When I posted about my half-slip, I linked to some information about the Haslam System of Dresscutting but didn't really get into it. Let me rectify that now! The Haslam System is a method of creating patterns for anyone, at any size within a particular range. Where a paper pattern comes at full size in … Continue reading Fabulous Full-Slip (and the Haslam System)
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Heavenly Half-Slip
Lately I've been having a really hard time sewing anything, in part because I'm fairly busy (reading and researching, writing podcast episodes, writing answers for AskHistorians, just moderating AskHistorians) and in part because the project I was working on, a green cotton shirtwaist dress, was just not happening. It frustrated and discouraged me, and stood in … Continue reading Heavenly Half-Slip
AMBA: The Recent History of Mourning
This episode took me forever to write. I was originally going to start with a blog post I wrote a few years ago, relying on primary sources on mourning from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Then, as I started to go through it, I started to reinterpret a number of the primary sources, … Continue reading AMBA: The Recent History of Mourning
The Evolution of the French Hood
The French hood of the sixteenth century is an interesting garment. Costume designers have been making theatrical version for years that miss the mark, turning them into structured headbands that arc up over the back of the head. So what exactly is a French hood? Not quite a French hood, almost a kokoshnik, from The … Continue reading The Evolution of the French Hood
AMBA: What is Fashion History?
The latest episode of the A Most Beguiling Accomplishment podcast is out! As promised, it discusses the methodologies of fashion history and #PocketGate. Corset, 1860-1870; Philadelphia Museum of Art 1947-53-17 What does a corset have to do with the history of pockets? You'll have to listen to find out! Remember, patrons of my Patreon get to suggest … Continue reading AMBA: What is Fashion History?
Mimic of Modes 