sewing
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Williamsburg Projects: October Progress
I’ve been at a standstill in terms of sewing progress for the past few months due to returning to school and being focused on a very work intensive condensed class. Now that said condensed class has concluded (huzzah!), I’m putting some efforts into having wearable items for a trip to Williamsburg this winter. I impulsively Continue reading
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Favorite Suppliers Part 3/3: Favorite Things!
Here in my final post in the favorite suppliers series, I’m going to share my favorite supplies, accessories, etc related to costuming and sewing – in no particular order! Continue reading
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Favorite Suppliers part 2: Historical Costuming Supply and Accessories
This is part 2 of 3 in my favorite suppliers series. Part 1 was focused on fabric and notions suppliers, and part 2 will focus on historic costuming-specific suppliers. PATTERNS: I am only including brands that I have personal experience with, and that are inclusive with their sizing range. Scroop Patterns // I ADORE the Continue reading
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Favorite Suppliers part 1: Fabrics and Notions
In light of Joann Fabrics closing (sigh)… I’m sharing a list of my favorite non-Joann fabric/notion/supply shops. I think this might be part one of three posts. I’ll focus on general fabrics/notions resources here, historic/costume specific resources in another post, and maybe favorite specific ITEMS in a third. I’m not sponsored by anybody, these are Continue reading
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1830’s green silk dress & accessories for a Christmas ball
I really fell in love with the green 1830 extant silk gown pictured in the link below recently (housed at the Fashion Institute of Technology museum in NYC), and decided I want to make a gown inspired by it – not directly copied, but similar. https://www.fitnyc.edu/museum/exhibitions/statement-sleeves/index.php Patterns used: Truly Victorian 455, Past Patterns “Full High Continue reading
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1910’s Suffragette Blouse and Skirt
Patterns used: Scroop Patterns Kilbirnie Skirt, Folkwear Armistice Blouse Blouse Materials: Dobby cotton fabric, cotton thread, antique mother of pearl buttons Skirt materials: Silk (drapery weight shantung/taffeta), silk thread, fabric covered button blanks, ribbon, metal snaps Changes made to blouse pattern: I omitted the back gathers and waist band ties. I also omitted snaps/buttons from Continue reading
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Linen Amalia Jacket, plus accessories
Patterns used: Scroop and Virgil’s Fine Goods Amalia Jacket (view A), 1780’s black silk bonnet (pattern from The American Duchess guide to 18th century beauty). Materials used for jacket: 100% linen fabric, cotton muslin, cotton thread Materials used for petticoat: 100% linen fabric, cotton thread, cotton twill tape Materials used for silk market bonnet: Silk Continue reading
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Walking Cage Crinoline
In preparation for an upcoming trip to Gettysburg this fall, I needed to make one critical undergarment – a cage crinoline. So fun! I’ve always wanted one! But also – WHAT A PAIN IN THE BUTT TO MAKE!! Pattern used: Truly Victorian TV142 1856 Walking Cage Crinoline Materials used: Hoop boning + casing (purchased from Continue reading
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Gilded Age Natural Form Ensemble: Summer Poppy Reds
A friend organized a Gilded Age train ride recently, and I ended up completely changing my costume plans just one week before the event! I was initially going to use a different pattern that I just ultimately didn’t like – neither the mockup or the construction – so I scrapped that plan and decided to Continue reading
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Scroop Aidah Gown – Italian 1780’s gown in burnt orange silk
Pattern: Scroop Pattern’s Aidah pattern. Materials: Silk drapery fabric from Fabric Guru, cotton muslin (lining), cotton thread, german plastic boning, 1″ cotton twill tape (for petticoat ties). Breakdown of how I altered the pattern: I graded the bodice up to a size 54 from the largest size in the pattern, size 52. I used the Continue reading
About Me
Hello, I’m Spencer (she/her), a thirty-something creative living in the historic suburbs of Philadelphia. In 2022, I began sewing historical costumes again after a 16-year break. Follow along to see bits of my projects, some pattern reviews, and how I adapt styles to fit my plus-sized body!
Thimble Raven 