About the author
My love of historical costume goes back as far as I can remember, and I’ve been sewing since late highschool. Put the two of those together and you have me and what I’m doing today! On the way here I completed (though somewhat belatedly) a BFA in Visual Art specializing in drawing, painting, and photography. It was during this time that sewing and the historical costume interests first came together – I took all of the costuming courses available through the Theatre Department. At first I thought I wanted to be a costume designer, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that where my true passion lay was with actual historical garments and their construction. Thus, the project which makes up the purpose of this blog is really just self-indulgence! And I couldn’t feel more grateful or priveleged to be able to do it!
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Mark of Past Pleasures Said:
on September 8, 2008 at 06:42
Carolyn
Your blog is beautiful and interesting – but then, what else would I expect? Here at PP today we’re looking at perhaps THE most stunning Mantua I’ve ever seen, made c1750 of duchesse satin, with brocaded flowers and gold embroidery: you would drool all over it! It was recut c1880 for Fancy Dress so the family are asking our advice as to what to do with it – return it to its Georgian shape (v v wide paniers) or leave it in late Victorian style…Wish you could see it…Mark x
Koreen Dowdell aka. Mummy Said:
on January 14, 2009 at 06:53
I’m glad to see that the little I taught you on the old Singer has blossomed into such a magnificent passion. Proud of you I am!!
Anne Said:
on March 24, 2009 at 08:32
Hello,
I read about your project in The Calgary Herald this morning (March 24th). Very interesting. I, too, have a treadle machine, and use it to do seams on baby quilts (I hand stitch the quilt itself) and for mending. Your project, using only needle and thread is intriguing! I have always had an interest in history and loved the clothes. However, I am grateful to live in modern times with the comfortable clothes we have available. Your project has given me some food for thought regarding the seamstresses, their fingers, their eyesight and their backs — all in the name of fashion!
Fantastic!
Tannis Said:
on April 5, 2009 at 13:38
Beautiful exhibit, Carolyn!
Susan Said:
on April 7, 2009 at 13:30
I got the chance to check out your exhibit over in Human Ecology today – I had read about it in Folio a couple of weeks ago. You’ve done a fantastic job! My favourite is the riding habit.
I can’t even begin to imagine the work that obviously went into this project. I’ve been telling people over here in Renewable Resources to check it out.
Shari Said:
on April 8, 2009 at 05:01
I got your website links and your story thru Cathy Hay and absolutly love it!!
Such art and devotion, you are truly an idol to look up to as a historical costume lover and maker.
I hope one day to have the time and information you have to repdroduce 18th Century clothing in a historically accurate way.
You should really write a book about your journey as well as any information you wish to share and write for YWU.
I do think Janet Arnold would have congratulated you , if she was still alive.
It gives me great pleasure reading your journey and seeing the result, looking forward to your exhibtion page!!
LynnMacintyre Said:
on April 8, 2009 at 08:12
Carolyn, what an amazing project! We have much in common, I too am a photographer and artist in other fields, but I came to historical clothing late in life. It is an obsession, and I can see that it is for you, too. I wish I could see your exhibition, sounds marvellous. Congratulations on your beautiful work, and thanks for all the information!
charlene roberts Said:
on April 8, 2009 at 12:38
I also found your blog through my membership at YWU.I stumbled upon historic costuming late in life, so I am delighted to see someone so young(and a Canadian at that!) with a whole lifetime ahead of them doing such great work.
From Civil War to War of 1812, this re-enactor is now stepping into the 18th century. I am making clothing to wear for Halifax’s 250th this July. I want to do the riding habit and as I have never seen an extant example, I so appreciate your guidance in regards to the sewing techniques used. Been spending a lot of time on your blog. Thank you so much for sharing your journey into costume.
Charlene Roberts
Kitchener, Ontario
brocadegoddess Said:
on April 8, 2009 at 12:53
Lynn,
If you’re interested in doing a riding habit (and they are very smart looking indeed!) then keep checking back here. I’m hoping to get the exhibition page done soon(ish), and then finish the Riding Habit page. Hopefully it will be in time to be of use to you.
There is a pattern for a really nice one in Janet Arnold’s Patterns of Fashion I taken from an artefact at the V&A.
LynnMacintyre Said:
on April 8, 2009 at 13:33
Actually, it is Charlene who wants the riding habit…..but I have my eye on another Janet Arnold riding habit pattern, the one from the Salisbury Museum, which is Regency….how could you read my mind!
Angela Said:
on May 22, 2009 at 13:16
Carolyn,
I stumbled onto your blog and exhibit looking for 18th century hairstyles. What a wonderful exhibition and the research and work you did to complete such a project is fabulous. Congratulations! I have returned to making historical clothing. I use to belong to re-enactment groups ages ago. After a long time not really producing much, I have joined a group that does all things French and 18th century. The figure is no longer the same, so darn it I have to make a new wardrobe. Anyway, it is inspiring to see your passion and your work. Thank you for sharing.
Liz Webb Said:
on July 29, 2009 at 15:29
Hi Carolyn,
It was great talking with you a while back. Isn’t it funny how life is when we are all interested in historical costuming. Meeting you Mom was a fluke, but a good one.
I hope the photos she took of my outfit weren’t too bad.
Since then I have been lucky enough to come into possession of some antique velvet, similar to the velvet you used on the riding habit. It’s beautiful, so different from the modern stuff. Now I have to decide what to use it for, as there is only 5 feet of it. Any ideas?
The offer to travel next year stand at anytime. Keep in touch.
LW