Favorite Site Tuesdays: Reprodepot!

Munki Market by Heather Ross

This week's favorite site will be familiar to most of you interior decorators out there, but let me introduce it to the rest: Reprodepot! This charming company sells vintage fabrics, reproduction vintage fabrics, and new fabrics with a distinctly vintage flair. And, do they have the fabrics! There are hundreds of patterns from as far away as Japan and from designers like Marimekko, Amy Butler, and Anna Griffin.

Aunt Grace Baloons, Bears, and Bunnies

Kaivo by Marimekko

They also carry patterns and notions. How cute is this little Madison bag by Amy Butler? I love her fabric, and I have been needing a new purse . . . hmmmmmm . . .

Stop by Reprodepot the next time you need to make new curtains for your kitchy kitchen, or a pillow to go with that '60's era Eames. You won't be disappointed!

Favorite Site Tuesdays!

Today's featured site is one of my all-time favorites: Truly Victorian! If you are a historical costumer who focuses on the Victorian era (as I am), then this is like one-stop shopping for all your pattern needs.

I have used several of their patterns over the years, and I keep coming back to them for one simple reason: of all the historical pattern companies I've tried, their patterns are the best, in instructions, ease of construction, and the way the pieces are drafted. Too often, I find that with other companies (and I am not going to be nasty and name names *cough cough*Alter Years) The pattern pieces just do not line up, or the sizing is completely off. Then, there is the circuitous or strange instructions I've found on even some commercially produced patterns (*clears throat* Vintage Vogue). So, it is refreshing to open up a pattern for what seems to be a wildly complicated garment and find it a dream to assemble, and Truly Victorian always does that.

My Edith Roosevelt ensemble was made using TV 101(bustle), TV 374 (Bordered Asymetrical Overskirt) and TV 460 (1885 Cuirass Bodice), along with a modified version of TV 298. I was new to historical costuming when I made this, and everything turned out perfectly. I have since used several of their patterns in various projects; the 298 Umbrella Skirt is a perfect underskirt for Natural Form to the Late '90's.

I am looking forward to usng them again in the near future, when I start working on my sister's Dinner Dress, and the Money Dress from Deadwood.

Regency Ball 2009

As I mentioned in the previous post, I was in Lansing, MI last weekend. Not usually the vacation mecca of the US, I assure you, I had a legit reason for going: Regency Ball!

Yes, gentles, there was period nummies, dancing, and almost 200 well-dressed ladies and gentlemen, and I had a beyond-lovely time;)


That's me on the end;) To my utter astonishment, I actually did quite a bit of dancing myself:

We were invited by the incomparable Kimba, seen in the ice-blue gown, and I can't remember when I've had such a good time! We're definitely going next year . . . and if you're interested in going too, check it out: http://www.regencyexhibitionball.blogspot.com/

A final shot:


My sister Tabitha is in the green, and I know what you're thinking: Isn't that dress too short? Yes; it is. I had to rip off the border trim at the beginning of the evening because she kept stepping on it and it was tearing! Mea Culpa;) At least she could dance after I had done it! That's her boyfriend Ansel next to her, whose outfit had four different people working on it (including me!). I'm glad we all ended up looking fab.

For those curious about the pattern I used for the gowns, it was the Regency Wardrobe from La Mode Bagatelle. Yes, it's a little pricey, but it was worth it! The pattern is extremely detailed and inclusive, with instructions and pieces for making a round gown, shaped gown, petticoat, chemisette, sleeve options, bodice options, spencer, hat, etc. There's also historical info and embroidery templates! Well worth the investment, if you intend to do Regency events;)