Cyber Monday Sale!

Save 30% on downloadable patterns in Hint of History's Etsy store!

Valid through December 7th

1812 Day Dress Sewing Kits!

When I was getting the 1812 Day Dress doll pattern ready this spring, I also designed a "roller print" based on the textiles of the era, planning to use it in a pre-printed doll dress kit.

I'm happy to report that the 1812 Day Dress sewing kits are now available on Etsy!

The kit comes in a resealable plastic bag and includes:
--Pre-printed dress fabric--just cut out the pieces along the solid lines!
--Velcro for the back closure
--Lace for the neck and sleeves
--Complete illustrated instructions

The 1812 Day Dress is also available as a pattern or download.

My latest sewing project . . .

(Ok, technically my latest project was replacing buttons on a shirt, 

but that doesn't make a very good post.) :)

In May one of my cousins and good friends got married, and I was honored to be the wedding dress designer and seamstress! After a trip to the local fabric store to check out our options, we brainstormed together a bit and I sketched out a design that would incorporate the embroidered fabric and vintage-style silver buttons she wanted.

The dress has two parts: a simple white underdress with a lace overlay and an embroidered, full length jacket/overdress with short sleeves, three buttons on the waistband, and a twirly, Gunne Sax style ruffle at the hem.

Visit my sister-in-law's blog, Simple Days, for more pictures!

Updated covers!

It's hard to believe it's been seven years since I launched my first pattern--the Shawl Collar Dress. It's still one of my most popular patterns, and a personal favorite!

Though some things stay the same, others change--including my branding and illustration style! When I ordered the most recent batch of instructions for patterns #101 and #102, I decided that it was time for the covers to get a little facelift:

The new, b&w cover is integrated into the instructional booklet (the instructions got a bit of a makeover, too!) and I'm really pleased with the results. There are still a few older covers left in the inventory, but I'm excited to introduce this updated look!

Now in the shop!

For those of you who aren't a fan of e-patterns and downloads, four of my 18" doll designs are now available as really-truly arrive-by-snail-mail patterns in addition to the .pdf digital format! I'm really excited to be able to offer these--and also to standardize my cover designs, little by little . . . .

The newly-available patterns are:

1812 Day Dress
Victorian Walking Ensemble
1912 Kimono Dress Variations
1930s Hooverette Dress

The 1940s Scalloped Apron pattern is here!

I know I promised you this pattern months ago, but I have been so busy wearing an apron made from this pattern that I haven’t had a chance to finish formatting the pattern!

Since I practically live in my apron during the late summer/fall canning season, I have very particular requirements for the apron I wear:

1. It must not need continual attention (straps falling off your shoulder, straps around your neck shifting forward, skirt twisting around, etc.).


2. It must cover my skirt well--not only the front, but the sides and back!


3. It must have pockets that are of a practical size.


4. It must be flattering--after all, can’t you cook better when you’re satisfied with your appearance? (Ok, maybe you can’t, but still...)

This apron meets all of my requirements. Believe me, it has been extensively kitchen-tested, and has come through with flying colors!

Download Price: $6.00 Download Now

Fashion [re]Model: Dress to Skirt

Here is one of my latest sewing projects: a 25-cent thrift store dress that has been remodeled to become one of my very favorite skirts! With so many colors in the floral print, it can be matched with almost every shirt in my closet!

First I ripped out the sleeves and shoulder seams. I tried it on and pinned the side seams before I cut the extra material off. Below is a diagram showing the approximate cutting lines:
The dress had a short zipper in the center back. I ripped it out and moved it down to line up with the new waistline, and finished the waistline with a simple, narrow hem that won't add bulk.

So there it is: the best quarter I've spent in a long time!

Be sure to visit the Biblical Womanhood blog for more Frugal Friday ideas!