Introduction!

So if you read my About Me page (if you haven't you should CLICK HERE) you know a little bit about how I got started sewing, and how I got into historical costuming.

If you'd prefer the abridged version its: I had a sewing machine. I have always loved historical dramas and their costumes. One day I bought a ticket to a Downton Abbey event, made a 1920's dress in 3 days, and fell in love.

I might as well blog about my bumbling journey through the world of historical costuming. Specifically, this year will be my first year attending Costume College in California. Since getting into the historical costuming world I've seen a lot of talk about Costume College. The idea of it has intrigued me and I've watched in awe for the last two years or so as the pictures come rolling in after the weekends events. Up until the end of November 2011 my mindset in regard to actually attending was, "Yea, right, I'll be good enough to go when pigs fly." Then I had a conversation with my friend Rachel, who told me she was going and encouraged me to go as well. I was self deprecating for a while until she reassured me that she would also be showing her lack of historical sewing mastery and was just as nervous about attending as I was. So, I made a split second decision to go (before I could think about it long enough to change my mind) and bought a plane ticket for the weekend. I was quite literally jumping in head first with all my (modern) clothes on.

While dressing in historical clothing is not required to attend Costume College, it is most certainly encouraged. I figured, if I was doing this, I was going all in. I had absolutely ZERO idea what I was going to make but my gears got turning and I eventually decided on 3 outfits.

1. Outlander Dress - I had already purchased the Simplicity Outlander patterns from American Duchess and had actually finished making the chemise, stays, and bum pad. So, I figured it would be easiest to continue in that vein and follow through with a gown as well. Although, my plan is to veer away from the plaid and wool Outlander-y dresses, and come up with my own design using the Simplicity patterns.

2. Teens Evening Gown - I loooooooove fashion after the turn of the century up to the 1920's, and I have drooled over Titanic era fashion for years. So, why not make my very own evening gown from the era? I'm starting from scratch on this one. Literally, I'm starting from the undergarments out. I will be drafting my own chemise/combinations, have purchased a pattern for a teens long line corset, and will somehow make a petticoat. For the dress, I purchased Laughing Moon #104 and will eyeball it a bit as far as how the gown is styled.

3. Marie Antoinette (2006) Red Belt Dress reproduction - My most ambitious project for Costume College is the famous red belt dress from the 2006 movie Marie Antoinette starring Kirsten Dunst. I'll be wearing my undergarments from the Outlander dress, and have purchased a JP Ryan Robe a l'Anglaise pattern for the dress. This is the one I'm most nervous about, so wish me luck!

I am super thrilled to be attending this year, and hope you'll follow along while I attempt to finish 3 projects without losing my mind.