Sew Historical

06/03/2026

Another day of sewing, and I’ve got everything done except the button and buttonhole — my least favorite step.

I’m obsessed with this fabric, and the photos don’t even come close to showing its real color. Still, I’m pretty thrilled with how much I got done today.

Traditional tailoring definitely takes longer, but the way a garment lays when you use those techniques… it’s just so flat. When I first started sewing, I couldn’t figure out why my period pieces never looked like the originals. Then I took a class in St. Charles with the owners of Kannik’s Korner and — 🤯 — it changed everything. They taught so many period methods that I still use all the time.

Its a totally different way of putting a garment together than what most of us have been taught. It’s by no means the only way to sew. I do plenty of machine sewing too. But there’s just something about period tailoring that looks so good. It hits different. It gives the garment that “yes, this is how it’s supposed to be” feeling.This kind of sewing really does make all the difference when you’re trying to recreate a historical garment.

06/02/2026

Collar: done. Both fronts: done. Front linings: done.
Everything on the front half of this waistcoat is officially as far as it can go for now. The prick‑stitching, the shaping, the bees behaving themselves — all wrapped up.Now it’s time to turn my attention to the back pieces and keep this project marching forward. Onward to the next stage of the adventure...tomorrow.

06/02/2026

Today’s vest progress report:
I finally got a solid chunk done on my husband’s Federal/Regency vest, and I’m feeling pretty good about it. I got the lining sewn to the one front piece using tiny prick stitches all along the front edge, the bottom, and the armscye. It’s one of those slow, meditative steps where the garment starts to feel like a real piece of clothing instead of a pile of parts.
Between the canvas, the stay tape, and now the lining of one front side stitched in place, it has that nice, flat structure it’s supposed to have. It’s looking like an actual waistcoat instead of a “work in progress explosion” on my table.
Onward to the next step tomorrow — but for tonight, I’m calling it quits.

05/27/2026

Frustrating day today...spent the entire day sewing and all I managed to accomplish were the welts and pocket bags and overlays cut out. My sewing machine broke halfway through the welts and I finished them by hand. Argh!!!!!!!! Had hoped to have both pockets completed, interfacing sew down, and start putting the front and front linings together. Very frustrating day!!!
Calling it quits for the day. I may need a drink...or three.

05/26/2026

I feel so behind on sewing my husband's vest...just hope I can get it done in time for the Ball on June 20. Today, I'm working on prick-stitching the collar. Isn't the fabric gorgeous?

05/21/2026

Got the pad stitching for the collar of my husband's new vest done. I'm way behind but planning to have this done for him to wear at The Jewels Ball next month. Wish me luck!!

05/17/2026

Let’s talk ball attire! I was looking through some period fashion plates and came across this stunning 1820s evening dress. The sheer volume of the hair ornaments, the delicate pink silk accents, and that classic structural silhouette... it is a look.

It got me thinking about all the choices that go into prepping for a formal evening. So, be honest: Would you wear it? Or is the hair a little too "more is more" for your taste? 👇

With the museum's Jewels Ball coming up in June, my mind is completely consumed by silk, trim, and period-correct styling. Whether you're currently sewing your own ensemble or just love admiring the history, tell me what you think of this one!

05/09/2026

I’m always amazed by how much attention my apron gets! Even though it’s one of the most basic garments I wear at the museum, I get questions about it almost every week.

​There’s something so satisfying about a piece that is both functional and historically accurate. Mine features a bib and two deep pockets (essential for a busy day at the house!), and the whole thing is hand-sewn using common period stitches.

​If you’ve been wanting to stitch your own, I wrote a blog post a while back breaking down how to make the basic version. You can easily customize it with your own pockets or bib from there!

​Check out the tutorial here:
https://sewhistorical.blogspot.com/search?q=Apron&fbclid=IwVERTSARrWNRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR5rEA1FqoB4oJija49KBPX_8kED6khFvusApFMjV0K9iCJlI6Y3obAXQSwbhA_aem_ogZB_knjZQ1v9BjZaERs8w

05/02/2026

It's been a hot minute since I posted on here. The museum has taken over my life but I hope to get back to some sewing projects soon.

03/16/2026