As we age, those of us who have been creative over the years can look back at all we’ve accomplished and be amazed. We can ponder what we’d still like to learn, and even recall how sewing and crafting have been the bright light through dark times. Jennifer sits down with her mother to chat about the crafts, sewing projects and most loved tools she’s used over the last few decades. Reminisce with us about flour sacks, needlepoint projects, and the true reason we create and share.

Occasionally we get quite wrapped up in our main area of crafting. Right? Yet, other hobbies and interests in the creative fields call to us. You know, that “someday I want to learn” [fill in the blank] thought. We’re all about sewing around here. But every once in a while we want to tackle something different. A different skill, a new craft. Today I want to give you some inspiration and a kick in the pants to pursue that craft or hobby that continually calls to you but that you keep...

Perhaps you’ve been thinking about how to incorporate your love of historical fashion with your everyday lifestyle but find it challenging to wear a bustle dress to your weekly grocery store outing. You are not alone! Jennifer gets us started with ideas on approaching this idea of HistoryBounding for our modern wardrobes with encouragement that YES! it can be done with comfort and functionality.

Aside from fabric and needle, thread is the other absolute necessary component for sewing. lol But is there thread that’s better than others? Join Jennifer in this episode to find out her favorite threads to use for general sewing by machine and hand. Take notes for tips on colors, conditioners, and available quality products.

Not every project needs to be a BIG one. Even in the process of sewing basic things there is the advantage of keeping the mind fresh, exploring new techniques, and finding the joy again – with no pressure to “perform.” In this quick episode Jennifer gives a dose of encouragement where even if your current sewing is a bit boring, the consistency of moving forward can inspire and refresh you for new, bigger projects.

Feeling overwhelmed with piles of patterns, fabrics, trims, books and more in your sewing room? Ready to dump it all and start fresh? Or at least find a way to manage all the things? We’ll take a look at the popular KonMari Method of tidying and how it applies to sewing and crafting items to help give you a set of guidelines for dealing with the clutter and to free your mind and space for new creative projects.

Most of our modern Christmas activities came about during the Victorian Era in England and in America. In this episode we’ll look at celebrations developed in the 19th Century (say hello to the 1840s!) that have been carried through nearly two centuries! Be inspired to add some of these traditions and merrymaking to your own holiday festivities.

Is cotton historically appropriate to use for Victorian bustle dresses? Enthusiastically -YES! Day and evening wear from the 1870s and 1880s abounds in various cotton weaves used in the late 19th century. In this episode Jennifer talks about her favorite fabric, cotton, with its wonderful properties of being easy-to-sew, breatheable, washable and with strength and elegance depending on the weave you use.

Start increasing your sewing efficiency by using a sewing journal! Make your journal as detailed or as open as fits YOUR sewing style - we are all different with our creativity and organization. This episode covers Jennifer walking through how she puts together project pages in her journal. She includes tips for how you can organize your projects encompassing those really important items as well as ideas for various types of journal systems.

No matter how long you've been sewing and making historical ensembles, one of the biggest challenges is getting the silhouette "correct." That look you create that identifies your costume as being from a specific fashion era and is recognizable as such. The key is to work with your specific body type with its assets and flaws. In this episode Jennifer expands on this idea and gives examples that will have you re-think how you approach making undergarments.

Where would we be without tools in our sewing box? We each have our favorites - those that give us joy when we use them. Yet, we also have those gadgets that we use often but aren't necessarily a favorite (seam ripper, anyone?). Listen in as Jennifer goes through her list of favorite sewing implements - with her tips on how and why they are used - as well as her most often used and needed tools that she couldn't sew without.

It’s Halloween time! As costumers and Victorian lovers it’s a holiday that many of us embrace. In this episode Jennifer shares a bit of backstory to this All Hallows Eve along with some activities even Queen Victoria herself participated in. You’ll also get inspiration for your holiday meals and a few costume ideas too! Happy Halloween!

We all came into historical costuming through various channels and with varied goals and inspirations. Maybe you are new to sewing or just getting started in your research and building historical fashion. In this episode Jennifer gives tips for everyone when beginning historical garment and accessory projects. Your creative input in our community is valid and valuable.

Organdy is a beautiful fabric ideal for a variety of historical and vintage garments as well as inner layer/underlining support. Learn about the technical details including the weave, finish variances, and differences from organza and crinoline materials. Jennifer will cover various garments, accessories and trims where organdy is best used with sewing tips that help you use this marvelous fabric.

Everyone who builds historical ensembles has their unique way of going through the steps to completion. In this episode Jennifer breaks down the development of creating an ensemble through her own action steps with tips you can apply to your projects.

Tips for how to get out of your sewing slump, keep moving forward, and stay motivated on your projects.