What about the CASKS, chief?

The last project for the historical costume course was late 1960s-early 1970s and we got to look through some really cool fabric stock. I lucked out with the William Morris inspired fabric for my jacket and was just able to squeeze the flared trousers out of the last of some lovely purple wool.

I was so excited that I got to see my model Lucy in the full 1886 polonaise dress I made for her, as part of the womenswear module of my intensive historical costuming course! To bring the look to life I had to draft and make a chemise, steel-boned corset, 1880s bustle, and petticoat to go underneath the outer layers - all invisible in the final costume but vitally important to the silhouette. Seeing her visibly light up in an outfit that fit her measurements and was comfortable for her to move in made the long hours of agonising over small measurements worth it.

I also handmade fabric roses out of leftover scraps of the skirt fabric to use as decoration.

As part of my historical costuming intensive course, in only a few very hectic weeks I learned how to metric pattern draft, fit and sew a tailored 1830s mens ensemble! Now that we've had our photoshoot and final exhibition, I'm excited to share the results of the hard work.

I came to really appreciate that my tutor for this module pushed us to make samples of pockets and the trouser fly before it came to the real thing, even if the desire to rush ahead made it frustrating to be told to do another practice version. "Anything worth doing is worth doing again" has become a very valuable motto.

I'm 100% going to wear elements of this in daily life, it's incredibly comfy.

Costume school project 2: 1830s-40s tailoring! This one was fitted to my measurements rather than a model's. Even though the learning process was quite challenging at times because it was a very quick module, it was wonderful making something I knew I'd get to wear at the end, and I learned a LOT. Suits have so much hidden structuring and precise math!

I'm looking forward to the end photoshoot where I'll also be wearing the trousers I made, and a proper shirt and cravat.

For the past few months I've been in York at a school for historical costuming! It's incredibly fast-paced but I'm having such a good time. In a 4-month span we're making 3 full clothing ensembles, each from a different era (1880s womenswear, 1830s menswear, and 1970s daywear of choice).

Here is some of the progress on my womenswear look, from undergarment construction toile to the nearly finished piece. It's a polonaise style referenced from a Harper's Bazaar illustration from 1886.

I think this message just made my whole year. Sometimes it feels like I haven't made enough progress as a person and then I get a lovely reminder like this, from someone who really enjoys what I do, and it makes everything feel worthwhile. Thank you for sticking with me this whole time! I hope you have a wonderful day.

I'm glad you asked! The chaos at the back of the hoop is always fun to look at.