In this interview we explore the work of Lynn McMasters who is a historic milliner who has been making patterns for hats since 2000. Lynn has over 65 patterns and many “how-to” posts on her website - www.OutOfaPortrait.com . In the US and Europe you can find her patterns at several other websites and from in-person resellers that sell historical patterns and supplies. Her other passions besides hats are fans, purses and feathers.
Read moreMaking an 18th Century Bergere and Cap
It’s always exciting to get to the stage in the costume making where I get to make a coordinating hat. And this project was no exception. I decided on a Bergere, which is French for Shepherdess, because, well, Bo Peep! I jest. But really, I do love the whole 18th century shepherdess look. I really chose this style because it was very popular in the 18th Century and it is very pretty as well as easy to wear. The style is also the base hat for two hats in the American Duchess guide to 18th Century Dressmaking which is where I got my inspiration for my 18th Century Italian Gown.
Read moreRegency Birthday Picnic - a Socially Distanced Celebration
This was a day I will never forget. So civilized and doing everything I love - Spending time with friends & Family, English Tea & Dressing up in Costume. I still can’t believe how wonderfully lucky I am to have friends and family willing to do this for me.
Read moreCreating a Mini (Early) 1930's Capsule Wardrobe - Part 1
It all started last fall when a student asked me if I was interested in 40 boxes of donated fabric. It may sound like heaven but, think about all the space that takes up. What am I going on about? It was heaven. I sorted through everything, prepared it for sale (I love finding homes for unused fabric) and then picked a few things just for myself. Inside this treasure trove was a collection of lovely coordinating silks, wools and rayons that had just the 1930’s look, I’m gaga for.
Read moreSewing a Regency Gown and Bonnet
I hope this blog post entertains you and helps you think of pretty, if not somewhat silly things. We all need a little bit more of that right now.
My last post was about constructing a Poke Bonnet for a Regency Costume I had purchased. This is the sister post to that one, as the dress and bonnet, pictured here, were made so that my mother could have a costume for the Sanditon Screening at the Castro Theater.
Read moreMaking a Regency Poke Bonnet
In December I found out about a KQED movie premier of the BBC production of Sanditon, the previously unfinished book by Jane Austen. The event was posted on the Greater Bay Area Costumer’s Guild Facebook Discussion group and when I heard about it, I was thrilled. This meant I could wear the gorgeous Rust colored and pink trimmed dress that I bought from Jean Martin at the GBACG Bazaar. Apparently, this dress was used on the set of a BBC production at one point and even has a BBC label inside. I had finished mending it and adjusting the fit in November and needed the right occasion to wear it. The movie premier at the Castro Theater in San Francisco was the perfect venue to do just that. And as it turns out, a good portion of the movie has the characters walking outside, which is appropriate as this dress is a more of a walking dress. So I would fit right in.
Read moreCreating an 1830's Bonnet - Hat making is hard (but fun)- Who knew?
With my 1830’s gown complete, it was time to move on to the Bonnet. Well, that’s not entirely true. I started work on the bonnet while I was still working on the dress. A bonnet promised to be such a fun project I couldn’t wait to get started.
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