’t that excited about it, and some people have even had a bit of a complain about it, and that makes me quite sad. Because, as you know, I think the HSF should be a bit of a challenge: we should have to push ourselves, and try new things (even if they don’t always work out). And, of course, I love yellow. I’ve waxed so poetically and enthusiastically about it that I’ve even brought some of you former yellow haters …

Back in January I did a post considering the HSF ’14 and my sewing year, and looking at what I hoped to achieve. Well, I’ve just posted about my item for Challenge #12, the year is almost halfway done, so how have I done so far? #1: Make Do & Mend:  due Wed 15 Jan.  I made  a 1930s dress inspired by making-do, and  mended my 1770s silver stays and my 1905 Time Lady blouse.  Challenge accomplished!   #2: Innovation  – due Sat 1 Feb.  Finished  a pair of 1930s trousers, and also making a 1860s petticoat (post and photos soon!) #3: Pink  – due Sat 15 Feb.  The late 1920s blush pink ‘Bambi’ Dress – just as I’d planned!   #4: Under it All  — due Sat 1 March.  A 1900s corset.  The Truly Victorian pattern has been on my to-do list for ages.  And with any luck I’ll FINALLY have  my masquerade stays  done by then as well.  February was a little mad and crazy for me, so all I did was finish …

It’s that time of year!  Time to decide what the Historical Sew Fortnightly Challenge #22: Fortnightlier’s Choice should be. What do you want the 22nd theme of the year to be?  A fabric?  A colour?  A motif?  A construction method?  A particular source of inspiration?  A kind of embellishment?  The possibilities are endless! Leave a comment with your theme suggestions, comment on those suggestions that you think are really good ideas, and in a week’s time I’ll collate the most popular suggestions (based on comments on them)*, and we’ll vote on which one we most want to do. There are a few things that I keep in mind when I set themes (I don’t always get it right, but I try!) It should be a theme that works for any period, so everyone can participate (e.g ‘Handsewing’ would work, because there are handsewn garments and elements of handsewing in garments right up to the end of WWII, but ‘Sewing machines’ isn’t fair to those who costume pre-1860, and try to do it accurately) It shouldn’t …