21 years ago, two customers, harp-playing sisters who loved to wear beautiful gowns while they performed, dropped me a line to ask if I'd consider bringing out patterns for some of my designs. At that point, I'd been filling custom sewing orders for about 18 months, mainly catering to the Regency/Napoleonic groups in the D.C. area by making day dresses and ball gowns. I'd also fallen in love with Regency fashions for everyday wear, finding them an excellent match for my expectant silhouette in 1997! But, while I designed patterns for my customers and myself, I hadn't considered publishing any of them. After all, that was what Big Companies did, and how could I possibly compete in a market that was positively flooded with patterns?

At long last, the size 16-26 Ladies' Classic 1950s Wardrobe pattern is ready for printing! Many thanks to all of you who have waited such an age for this one to get to press--particularly so long after the 4-18 version went to press last year! I am truly delighted with the results and ecstatic to show them off with my beautiful South African models who brought such grace and glamour to our photo shoot.

My book review of American Duchess's Guide to 18th-Century Dressmaking! This really isn't a small guidebook at all but a veritable encyclopedia of 18th-century sewing and fitting techniques, all beautifully illustrated with clear, full-color photos and sharp line drawings. You learn how to cut, drape, fit, and stitch gowns from 1740-1790, including an Italian Gown, which is the main option in my pattern. As an added bonus, there are instructions for accessories, including an apron, chemisette, hat, muff, and reticules. Read my full review!

For Designin' December, I thought I'd show the results of making my own dress from my new Ladies' Classic 1950s Wardrobe pattern, as I am super pleased with how it turned out. I opted for the pointed collar and closed the front with a lapped zipper (I'll be sharing that how-to on the blog in January). The fit is perfect and super easy for this nursing mama. I plan to make a bunch more to do some stash-busting and use up fabric that has been sitting much too long in my cupboards!

I've pulled together my favorite design elements from this decade--the full skirt and the demurely tailored pencil skirt; the fitted bodice and tailored sleeves; the curvy collar and the wide pointed collar; the detachable peplum and the removable dickie. You can mix and match to your heart's content and create an entire closet full of flattering outfits that take you from relaxing on the patio in cool gingham to stepping out in sophisticated glamour with all the stops pulled out. Thanks to the inspiration of customer Denise B., I've also added a brand new set of instructions for a breathtaking petticoat a lá Alice Lon!

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Size 4-18 ePattern:[cc_product sku="elc1950w" display="inline" quantity="false" price="true"]Size 16-26 ePattern:[cc_product sku="elc1950plus" display="inline" quantity="false" price="true"](Looking for the paper version rather than the ePattern? Purchase from one of our many retailers worldwide! Please note that Patterns of Time carries my entire line and is well stocked.)

When it comes to retro maternity style, I may not be an expert, but I think sheer experience has to count for something! I've lived through two decades of maternity wear, beginning with my first pregnancy in 1996, when I was just starting out as a seamstress-for-hire and making lots of Regency gowns.

My youngest was wanting a new apron for Christmas. She helps me bake for the farmers market in the summer. This pattern was perfect! She picked the fabric (a little house on the prairie print by Andover). It turned out so cute. I bound the edges on the outside of the skirt for extra detail (this was a yellow/gold print from my stash). Can't wait for her to open it on Christmas.

My 10 year old daughter requested a long-sleeved flannel nightgown, so the search began! I was aghast at the cost of a ready-made flannel gown, so I started the search for an appropriate pattern.I am NOT a highly experienced sewer, but I was willing to give this a try! After communicating with Jennie (who provided incredibly kind encouragement), I felt confident I could complete this project utilizing the Girls' Regency Gown Pattern.All I can say is "WOW!" The process of printing, piecing & cutting this pattern was so incredibly easy. The dress came together like a dream.

My friend Lorna McKenzie of The Tailor's Apprentice asked me in 2011 to review the Lilly Rose pattern she was developing from an original 1940s design. Unfortunately, I had just moved to Kenya and was expecting a new baby at the time, so I never did get around to sewing the dress. But I can't stand leaving a project undone, so five years later (!!!) I asked Lorna if I could still stitch up the pattern and provide feedback. She graciously sent me a review copy, and I got started!

I was looking for a quick and simple project to make during 2 days off with my 3 meters of cotton. I've chosen the drawstring dress.

Next time this pattern is printed, the lines will be in place, but this should help the rest of you. I never cease to be amazed at what can go unremarked and unseen for such a long stretch of years. This is why I LOVE customer feedback.

I decided last August to make a new apron-front gown, basing it upon several gowns I've handled in person, plus an extant garment in the National Museum of Australia that I found online with detailed photographs.This time, I've used my Elegant Lady's Closet pattern as the base, since it has no back opening to begin with and features the more fitted long sleeves I planned to use for my undersleeves and the short, puffed ballgown sleeves I'd use as the over sleeves.

In November 2014 I bought a pattern for a Regency Era Dress from you, with the intent of first sewing a toile and then my wedding dress from it. Which I did! I was very happy with the result, and wanted to show you some photos of me wearing it just a few weeks ago.

Here are some pictures of my Titanic dress. It was a pleasure to work with this pattern.

I needed a warm coat for a War of 1812 reenacting event in February. I've had this white wool plush coating in my stash for about 15 years, so I decided it would be perfect for a pelisse. This is made from the Regency Spencer pattern. I used the skirt pattern from the Regency Gown pattern to make the pelisse skirt as suggested in the instructions.

Thanks a lot for this great pattern. I have never before done anything from this period, but both the underwear and the crossover gown pattern went together like a dream. The dress looks so nice, you hardly notice that it is made from an old Ikea curtain and three old pillow cases ;-) Since I live in Germany I used your e-pattern option, which even work easily on my Linux.

I found your pattern (1940s Swing Dress) and it was the exact dress I was hoping to find in all the shops I had visited!

This maternity Regency gown was made with your pattern. It's entirely hand made and embroidered.

All of these regency gowns are made with the Elegant Lady's Closet pattern. This was during the First International Open for Historic Dances in Paris last year. We are French Irish dancers from Paris.

This is the "tea gown" I made using the 1909 Edwardian Gown pattern. I made it all out of lace and then used a chemise pattern to make an underlining.