The Costumer's Notebook

10/03/2026

Fantastic!!! I loved working this show ...

10/03/2026

We used to have so many shoe stores...

10/03/2026

I've been processing a lot lately about how the virtual world is impacting lost arts. Perhaps having a child in elementary, and the recent stats on literacy and the overuse of computers in classrooms have impacted me. Perhaps the news about artificial intelligence has been having an impact on how I process our roles as future historians, artists, and craftspeople.

Perhaps how we feel isn't that different than people felt throughout history, and how it spurred a new revival of lost arts and artistic skill, as they saw machinery take over the centuries of slow, manual labor involved in their trades. Perhaps we will be in our own cultural renaissance.

We are becoming more and more accustomed to instant gratification. Reels show crafts that take days being simplified into 30 seconds. Essays are being written with the push of a button- scanning blogs and research papers that took hours, days, and lifetimes of humans to compile. And while social media is wonderful at drawing new people to interests they otherwise would never have know about, let me encourage you. Do not let it stop at a "follow" or "like."

After doing our research, of which we are so lucky to have- countless period historical articles and databases, sewing manuals, antique books, photo and video tutorials tirelessly made available by amazing individuals. There's a time when you should physically implement things you learned. Do it with your hands and feel the materials. Feel crisp reed become pliable when soaked for making baskets. Feel the way different materials behave when needle goes through cloth. Take the digital and mental learning and make it tangible. There's something deeply grounding about trying things for yourself.

We will sometimes fail. A garment might not fit. A technique might need multiple tries. A fabric might not work. That vague sewing instruction might need more research. Don't get discouraged. Do it anyways. Take breaks, and be nice to yourself. Experimentation is good. Let things take time.

With all my best. Xoxo

10/03/2026

Love this colour!!!!

Pumpkin spice from Worth with hints of the 18th century in the waistcoat effect and side panels framing a 'petticoat' of figured and embroidered velvet. Afternoon dress, c. 1880.
https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/work/117073/

09/07/2026

09/07/2026

09/07/2026

12/21/2025

It's just gorgeous

Costume and sketch by Helen Rose for Grace Kelly in High Society, c 1956
Gown of avory organdy embroidered with white and green flowers

12/21/2025

Merry Christmas!!

Wrapped in Christmas plaid!

12/21/2025

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!