Last summer, I did an internship at Rough Point (which is managed by Newport Restoration Foundation), the mansion that belonged to the heiress Doris Duke. I worked with a collection from her wardrobe from her Hawaiian estate, which was full of amazing early-mid 20th century swimwear and designer clothing (including Tina Leser, YSL, and Dior.)… Continue reading Guest Post for Newport Restoration Foundation Internship
Author: Alyssa
I am currently a graduate student of historical fashion and textile conservation. For the past decade I have lectured on, designed, and built costumes for theatre. I am interested in experimental archaeology, how clothing has historically affected gender roles and the class/economic divide, and sustainability in fibersheds by comparing modern models to the past.
Completed: Luxurious Silk Sleep Mask
January always brings about sewing projects as gifts for Mr. WWNDW's birthday. I was hoping to tackle a new robe to replace his very old one, but the pattern I purchased for it got excessively delayed in shipping. Fortunately I had also ordered the silk velvet for this project and it arrived in a fairly… Continue reading Completed: Luxurious Silk Sleep Mask
2021 Sewing Plans
Well, I have figured out that I will get no sewing done during my school semesters, so I need to simplify my sewing plans a lot this year. That means I'm leaving off some of my WIPs from the list as well. Made by Rae Jade Tee Image from Made by Rae My basic wardrobe… Continue reading 2021 Sewing Plans
Completed: Play Set from Simplicity 3250 (1950)
I was amazed to open my sewing journal and see that I had started this set in 2017! I believe it was mostly completed in 2018, and then finished and gifted to my sister in 2019. So I guess it is only fitting that the blog post about it should be spaced a year apart… Continue reading Completed: Play Set from Simplicity 3250 (1950)
MMM ’20 Weeks 2-4 Roundup
Click here to see Days 1-3, Days 4-7 me-made outfit posts; Week 2, Week 3, and Week 4 sewing plans, and my Sunday Vlog Specials 1 and 2! Well, we've reached the end of MMM '20! I did continue to wear some me-mades beyond the first week, even though the first week was my only… Continue reading MMM ’20 Weeks 2-4 Roundup
Vintage Pattern Stash Additions
I have finally gotten around to scanning a small collection of vintage patterns given to me by someone with whom I used to work. It is a fun little collection, so I thought I'd share them here. Most of them are my size, so that's extra exciting! Est. 1918. Photo by author. Est. 1923. Photo… Continue reading Vintage Pattern Stash Additions
MMM ’20 Week 4 Sewing Plans
Click here to see Days 1-3, Days 4-7, Week 2 and Week 3 sewing plans, and my Sunday Vlog Specials 1 and 2! I had intended to make a sewing plan for the rest of the month, I wanted to be more flexible than that. So I'm developing my plans week by week. Yet again,… Continue reading MMM ’20 Week 4 Sewing Plans
Show Us Your Stash: MMM ’20 Sunday Sewing Vlog Special #2
Click here to see Days 1-3, Days 4-7, Week 2 Sewing Plans, Week 3 Sewing Plans, and my Sunday Vlog Special #1! In this Sunday's vlog special, I participate in #showusyourstash2020 by answering the following prompts: Where do you keep your stash?Favorite fabricOldest fabricScared to cut intoDon’t have a clue what to make with itFabric… Continue reading Show Us Your Stash: MMM ’20 Sunday Sewing Vlog Special #2
MMM ’20 Week 3 Sewing Plans
Click here to see Days 1-3, Days 4-7, and my sunday vlog special! I had intended to make a sewing plan for the rest of the month, but I am thinking I want to be more flexible than that. So I'm going to develop and post my plans week by week. Well May is just… Continue reading MMM ’20 Week 3 Sewing Plans
Companion Post: Guide to Sewing Slips
As I am sewing my bias-cut McCall's 6696 slip this week, I did some research in my vintage sewing manuals. Click here to view the post on my companion blog, The Sartorial Sleuth, which includes excerpts from the manuals (such as "how to put on a slip" - who knew you could get it wrong?!)… Continue reading Companion Post: Guide to Sewing Slips
