In the historic village of LeRoy, there is a gazebo along Oatka Creek that I thought would make a lovely location for a photoshoot.  After finishing my c.1883-86 plaid dress, my sister, Maria, drove down to help me document the ensemble - followed by lunch at the D&R Depot Restaurant, my treat in thanks for her time and talents behind the camera, of course!  In the following pictures, you'll see the three-piece ensemble blogged about in two posts, including making the bodice, and the skirts & draperies.  These are worn over silk stockings and American Duchess "Renior" b ..read more

As I'm preparing for a busy Fall season of fashion and other programming, I realized we left off (way back in March!) with the making of the skirt and draperies for a three-piece, c.1883-86 plaid ensemble.  Not only did I finish the ensemble last Spring, I've worn it to two events - presenting "Getting Dressed in the 1880s" at the Niagara County Federation of Historical Agencies, and Spring Teas at the Rich-Twinn Octagon House.  In fact, I'll be doing another 1880s "Getting Dressed" program in November for the Wilson Historical Society, and will probably bring it out again with some ..read more

Following on the heels (sorry, couldn't resist the shoe pun!) of my last blog post on the Making on an 1820s Morning Dress, I wanted to spotlight the two accessories that really made the ensemble complete: the beribboned cap and slippers with bow clips and hand-dyed tassels!   More is more with ruffles, ribbons, and bows!  Beribboned cap If you've been following me for a while, you know I'm all about those big, ruffly, and beribboned caps of the Regency through Romantic eras!  I don't think I'll ever tire of making or wearing them...they're just so ridiculous and ..read more

I made a morning - not to be confused with "mourning" - dress or wrapper, which is a garment intended to be worn in the privacy of ones home, or before getting more properly dressed into an afternoon or "walking" dress.  With now two "Getting Dressed in the 1820s" presentations coming up - in both August and October 2023 - I wanted something to throw on for modesty and comfort, before dressing in front of a live audience.  This blog post details the inspiration behind, construction of, and then styling of an early-1820s morning dress:  Historical Inspiration Before diving int ..read more

This is the year we're finally making the plaid 1880s bustle dress!  In 2022, I finished the underpinnings for the project - including a lobster tail bustle, underpetticoat, and flounced petticoat - and today I'm sharing the completed skirt and draperies of what will be a three-piece, c.1883-86 plaid ensemble.   As my lovely patrons already know, I have a deadline of an upcoming "Getting Dressed in the 1880s" presentation in April for the Niagara County Federation of Historical Agencies!  My session is bright and early at 9am to kick off the annual convention, which means ..read more

My first completed - and now blogged about - sewing project of 2023 is an 1820s corded petticoat!  If you've been following along over on the Facebook page and Instagram @youngsewphisticate, you'll know that I've been working on a few projects simultaneously, including a plaid 1880s ensemble and the beginnings of an early-1820s wardrobe.  Both projects are for "getting dressed" programs later this year (the details of which are still secrets!) - and while it seems silly (overwhelming perhaps?) to take on two new eras, I need the challenge to keep pushing my sewing skills.&nb ..read more

While I may not have initially sat down to write a blog post tonight, I'm really glad you & I are here to reflect on the crazy year that was 2022.  There's so much that could be said...but I think I'll let this infographic capture the highlights: (Clicking on the graphic should make the text larger!) I love the idea of setting an overall intention or theme for the year, rather than a list of "New Years resolutions."  In 2022, I kept repeating that I would "embrace change" - and I did, as I moved to a new apartment; weathered several losses of managers in my former department ..read more

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single petticoat must be accompanied by at least a second petticoat, if not more, to provide the proper support for a fashionable overskirt.  When we last left off, I had completed an 1880s flounced petticoat, and decided that I needed a second, shorter petticoat to complete my Bustle Era undergarment set: Completed 1880s petticoat with decorative flounce, intended to be worn under a bustle. Construction Details My "underpetticoat" is constructed very similarly to the flounced petticoat of my last post, so I won't go into too much d ..read more

 "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both" - Robert Frost Upon graduation, I found myself searching - for a job, for an affordable apartment (still looking), for a sign, a direction, or just about anything with the ongoing pandemic.  It wasn't long and I found myself blessed with not just one, but two full-time job offers.  For the first, I had gone through the lengthy interview process, and the second came to me rather unexpectedly.  I found myself like the traveler at two roads diverged, facing two paths, both with opportunities to apply my ..read more

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 ..read more