Hi everyone. It's been a long and chaotic year for me since I have last posted, but here I am! Some updates:I have decided it was best to change the name of this blog from Crinolines & Cavaliers to something more broad and reflective of my current research and costuming practice—Threads of Research. For the … Continue reading Blog Revamp Underway
The Scythian Caftan Project
For the better part of the past two years, I have immersed myself in the material worlds of the Scythians after reading Barry Cunliffe's The Scythians: Nomad Warriors of the Steppe. This lead me down a research rabbit hole where I began to gobble up every book, article, and reference work I could get my … Continue reading The Scythian Caftan Project
Dressing the Courtesans of Venice: an Introduction
Analyzing the clothing of the courtesan in 16th century Italy presents us with a myriad of complexities regarding representation in the contemporaneous visual culture of the period. In this post, I hope to unravel some of these intricacies regarding the dress of women who were in equal measure both mythologized and maligned in both visual … Continue reading Dressing the Courtesans of Venice: an Introduction
The Burgundian Dress Project pt. 2
It's done! It's finished! I entered the whole ensemble in this year's Pentathlon in Caid where it placed 1st place Journeyman. I also constructed a new supportive underkirtle since the previous v-fronted design wasn't enough support for me. Wow, Shiny! This project consisted of: - One gown in brocaded silk, appropriate for 1480 - 1490, … Continue reading The Burgundian Dress Project pt. 2
A Simple 1550’s-1560’s Italian Sottana (Part 1. Sans-Sleeves.)
Having fallen in love with a green kersey wool I ordered on impulse from Burnley & Trowbridge, I decided it simply had to be something 16th century. I really enjoy the idea of having a variable wardrobe with the ability to change up the look and (possible) geographic location of the individual I am dressing … Continue reading A Simple 1550’s-1560’s Italian Sottana (Part 1. Sans-Sleeves.)
Burgundian Project pt. 1: A Foundational Kirtle
After working on a large commission later last year, I took a little break from making anything that involved needle and thread. That changed with the start of the new year, and offering to teach a class for 'Fiberuary'— a series of online classes offered through the Facebook group with the same name. Offering to … Continue reading Burgundian Project pt. 1: A Foundational Kirtle
Album Amicorum in the Early Modern Period
While interning at LACMA in 2017, I came across a curious collection of 16th c. illustrations during an inventory project for special collections resources related to Costume & Textiles. This grouping of illustrations immediately struck me— one because of their small pocketbook-like size, and because of their depicted content: preserved together in an archival box, … Continue reading Album Amicorum in the Early Modern Period
Resurrecting the Blog, Pt. II.
Well, it's certainly been awhile. Throughout 2018 through 2019, I got very busy with finishing graduate school, scrambling to establish my new career, and dealing with heavy issues related to the terminal illness and loss of a beloved pet. Thus my blog project took a leap onto the backburner. To follow up on the last … Continue reading Resurrecting the Blog, Pt. II.
Buckram: Not just for books!
Continuing on with my 17th century ensemble, I did not get as much done today as I had hoped due to mechanical issues related to my sewing machine. I can say that taking apart the tension assembly, re-calibrating it, and oiling all the moving parts has seemed to fix my problem for now... But I'm … Continue reading Buckram: Not just for books!
A Hollar-inspired dress for a grand party
Well, it has certainly been quite some time since I have last made an entry—nonetheless sewed! (Ahh, graduate school.) But as I have been approached by my boss to make and wear an ensemble for the Grand Reopening of the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, as well as run a booth on early modern material … Continue reading A Hollar-inspired dress for a grand party
Threads of Research 