Solstice Swap 2020 [Gift Unboxing]

Back in December, Katie Lovely of Latina Living History organized an international "costuber" and costumer Solstice Swap!  Each of the participants drew a name in secret and exchanged gifts on the winter solstice, spreading much needed joy during the holiday season.  

Follow the official tag: #solsticeswap2020

If you've been following my other social media, you may have already seen my gift reveal, but I wanted to do a follow up post simply to share more pictures!  Look for the official tag - #solsticeswap2020 - to see all of the other, fun gift exchanges and unboxing videos on YouTube.  

But first, a shout out to Marion Brégier of the blog, Green Martha, who was my solstice swap!  Marion makes the most gorgeous historical costumes, art, and illustrations, and her bullet journal pages are seriously amazing!  If you don't already, follow her on Instagram @green.martha and on her Youtube channel.  Prepare to be inspired...and possibly start bullet journaling if you don't already :)

Solstice Swap Gift Unboxing

My solstice swap gift came from the one and only, Kristen of The Victorian Needle blog.  (She's also on Instagram @thevictorian_needle and Tiktok @the_victorian_needle, where you can find more of her crafts and hilarious #teachertok videos).  She really surprised me - going all out with my favorite colors, which are blues and corals; including Pusheen (love that cat!); and making the most beautiful, handmade and historical treasures:

Obligatory box photo...about to be opened!

And here's the reveal - I still can't believe she managed to fit everything inside the box!

Gift unboxing!

As for the particulars, there was a historical handkerchief from Burnley and Trowbridge: unknown by the sender, I actually had been eyeing this pattern for a while, and was thrilled to see this!

Postcards from the Detroit Institute of Arts: also unknown by the sender, I collect postcards!  So, Kristen really checked off every box with her gift ;)

And an incredible, hand-beaded, punch paper sewing box filled with an assortment of matching, punch paper sewing accessories! 

Hand-beaded, punch paper sewing box and matching accessories!

In case you were wondering what "punch paper" refers to, it is actually a heavy-weight paper with a grid of evenly-spaced, punched holes through which embroidery thread can be worked, much like modern day Aida cloth or needlepoint canvas.  According to an article on "Perforated Paper Needlework" by Diana Matthews, "perforated carboard" was available by the 1820s, and "gained in favor over the decades to become one of the most popular craft items of the Victorian age."

Matthews further speaks to the popularity and widespread uses for the craft, explaining that:

"During its heyday, perforated paper was available in dozens of different colors and embossed patterns and was used for making a large variety of household items.  Godey's Lady's Book, Peterson's Magazine as well as a host of other periodicals and books of the day regularly gave patterns for items to be made from this most innovative product.  Needle cases, wall pockets, stamp holders, hair receivers and complicated ornaments could be fashioned from it along with the bookmarks and mottoes as it lent itself well to both flat and 3-dimensional crafts." 

- "Perforated Paper Needlework" by Diana Matthews, Victoriana Magazine 

In fact, Kristen is an avid creator and collector of all things perforated paper, and probably holds the largest, antique, punch paper collection in the country, if not the world.  She's also written a booklet with scaled patterns (if you can find a copy, I highly recommend!), and teaches workshops on the subject.

Each component of Kristen's gift is a work of art itself, so I wanted to highlight the items on their own to give a sense of scale and close-ups of the intricate details.  Starting with the beaded sewing box, which is lined in royal blue silk:

Matching, embroidered thread winders:

A beaded, castle-shaped tape measure and holder, which took a lot of engineering! 

A needlebook with a very Victorian rose on the one side, and Pusheen on the other:

And finally, the most adorable, needle felted Pusheen - gosh I love that cat! 

I'm just in awe of all the time, talents, and thought Kristen put into her solstice swap gift...I'm honored to be the recipient and to call her my friend - thank you so much, Kristen! ❤️

Year in Review: Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021!

We made it, everyone, 2020 is over and done, and here's to another trip around the sun!

To say that the last year was difficult would be an understatement.  Uncertainty is uncomfortable, frustrating, and even frightening; but our continued hopes, dreams, and the possibilities in the new year ahead are unstoppable! 

There is no magic wand to free us from these trying times, (believe me, I'd be the first to wave one if I could), and, unfortunately, the turn of a calendar page may have little immediate effect on the state of the current pandemic.  I write this not to discourage, but to encourage us to reflect - to admit to deep disappointment, feel sadness, and grieve - and to celebrate the victories, both big and small.  More important than ever, in the upcoming year, let's set reasonable expectations, and be kind to ourselves and to others.  My mantra for 2021: expect nothing, appreciate everything.  

Speaking of appreciation, I'm so grateful for the continued encouragement of my sewing, weaving, education, and living history adventures.  To my friends, family, patrons, and all of you lovely followers on this blog, on the Facebook page, and on Instagram - thank you!  It's only because of your generous support that I'm able to create this content, which brings me and, hopefully, others so much joy.  

So to kick off the blogging for 2021, here's a look at last year's favorite memories:

Year in Review: 2020 Highlights

An interview with the National Geographic! 

Find the full article, here: "Historic Interpreters Share Their Sides of the Story"

This was an opportunity of a lifetime, and the greatest honor to be included with so many powerful voices, including Cheyney McKnight of Not Your Momma's History.  To tell the story - of their history, our history, American history - and to be a part of a more diverse and inclusive future at living history sites and museums.  Many thanks to the journalists, Jennifer Barger and Heather Greenwood Davis, for their important work, and to my friend, Cheyney, for leading the path forward.  

If you haven't already, read the article, here: "Historic Interpreters Share Their Sides of the Story" 

Speaking at Costume On 2: Tailored, an international online conference!

The biannual, international online conference, Costume On, connects costumers and historical fashion enthusiasts from all over the world for a weekend of virtually-hosted seminars and workshops.  (Make sure to visit their website at: 1886location.com for upcoming conferences, master classes throughout the year, historical patterns, and more!)

During the Fall 2020 conference, I had the great privilege and pleasure of teaching two classes!  I wrote a blog post about those classes, here: Online Conference - Costume On 2: Tailored.   The first lecture presented Chinese-American history through the lens of the Civil War, giving background on early Chinese immigration, stories from both sides of the war, and post-war discrimination and lasting legacy.  In fact, through this conference, thanks to several steps of connections, I was able to correspond with a long-time hero of mine, Irving Moy, author of An American Journey, living historian, and expert on Chinese-American participation in the Civil War.  We've since kept in touch, and his continued encouragement and the wealth of information he's shared are truly invaluable. 

The second lecture was on Orientalism, defined by centuries of complex, cross-cultural borrowing, imitation, and appropriation, with a particular emphasis on the textiles, garments, and accessories that have shaped menswear from the late-16th through 19th centuries.  I've become enamored with this extensive area of dress history, and it has endless possibilities for presentations (so keep an eye out for more on this subject to come in 2021...)

I learned so much, personally and professionally, about presenting through this debut into (online) public speaking, and I'm so grateful to Chantal Filson, the founder and dean of the conference, for the opportunity - thank you! 

Launching a Patreon!

This was somewhat of a surprise endeavor this year, and never would have been possible without the support of my good friend, social media guru, and personal champion, Kristen.  Launched during the summer quarantine, it's been amazing to connect with an online costuming community through zoom meetings, our monthly, "sip-and-sew" live chants, and other virtual events. 

On Patreon, several membership levels or tiers allow patrons to directly assist individual artists and makers in their creative endeavors.  In exchange, patrons unlock exclusive contents, live chats, personalized gifts, and more, funding the hopes and dreams of many creators, including yours truly! 

In fact, I have four, lovely patrons to thank today!  Their support and belief in me actively transforms current and future projects from dreams to reality.  And I look forward to developing my Patreon throughout this upcoming year, and beyond! 

Completing my college thesis & dress project!

A model of a period-correct costume for a historical interpreter.

After three semesters of research, writing, and sewing (and additional complications during the pandemic), my senior thesis - Wearing History: The Value in Costuming Historical Interpreters at Living History Sites & Museums - and the accompanying dress project (depicted above) are finished!  

In total, I wrote a 46-page research paper, exploring the potential in adequately-funded, period-accurate costuming programs for improving visitor engagement, staff performance, and institutional credibility and outreach.  For the project component, I assembled a model of a period-correct costume for a historical interpreter, constructing everything from the undergarments, to the day dress, accessories, and outerwear.  I also composed a series of appendixes to document the construction process, quantify the costs, and justify each design choice with descriptions from the chosen time period.  All in all, handing the massive project in was a relief, and I'd love to publish it in some form in the future.  

I graduated summa cum laude! 

It's official, I hold a Bachelor's of Integrated Studies (with two minors) from Kent State University!

Somehow I managed to survive art school - with double concentrations in costume construction and textile arts.  (The 4.0, however, comes at the cost of three years without sleep...there was the weekly all-nighter or two, late nights and weekends in the studios, and finals weeks we will never speak of again, #stilltramatized).  Two decades as a career student are over, and onto the next chapter...living history museums here I come!

Social Media Milestones

I try not to get caught up with the numbers game, but I did want to mention the social media milestones of 2020:

• Over on Instagram @youngsewphisticate, we reached an incredible 3000+ followers, and, per the tradition, here's our Top Nine:

• Our Facebook page broke 500+ "likes" and followers.  
• On the blog, I managed to write 18 blog posts, which, though modest in number, is up from the previous year...we also rebranded as The Sewphisticate, a name which better reflects my growth not only as a seamstress, but as a textile artist, educator and living historian.

What will 2021 bring?

Since there's no telling when in-person events may resume, I'd like to draw your attention to the fabulous Virtual Regency Retreat, hosted by the Historic Joseph Teel House!  (Registration is open until January 28th, with the virtual retreat running January 29th through the 31st)  According to their website, the event will feature an entire weekend of guest speakers, performances, and other activities, including a virtual fashion show, which I have the honor of being a participant:

Virtual fashion show at the Joseph Teel House - 
Visit their website to see all of the participants!

I'm also looking forward to more public speaking engagements in the future (plans are already in the works!), as well as continuing to build and maintain an online presence in the New Year.  While I feel some uncertainty, there's also excitement for what's to come next...

Cheers 2021, and may we make every minute count!

Inside & Out: 1830s Striped Dress

Before dust starts collecting on this dress hung in the back of the costume closet, I thought I'd feature it one last time on the blog.  This inside & out post completes the series on the red striped dress, detailing its construction and all of the fun, self-fabric trimmings.  The completed project appears in two previous posts, including the official photoshoot: Wake the Heart & Stir the Soul - 1830s Photoshoot, and was worn for the Historical Fashion Program: 1830s Get Ready With Me + 4 Antique Pelerines.  

Inside & Out: 1830s Striped Dress Construction
Here are the completed bodice and skirt ready to be attached!

Historical Inspiration

When designing my historical costumes, I first look to period sources, including fashion plates, paintings (and photographs when they become available), and extant examples from museum collections.  The main inspiration for my 1830s striped dress was this favorite from the Snowshill Wade Costume Collection, via the National Trust.  I've always admired the use of the roller print and playing with the direction of the stripes, as some are on the bias and others on the straight of grain.  

Dress, c.1825-30
Snowshill Wade Costume Collection
Source: National Trust Collections (NT 1349130)

Here's another example of bias cut trim on the skirt from a November 1827 issue of Ackermann's Repository (Series no. 3, volume 10):

Morning Dress from Ackermann's Repository, November 1827.
(Source: "Regency Era Fashions," EKDuncan and My Fanciful Muse)

Rather than gathering the front of the bodice, I wanted to make use of the bias again and create this period chevron effect.  Here's an example from the Susan Greene Collection that I liked, notice how strategically changing the direction of the stripes on the belt creates a lovely, decorative effect.

Dress with gigot sleeves, c.1825-1830.
Susan Greene Costume Collection.
(Source: image via pinterest)

Construction Details

The journey from design and sourcing the fabric to making and finally finishing the dress was a long, complicated one.  In fact, it languished incomplete in the stash for so long, that the initial bodice no longer fit, and required the assistance of my very talented, seamstress friend, Kaela, to refit the shoulders and back.  (My guess is that my original pattern did not account for the weight and pull of the sleeves, so the next time I make an 1830s dress, I definitely won't skip the mockup with a sleeve over the proper supports.)  Anyways, fitting issues aside, the dress was eventually completed, and I'm really happy with some of the construction techniques and design details that I'll highlight below:

First, a look at the front of the bodice from the outside.  The front features the period bateau or boat neckline often seen in daywear, and is finished with a narrow, piped facing.  The "chevron" effect is created by cutting each side on the bias and joining them at the center with piping at the seam (piping serves both a decorative and functional purpose by ensuring the sides won't stretch and stabilizing the seam).  Two darts on each side provide fitting, and the waistline is finished with a band cut on the straight of grain.  

Front view of the bodice from the outside.

Here's a close up of the center front, notice how the darts distort the print further creating an illusion of a smaller waist.  I love the play between the directions on the bodice, waistband, and skirt! 

The chevron effect is created by cutting two, front sides on the bias and joining them at the center front.
Even the piping in the seam is pattern matched - it's the little details that make me happy!

And the same view, from the inside showing the center seam, darts, and finishing with both a piped facing at the neckline and folded waistband.  Neat and tidy interiors also make me happy! 

Detail of the front bodice from the inside.

The dress closes in the back with each side constructed in the same way - two pieces with a curved seam and turned under facing.  It's attached to the front at the shoulder, with piping at both seams and armscyes for added stability.  Seven metal hooks - five down the back and two on the waistband - with corresponding thread eyes were used for closures. 

Back view of the bodice from the outside.

Back view of the bodice from the inside.
Seven metal hooks and thread eyes serve as closures.

Detail of the piping in the shoulder seam, armscye, center front seam, and neckline facing. 

If I haven't already mentioned it, I like neatly finished interiors.  Modern garments tend to use a technique called "bag lining," where the fashion fabric and lining are assembled individually and then stitched together afterwards.  Period garments, however, tend to be flat lined - that is treating the fashion fabric and lining as one.  (Here my fashion fabric is the red stripe, and the lining is cotton muslin).  I prefer flat lining (because it's faster!), and if the raw edges start to ravel, they can be overcast by hand, pinked, or even overlocked using a modern serger.  

Another detail worth mentioning is how the sleeve supports are attached.  As seen in period examples, mine are simply tied in place at the armsyces using cotton tapes.  This makes them somewhat adjustable as they can be raised or lowered to sit correctly off the shoulder.  It's also a convenient solution for storage and reuse with other dresses! 

Interior view of the bodice.
Cotton tape ties hold the sleeve supports in place.

Once the bodice was assembled, it was time to shift the focus onto the sleeves!  The side seams were finished with piping, and the wrists with a narrow piped facing.  Basically, in the 1830s, if there was seam, they piped it!  I also echoed the trim of the skirt, applying both a bias cut and horizontal band at the wrists.  Unfortunately, I think these details tend to get lost in the business of the print when worn...but here's a picture to prove they're there:

Detail of the sleeve hems - notice the piping along the side seams, piped wrist facings,
and both bias cut and horizontal bands of trim.

Moving along to the skirt, after some debate, I ended up pleating the front panels into large, double-stacked box pleats (which were not fun to stitch through), and gauging the back panels.  I really liked the effect this had, both in playing with the print at the front, and they way it distributed all of the fullness.  The skirt is balanced so that the back is longer than the front (for an even hem over the skirt supports and petticoats), and is finished with a contrasting hem facing.  

Skirt detail featuring double-stacked box pleats in the front and gauging in the back.
Tiny whip stitches secure the skirt to the bodice waistband.

Making skirt trim!  To save time, I did use a machine to construct the trim, stacking bands of bias-cut strips to those following the horizontal stripe, which were cut on the grain.  Once these were assembled and pressed, I used a machine to stitch the upper edge to the skirt hem following my 1/2" allowance as marked in pencil.  The trim was then pressed down and top stitched by hand using tiny running stitches.  Of course, in the period, every stitch would have been done by hand; however, in my historical garments, I use a combination of machine and hand stitching.  Any and all stitching that might be visible from the outside (as well as techniques that are just not possible by machine like gauging and attaching a skirt) are done by hand.  Though, I will use a machine for convenience and time saving on interior seams or, again, details that won't be visible from the outside. 

Assembling the skirt trim.

Attaching the top edge of the trim by machine to save time.
The lower edge was pressed under a 1/2" and top stitched by hand using tiny running stitches.
When constructing my personal historical costumes, I do use a combination of machine and hand stitching -
it's just faster for me to machine interior seams, though any and all stitching
that could be visible on the outside is done exclusively by hand.

The finished skirt trim.

Contrasting hem facing.

And I think that's it as far as construction notes - if I missed anything or if you have questions, feel free to write them in the comments below!

Since this is an inside & out post, I'll include a picture of the new chemise & drawers set I made specifically for the second wearing, which was for that historical get-ready-with-me program.  I won't go into the details of all of the layers (as there's a whole video on getting dressed in the 1830s in the last post), but for my own sewing documentation purposes, these were the new pieces:

In the true spirit of inside & out...
New chemise & drawers + my favorite boots!

Completed Project Pictures

Here's a look at the finished striped dress worn over the proper undergarments.  I think it's pretty even without all of the extra accessories.  The self-fabric trim and directional print seems to provide enough contrast to keep visual interest.  Though, if you're interested in seeing the entire outfit with all of the finishing touches, do check out the official photoshoot: Wake the Heart & Stir the Soul - 1830s Photoshoot, and the Historical Fashion Program: 1830s Get Ready With Me posts. 

Fully accessorized & seated in the front parlor at the Foster-Tufts House: 

Did you like what you saw here, and want to see more costume construction posts like this in the future?  Consider supporting us over on Patreon, and you'll also unlock exclusive contents like bonus blog posts, live chats, and more!  Follow @youngsewphisticate on Facebook & Instagram.

As always, thank you for reading & special thanks to our generous patrons!

Historical Fashion Program: 1830s Get Ready With Me + 4 Antique Pelerines

In today's post, I'll be revisiting a past fashion program that I collaborated on with Brandon Brooks, curator at the John L. Wehle Gallery, as well as sharing pictures of four antique pelerines from the early-mid 19th century.  The first pelerine was featured in the "Get Ready With Me" program and is from the Susan Greene Costume Collection.  The other three are from Point Park University's Costume Collection.  All together, I thought the costume program and extant garments would make for a great pairing and interesting blog post - hope you enjoy! 

It's no secret that I love historical fashion - the researching, recreating, and wearing of past clothing - and I jump at any chance to share this passion with the public.  In the last five years, I've come to develop an array of historical fashion programs for all ages - from a "fashion fun" summer camp, to themed public talks, a walking tour, and even a fashion show.  (If you're interested in reading more about some of those, check out these previous posts: Presenting on Fashion: "The Underwear Under There" and Fashion Show at the Bement-Billings Farmstead Museum).  

I'm building quite the library of notes from these, and I have so many ideas for other presentations!  It's my dream to continue in this style of education and outreach, and expand upon these offerings.  I see historical fashion and similar "dressing a lady" programs appealing to public schools, historic houses and societies, living history museums, libraries, and other community centers looking for an educational, yet entertaining and interactive presentation.  I have the passion, and now the wardrobe, so I just need to find an audience and outlet...(So if you're looking, or know of a group that would be interested, feel free to email me at anneliesemeck@gmail.com ;)  I also plan on getting my professional website up and running soon, so be on the look out for that too.)

Anyways, back to our current presentation topic:

Part I - Historical Fashion Program: Getting Dressed in the 1830s 

The historical "Get Ready With Me" was just a whole lot of fun!  I was invited by Brandon, now curator at the John L. Wehle Gallery, to collaborate again on one of his 2019 Summer Gatherings.  After hearing the idea, it was, of course, an immediate and enthusiastic "yes!" from me.  

Table display for the "Getting Dressed in the 1830s" Program,
featuring extant garments from the Susan Greene Costume Collection.

Since I had some time, I was able to put together a few things, including making a new chemise and set of hair ringlets for the presentation.  Brandon pulled together an amazing display table of extant examples from the Susan Greene Costume Collection (pictured above), including all of the undergarments, dresses, outerwear, and accessories that a fashionable lady of the 1830s would have worn.  These items were presented alongside the "get ready with me," which was literally me getting dressed in my reproduction clothing.  

Detail of some of the items on the display table -
including (left to right) an 1830s sleeve plumper, slippers, reticules, false ringlets and cap.

I thought this was a great format, showing both layer by layer what would have been worn (and is still by the historical interpreters in the village) along with original examples from the period.  Visitors often ask what's under the costumes, or simply see items mounted in display cases - and this provided an opportunity to go beyond the glass barriers, and get up close and personal with fashion history.  And I think both our morning and afternoon audiences appreciated what they saw.  

Making the costume collection more accessible, relatable, and enjoyable for the public are really central to Brandon's programs and vision.  He's an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate curator, and it's always a great privilege and pleasure to get to work with him.  (He also has an Instagram account @l_aspect_ancien, where he posts daily images from the costume collection, as well as exhibit related and other, personal sewing projects - so go follow him there!)

The afternoon session was live streamed on the Genesee Country Village & Museum Facebook Page, and is still accessible there, if you're interested in viewing the presentation.  I'll also embed the video below, so you can also watch it here:

Towards the end of the video, Brandon briefly and very carefully draped a gorgeous, antique pelerine with whitework embroidery over my shoulders.  The result was perfectly period - though the original wearer and I had different measurements, the pelerine visually broadened my shoulders and back, really emphasizing the fashionable silhouette.  (And making me want a pretty pelerine of my own!)

The following pictures were taken by Brandon and shared via Instagram @l_aspect_ancien.  The illusion is most noticeable in the back view:

Part II - Extant Garments: Antique Pelerines

Since I was already going to feature the one pelerine (above), I thought it would appropriate to include a few more, similar accessories.  Note: the following images of extant pelerines may be shared and saved for educational and person reference, only, and must include the appropriate credit to either the "Susan Greene Costume Collection" or the "Point Park University Costume Collection" as noted.  [Click on the images to enlarge]

Pelerine 1:  Fine cotton pelerine with whitework embroidery, c.1820s-30s, from the Susan Greene Costume Collection.

Between the morning and afternoon presentations, I was given permission to the study this pelerine.  While I was photographing, I also took detailed measurements and traced a paper pattern for the upper and lower collars and lappets (which is currently in a different state right now, otherwise I'd include that in this post).  I hope to someday reproduce it, though I'm not sure about all of that hand embroidery! 

Cotton pelerine with whitework embroidery, c.1820s-30s.
Susan Greene Costume Collection.

Detail of the embroidery on the upper collar.

Detail of the embroidery on the lower cape.
(Image by Brandon, via Instagram @l_aspect_ancien)

The next three extant examples are from the Point Park University Collection.  When I was a student there, I was given permission to study and photograph pieces from the university's collection, (more details here: project background). 

Pelerine 2:  Square collar of cotton with whitework embroidery, c.1820s-30s.  Like the first example, this features wide upper and lower collars with a small, floral motif and scalloped edges. 

Cotton collar with whitework embroidery, c.1820s-30s.
Point Park University Costume Collection.

Detail of the whitework embroidery.

Pelerine 3:  Embroidered net pelerine, c.1820s-40s.  Notice again the double collars and lappets, leaf-shaped motifs around the boarders, and scalloped edges.  

Embroidered net pelerine, c.1820s-40s.
Point Park University Costume Collection.

Detail of the embroidery.

Pelerine 4:  Pelerine or fichu, dotted swiss cotton with lace frill, early-mid 19th century.  

This accessory would have served a similar, decorative and functional purpose, though it is cut in a slightly later style than those above.  The center front and back both measure 21.5" from the neck to end point, and the edges are finished with a 1" hem.  There is quite a bit of piecing of the dotted swiss cotton, and the lace measures 2" wide.  

Pelerine or fichu of dotted swiss cotton with lace trim, early-mid 19th century.
Point Park University Costume Collection.

Detail of the piecing at the shoulder.

Detail of the lace trim.

And that's it for today's post!  I also have a page for Extant Garments if you're interested in more posts featuring items from the Point Park University Costume Collection.  

Like what you see here and want to support the creation of future content and fashion history programming?  Consider joining us over on Patreon, and you'll also unlock exclusive contents like bonus blog posts, live chats, and more!  Follow @youngsewphisticate on Facebook & Instagram.

As always, thank you for reading & special thanks to our generous patrons!