I admit it. I go to the antiques faire just to fondle the vintage clothing and linens. I gawk and gape at how much thought, detail, and effort went into each of them. I just can’t help but appreciate them. We’re in a time of consumerism and fast fashion. I get it—it’s easy and convenient…… Continue reading I’m a sucker for something well made or well designed.
John Redfern, was born on November 11, 1820. His father, also named John Redfern, owned a specialty clothing shop in Cowes, Isle-of-Wight, England. Young John spent his early life learning tailoring and draping techniques. John Redfern set up his tailoring business in Cowes High Street following his marriage to Harriet Beazley, and between 1847 and…… Continue reading John Redfern & Sons
One of the earliest examples of corseting (reducing the dimensions of the torso or waist) can be found on pottery figures created during the late Minoan Period (1500BC) and found in Knossos, Crete. The bodies of these snake goddesses are closely confined within their belt-like bodices, commonly thought to be made of leather or wooden…… Continue reading A brief history of the corset through 1950
I finally got around to taking some quick pictures of the outfit I made for this year’s Edwardian Ball. Sadly, I had double-lung pneumonia at the time, and although I did attend, I was not able to fully lace myself into a corset. I opted to use the buttons and lace it up the front instead,…… Continue reading Turning of the Century
I’ve been doing some research in conjunction with the outfit I am making for this year’s Edwardian ball (suffragette colors) and wow is it intense. After delving into the politics, color schemes, protest techniques, and fashion of the day, I decided I needed a bit of a break. So I headed to the antiques faire…… Continue reading Fun little finds at the antiques faire
While I finished the majority of my Victorian outfit this past December, I decided to put a little more work into it and wear it at this year’s Edwardian Ball as well. I won’t go into too much detail , but below are some in-progress and as-worn shots I was able to grab of the…… Continue reading Replicating the Late 1800’s in modern materials, part 3
So, it might not look like it, but I am self-taught when to comes to sewing and making corsets. My interest in fashion has always been pretty intense. I recall as a child wanting a particular item that wasn’t either in style or in-season and sadly having to wait years for the rest of the…… Continue reading My Reference Library
A while ago, I discovered this beautiful bodice remnant on etsy. I got it for a steal. When Edwardian Ball came around again, I decided it was high time I made something new from this beautiful piece. Here is the bodice as it was received: I reinforced the garment and trimmed it down to better…… Continue reading Victorian Refashion
refashioning history 