I have always enjoyed dressing up, especially in clothes of the past, but until just a couple of years ago I had no sewing skills to aid my want of a whole wardrobe stuffed full of historical garments. You know, just in case the Tardis ever turns up in my backyard 😉
At first, to attend events I hired dresses and then had a dress made for me. I used to say ‘one day I’ll make a dress for myself’ but as I had no sewing skills it always seemed like some distant goal that would probably never eventuate.
Until, at the start of 2016, I decided that ‘one day is today’. I ordered some patterns online and ventured into a fabric store (which, to a complete newbie, is rather overwhelming). It took me hours and hours, of searching online, watching youtube videos, reading blog entries and books, reading and rereading pattern instructions, and of sewing and unpicking and sewing again. But over the course of the year, I somehow succeeded in creating three whole 1880s Victorian outfits. I even made myself a corset!
That was definitely a learning experience but I found that I really enjoyed the challenge – at least I enjoyed overcoming the challenges that I faced while constructing it. And I certainly do enjoy conquering whatever costuming project I try and attempt.
I’ve got a long way to go in my historical costuming journey, but I’m proud of what I have accomplished so far and I’m really quite excited to see where it’s going to take me.
Miss Temby 