|
|
Here we are, at the third instalment of our Masterclass. I apologize for the momentary pause in our series, as I had not anticipated the lack of available men's patterns to play a factor in delaying our progress. In response, I have drafted an exclusive set of patterns for YWU members, and will show you how to get the best out of them.
You'll even find details within of an exclusive offer for YWU members to order bespoke, hand drafted patterns directly from me at a hefty discount!
|
|
Register to read more...
|
|
|
The widespread use of French Hoods amongst the middle and upper classes of 16th century England is a surprisingly static phenomenon.
Even as clothing styles changed with relative fluidity throughout the century, the constant favor that the French Hood had found allows us to examine its progression of style in a much more comprehensive manner.
I offer my theories in addition to positing new ideas as to how French Hoods were likely constructed between the years of 1530 and 1560, as well as how they evolved after their heyday had passed.
|
|
Register to read more...
|
|
This month we feature excerpts from a pro-dress reform book written in 1873. Mrs. Stuart Phelps did not lack for enthusiasm in her distaste for the styles of the day, considering them utterly impratical and accusing them of hindering women in their advancement towards equality with men.
Burn up the corsets! Make a bonfire of the cruel steel that has lorded it over the contents of the abdomen and thorax so many thoughtless years, and heave a sigh of relief; for your "emancipation," I assure you, has from this moment begun.
|
|
Register to read more...
|
Kass McGann has lectured on the subject of historical clothing on three continents, publishing articles on specific items of historic dress as well as how-to guides for reenactors.
Unlike many costume historians who describe what clothing of a certain period looks like, Kass seeks to understand how it was made. Her business, Reconstructing History, makes this information available worldwide with an extensive line of historical dressmaker patterns that are exacting in historical detail and include copious notes of interest and simple directions.
Kass talks to us this month about where her obsession came from, where she intends to take it, and how she deals with projects that won't behave themselves!
|
|
Register to read more...
|
|
|
Nowadays, in the era of rubber bands and ionic hairdryers, a woman's hair is frequently a momentary affair: wash, dry, stick it in a ponytail and go. The entire process can last no more than a half-an-hour, and for short-haired women it is even less.
For the Victorian woman, however, hair was not just an inconvenience or an afterthought: it was practically a religion...
|
|
Register to read more...
|
|
This might be the most important article you ever read in YWU.
Any hobby or occupation that you indulge in regularly for a large proportion of your lifetime can have implications for your health.
Forewarned is forearmed, however, so this month we start a series of advice from our pool of experts on Health and Safety in the Sewing Room.
Suzi Clarke, Cathy Hay and Laurie Tavan dish out some great pointers to help you avoid and manage any potential ill effects.
|
|
Register to read more...
|
|
This month we have a special edition of Ask the Experts devoted to your questions about the Single Pattern Project '09.
You've seen lots of how-tos now - the in-depth analyses from Sunny, Cathy's run-down of the possibilities and the rules, trimmings ideas from Gina, Ginger's petticoat, and so on - and the deadline for your entry is less than three months away.
We have two important questions: how do you finish the hem, and how does one wear the finished outfit?
Submit your questions now on the "Ask a question" page for next month's column!
|
|
Register to read more...
|
|
|
|
|
|