All posts tagged: teaching

The corset class in Melbourne

I’m sure you have all been waiting to hear about the corset class in Melbourne and how it went. Well, it was amazing, fantastic, wonderful. Not because of me, but because all the people who came and took it were amazing, fantastic, wonderful. Just the loveliest group of people you could ever hope to spend the day with. There were 10 fascinating women, each totally different and unique, but all kindred spirits in their love of creation and sewing. I had the best time meeting them, seeing what fabrics they picked for their corset (so many delicious options!), and getting to know them as we worked through the corsets. And Thread Den was such a fabulous space to work, and so helpful. I wish I lived down the block from it! If you are in Melbourne I definitely recommend paying it a visit (and doing a course there if you are really lucky) – and it’s just down the road from the Fabric Store Melbourne. So the day itself: I was a little …

Tutorial: How to unpick and wash a vintage kimono

Published by The Dreamstress

I love re-using vintage kimono silk for new garments. I’ve used it for the Vionnet dress, my Deco Echo top, the jacket and over-skirt of my Japonisme dress, the Carte Blanche gown, the lining of my 1770s Lady Anne Darcy dress, my (as yet unfinished) 1770s jacket, the sash of my chemise a la reine, and a few other garments. Yep. I really love re-using kimono silk! Here is how to unpick and prep a silk kimono for re-use. This time I’m working with a silk crepe under-kimono. You can tell it is meant to be worn as an under-layer because of the white collar cover. It is unlined, and calf length, but the process for pulling it apart is the same as for any kimono. First, some basic things about kimono. Kimono fabric is a special fabric woven to a narrow width, between 13.5″ & 16″. Kimono are constructed entirely of rectangular shapes, mainly in full widths of the fabric. In places where the kimono uses narrower widths, the extra fabric is just folded …

Waialua to Wellington tap pants

Published by The Dreamstress

I love tap pants. You might think that is because I live in Wellington – one of the windiest cities in the world, where the Southerly gales lift your skirts over your head if you are lucky. If you aren’t lucky they are lifting your feet over your head! Or you might think it is because I am into vintage clothing, and dress like an early 20th century fashion plate half the time. My love of tap pants goes back much further than this, to my childhood. I’m kama’aina – Hawaiian born and raised. And in Hawaii, people love shorts. People love shorts so much that little girls wear shorts under their skirts, and bigger girls do too. You know those emails that go around that go “You know you are from _____ if…?”. The one for Hawaii says “You know you are from Hawaii if you always wear shorts under your skirts.” Yep. Tap pants are a part of my culture! These are my favourite tap pants – they work perfectly under any skirt, …