Have you noticed that this project has taken a couple of hard left turns, in the journey from inspiration to completion? I am deep on the pantser side of the creative spectrum, so this always happens to me. I welcome … Continue reading
Tag Archives: historical
All right, almost done! Lining inserted and hem pinned up. Alas, all this hand sewing is actually the slowest part. Here is the front: … Continue reading
Progressing now by leaps and bounds. Here we have the lapels and cuffs basted on: … Continue reading
The great thing about dressing gowns and bath robes is that they sew up fast. In theory I could still insert piping, but sewing together the main body seams gets me this! And I don’t think I need it! … Continue reading
Okay. Deep breath. Time to lay out and cut. One of the key concepts in garment making is the grain of the fabric. If you are making the fabric, as when you knit or crochet or weave your toga or … Continue reading
Before I actually cut into my gold brocade, it’s important to consider all the details. Once you take a scissors to the cloth there is no going back. And the important thought today is decorating the garment. With buttons. A … Continue reading
There are a couple areas of creativity where I have achieved a pleasing level of competence. I can sew or knit or write something entirely new, and it mostly turns out the way I envision it. Other areas I have … Continue reading
Let me describe what I’m going to make. It will be a floor length garment in gold brocade, fitted fairly closely through the shoulders but falling loose to the floor. Front fastenings TBD, long sleeves and a box pleat at … Continue reading
Dressing gowns were pretty spiff wear in the 19th century. They evolved from the Indian banyan, a casual long garment. Our modern bathrobes, worn to brush your teeth or donned after the shower, do not fill quite the same ecological … Continue reading
Oh dear, look at her — she’s getting -creative- again. I can’t help it. I just do these things sometimes. This particular vortex was set off by the Diana Wynne Jones conference, in Bristol August 9-10 this year. Since in … Continue reading