Author Archives: avantgarbe
1880s hat
So, that Captain America bustle gown. For once, I decided to start with the accessories, because that’s what takes this from a perfectly nice bustle gown to the cosplay concept. I wanted a quick and easy win, so I decided … Continue reading
When Captain America throws her mighty shield (parasol?!?)
So to have a new costume for April, I need to start this now, because I get approximately zero hours per day to sew with a baby around. (And now is actually a month ago, when I started with accessories). … Continue reading
Augusta Stays by Scroop Patterns and Virgils Fine Goods
Back in June I volunteered to be a pattern tester for the Augusta Stays, made by Scroop Patterns and Virgil’s Fine Goods! I was very excited for this pattern, because my previous pair of stays (sheesh, 4 years ago at … Continue reading
Steel Inquisitor Vin – final pics!
At Jordan Con, I did a photo shoot with my wonderful friend Kathy of A Life Condensed Photography, so all the beautiful shots below are thanks to her! The Jordan Con hotel actually has a lot of beautiful greenery and … Continue reading
Steel Inquisitor Vin – accessories and EYE SPIKES
1840s dresses are all well and good, but what makes this a Steel Inquisitor is having spikes through the eyes! These are meant to be heavy spikes that go all the way through the head. While I am dedicated to … Continue reading
Steel Inquisitor Vin – 1840s bodice
Strap in, this is going to be a long one! So evening bodice. The base for these are basically all the same from 1830-1860 (princess seams or darts in front, princess seams in back. Hooks & eyes or eyelets in … Continue reading
Steel Inquisitor Vin – 1840s skirt
Skirt time! 1840s skirts are just big rectangles so no pattern needed. I cut three 40″ long panels from my fabric to make a skirt around 135″ around (and making sure to leave enough length for the hem and the … Continue reading
A quick bustle
or, I like moderate butts and I cannot lie. I never liked the bumroll I originally made for my Ada Lovelace gown, as it gave too much of a shelf-appearance instead of gently enhanced backside (apparently I never took any … Continue reading
Steel Inquisitor Vin + a new 1840s gown
So this was supposed to be the year of the bustle. Seriously, I have the fabric for four different bustle gowns. But, I ran out of time to turn the last dress link into a Captain America bustle gown for Jordan … Continue reading
A large and rambunctious 1830s bonnet, and some 1830s outings
I made a late 1830s dress for Dickens in 2018, and had a number of changes I wanted to make afterwards. So of course, I didn’t touch it for a year while I worked on keeping a baby alive instead. … Continue reading
