Author: Catherine

Yellow Ragtime Era Dress – Simplicity 8399

Yellow Ragtime Era Dress – Simplicity 8399

This Ragtime era dress was my re-entry into historical sewing in 2012, after not doing any at all while I was at university. It has proved to be a very versatile dress and I seem to alter it slightly every time I wear it! The 

White Cotton Regency Dress – Simplicity 4055

White Cotton Regency Dress – Simplicity 4055

This is my very first attempt at a Regency dress.  For my inspiration I looked at earlier Regency dresses from 1800-1810, influenced by the classical statuary of ancient Greece. I used Simplicity 4055, view A, without the overskirt and with extra fabric in the back 

Retro-Inspired Blue Daisy Dress – McCall’s 6503

Retro-Inspired Blue Daisy Dress – McCall’s 6503

I love this dress. It is comfy, stylish, and looks complicated but was actually very easy! The pattern is McCall’s 6503, view D, with no sleeves. The fabric was a lucky quilting cotton find on the clearance table at Joann’s. I did my usual grading 

Margaery Tyrell Cosplay – McCalls 6745 and Butterick 3134

Margaery Tyrell Cosplay – McCalls 6745 and Butterick 3134

For Halloween 2016 my department at work decided to do Game of Thrones, and I chose Margaery Tyrell. I love her dresses and was dying for an excuse to make one. My version is a combination of several of her blue/turquoise dresses: the v-neckline, halter, 

Valkyrie Underdress – Butterick 4827

Valkyrie Underdress – Butterick 4827

My concept for the Valkyrie outfit is that of an ethereal, not quite there creature. The under-dress is very simple, and I plan to dye it blue from the top down, so the ‘image’, as it were, will be in focus at the top and 

Chainmail Vest and Byzantine Chain

Chainmail Vest and Byzantine Chain

Chainmail is one thing I never thought I would do. Enter Valkyrie, stage left. Chainmail Vest I decided that since Valkyries are often lightly armored, and I did not want to do plate or leather, chainmail was the way to go. So I turned to 

Viking Hood, Coat and Gloves

Viking Hood, Coat and Gloves

I made my Viking hood in 2014, when a friend gave me a yard of a lovely dark brown wool. It is based on the Skjoldehamn find, made in the brown wool, lined in flannel. I started with the lining, and I’m glad I did, 

1860s Ball Gown – Simplicity 1728 with Self-Drafted Bertha

1860s Ball Gown – Simplicity 1728 with Self-Drafted Bertha

This is my first foray into the world of hoop skirts: an 1860s ball gown for Viennese Nights in San Diego, 2016. I learned that you have to walk differently (slow and smooth), sit differently (between the hoops) and that if your hoop skirt is 

What Does a Viking Wear? My first efforts at a Viking outfit

What Does a Viking Wear? My first efforts at a Viking outfit

In 2014 I joined a Viking reenactment group, and therefore needed a whole new wardrobe.  I started with a basic underdress and apron dress. Both are of linen, because wool is usually too hot for Southern California, and I also did a Jorvik cap of 

Steampunk Elsa and (Mad) Lady Hatter – Simplicity 2172

Steampunk Elsa and (Mad) Lady Hatter – Simplicity 2172

Steampunk Elsa This is one of those rare projects which came out just how I imagined it. Usually I have to tweak the idea along the way, taking into account fabric availability and time constraints. Not this time – it all worked! I wore this