Category Archives: Year in Review

Oh it’s already February! I feel like the winter holidays happened recently but it’s already past the time I should be tallying up my 2019 costuming year in review! Each year I’m pleasantly surprised at the amount I’ve been able to make; I attribute a lot of this to the fact that if I can machine-sew or serge I will to save time!

First up, I made an Edwardian dress to wear to a Monet exhibit.

I wore a cotton 1830s dress to a summer picnic. (The bonnet and pelerine were reused from my winter 1830s silk dress).

For a wedding at a science museum I made a space dress with battery-operated twinkling lights!

I made his and hers Roman-inspired costumes for a wine-tasting party.

For a late summer tea party I made some 1930s linen beach pajamas from a Decades of Style pattern.

I made an 1890s sweater, a wool skirt, and a Professor McGonagall-inspired deerstalker witch hat.

I have a tutorial for the 1890s sweater (no knitting needed!)

Plus a pattern for the witch hat!

In the fall I went to an 18th century-themed weekend getaway, where I put together a shepherdess costume (with stays by Redthreaded) and added trimming to finish a previously worn silk dress.

Photo by Gloria and Mike of In the Long Run Designs

Photo by Gloria and Mike of In the Long Run Designs

For Rebel Legion I made a generic Jedi costume that consisted of an inner tunic, outer tunic, tabards, obi, pants, and hooded robe.

Photo by Ribidib

My last project of 2019 (not worn until early 2020 was the 1930s crane coat dress made from a Decades of Style pattern.

Once again that was more than I expected! I hope you had a productive 2019 and am looking forward to 2020!

Looking back, 2017 was a busy sewing year!

My biggest project was my Napoleonic court dress, train, and diadem, worn at Costume College. I spent much of the first part of the year working on it.

My 1660s Cavalier gown was also a big project. I made a bodice, skirt, chemise, bum roll, and jewelry. I’d like to revisit this to fix a few minor issues, or possibly retrim it with metallic lace.

I also made an 18th century plaid dress and wool petticoat for an Outlander-themed dinner party in May. Although the dress and fabrics are simple, I found it very flattering because of the fit (and the giant bum pad!)

I made some 1930s beach pajamas, which were really fun! I’d like to make another one in a nice print some day.

Although I technically finished my Tudor kirtle and smock last year, I didn’t get a chance to wear it until this year.

I also made a Crimson Peak-inspired ensemble for a spooky Victorian Halloween tea party. There are a few little more things I want to do with this costume before it’s really “done” and I take some better photos.

I made a 1940s blouse using a Wearing History pattern, and started some other vintage projects that I haven’t posted about yet.

I up cycled a 1990s dress into a steampunk 1890s blouse, and I’m in the process of making a matching skirt!

My final project of 2017 is a lace 1920s dress, plus a silk slip to go with it, that I made right before New Year’s. I haven’t blogged about it yet, and didn’t do any progress posts because it was a quick project! I have a post planned with a pattern and tutorial for both the slip and the dress, so stay tuned!

Wow, when I list everything out it was a busier year than I thought! I already have plenty of ideas and events planned for 2018. Happy New Year everyone!