Tag: Sewing

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 …

Early Costuming Endeavors – Simplicity 5041 and Simplicity 4269

Early Costuming Endeavors – Simplicity 5041 and Simplicity 4269

In 2005 I made my very first major costume: a green satin colonial dress. It was very much a costume, but I did a lace overlay on the front and managed to put in the zip. I used Simplicity 5041, view D, with lace added …

Renaissance Faire Garb – Old and New

Renaissance Faire Garb – Old and New

In 2006 I went to my very first Renaissance Faire, and I made an entire outfit for it. I used Simplicity 8715 for the blouse (view A) and skirts (view B). For the bodice I used Butterick 6196, because I didn’t want the ties on …

Retro-Inspired Shirtdress with Pockets – McCalls 6891

Retro-Inspired Shirtdress with Pockets – McCalls 6891

I made this shirtdress in 2015 using McCalls 6891, view A, and the fabric is a cotton/linen blend. The pattern went together beautifully, and it has POCKETS. Two of them. Nice big ones. It is supposed to have buttons and buttonholes down the front, but …

1912 Day Dress – Butterick 6093

1912 Day Dress – Butterick 6093

This is my latest dress; a 1912 day dress which I wore to the Lanterman Ragtime Tea Dance in Pasadena this weekend. I used Retro Butterick 6093, and did the bodice of view A with the skirt of view B. The main peach fabric is …