I’ve finally broken down and joined Pinterest. It took me a while to be convinced due to copyright concerns, as I want to be careful that original creators get their due (photographers, designers, etc.). I’ve always been happy for visitors to my site to repin any of my images. They’re mine to share and yours [...]

One of my customers purchased this gown at auction a few years ago and sent me detailed photographs so I could study the drawstring closure and short sleeve/undersleeve combination. I didn’t end up making the drawstring bodice in my Elegant Lady’s Closet as gathered as this one, but I absolutely love this look. You’ll note [...]

This breathtaking gown is in the collection of the wonderful Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, which boasts one of the largest historical costume collections in the South. I photographed this during a visit in 1998 to file away.

Back when I used to sew professionally, I often received requests to reproduce gowns seen in portraits or fashion plates. This is a gown I made in 2001, savoring every moment of this delectable project! My customer asked me to copy the gown and the chemisette with standing “ruff” collar seen in the Regency portrait [...]

The gowns above used to be on display in Jane Austen’s house, Chawton, England. Note the beautiful shawl and the draping detail on the bodice at the right. Below is a photo from A&E’s “Emma,” and you can see the same draping detail was used for Jane Fairfax’s ballgown.

Left: One of Elizabeth Bennet’s beautiful Spencer jackets from the recent A&E “Pride and Prejudice” miniseries. This one features nice sleeve details with “toothed” sleeve caps. Center: Three Bennet sisters show off their ballgowns. Notice the crossover front on the far right gown and the lovely gathered bodice front on the center gown. Right: Two [...]

Here are several shots from the Miramax “Emma,” starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Clockwise from top left: Day dress of a lovely sage green with a patterned muslin overdress; plainer day dress with gathered bodice and a gorgeous shawl; day dress of striped pink with a more squared neckline; morning dress with “drop-front” bodice; ball gown with [...]

Top left: “Mariann” and “Elinor” ride in the coach to their new home in “Sense and Sensibility.” I love the bonnet Kate Winslet is wearing. Top center: The Dashwood ladies listen attentively to their mysterious guest. Mariann’s daydress is simple and lovely. Top right: Elinor meets Miss Lucy Steele. Note the pelisse Elinor is wearing–a [...]

This satirical cartoon spoofs the length of some ladies’ trains during the early Regency (ca. 1797). So funny!

A hilarious Regency cartoon, poking fun at the increasingly deep bonnet styles of the period.