Emmeline Apron

Bitsy polka dots...

Or brilliant bulbs...

You can take your pick with this reversible apron pattern from Sew Liberated. It's a perfect fit for gift-giving and party-wear during the holidays with its feminine empire styling. Coordinating or contrasting fabrics for the apron body and a third fabric to tie it all together. I've made this pattern numerous times for gifts, and it is almost as much fun to make as it is to wear!

(Don't miss designer Meg's blog for Montessori parenting tips and tales.)

Changing Seasons

Bethany Lynn over at Diary of a Seamstress is doing lovely things with our Changing Seasons pattern. Don't miss her blog for all sorts of sewing inspiration!

In Timely Fashion is Back & Better Than Ever!

When I began my English studies two years ago, many things had to take a back burner. One such project left to simmer was In Timely Fashion, "a site designed for those who find delight in 'past-dressing'–not for special occasions only, but on a daily basis." I launched the site back in 2002 but was unable to do much with it afterward. Hence, it comes as a great pleasure to see that a talented young woman has taken up the editorial duties of ITF. Amanda Kastner has done an outstanding job of updating the site's organization, layout, and graphics. I think you'll be delighted with the results of her labors and inspired in your own endeavors to create clothing that's old-fashioned-ly elegant. Enjoy!

Edwardian Whites

Can you imagine the delight of donning this ensemble for a picnic on a summer afternoon? Another relic from the Bath Costume Museum, this is actually a corset cover and petticoat that would have been worn under street clothes. Nowadays, a lady would not be thought improper for appearing nearly anywear in something so lovely!

Little Gowns for Little Women

Have you ever seen anything so sweet as these delicate muslin girls' gowns we discovered in the Bath Costume Museum? Perfectly comfortable on sultry summer days!

Anna's Rescue Mission

The moths dared to touch Anna's gray wool skirt,

But "a curved row of tonal freehand flowers sewn on by machine in 'artistically messy' fashion" fixed that!

Images: Pleasant View Schoolhouse. Used with permission. (Thanks, Anna!)

Should Hillary Clinton Wear Skirts?

Fashion designers can dictate what women wear but woe unto the men of God who ask the women of the church to dress like ladies. Double standard?

Should Hillary Clinton Wear Skirts?