Now on Etsy!

You may have gotten wind of this already, but in case you haven't... I've just launched my first collection, now available on Etsy!
Check out the Frivolous Distinction website for more information, or subscribe to the newsletter for a limited-time coupon code!

A Sweet Valentine's Day Discount!

Hello my fellow seamstresses! Valentine's day is almost here, and I'm happy to say that the 1920s wedding dress pattern arrived just in time for the holiday! This 18" doll design is now available as both a download and a physical paper pattern! You can order your copy here.

To celebrate the season, use the code LOVE14 to save 14% on your next Hint of History order! (Valid through 03/16/15; not valid on digital downloads) I've been working on some other projects, as well, and soon I'll have some exciting news as I launch my newest endeavor! There's a sneak peek below...

  

New Shop, New Sale, New Year!

Happy New Year! 2014's notes, sketches, and designs are cleared from my "inspiration wall" and I'm excited to see what new projects will fill it up in 2015!

To start out the new year I've moved my Etsy shop and changed my username. The patterns are the same and outwardly it may not look much different, but the move makes me happy. In hopes that you'll be happy, too, here's a "New Shop for the New Year" coupon--type "new15" to save 15% on any purchase from the Hint of History Etsy store until Monday, January 5th!

If I made resolutions (though I usually spare myself the mortification) every year I would probably resolve to become more organized, keep better records, and declutter my sewing/crafting/creating stashes. I've done a lot of knitting in the last month or so (it just seems right at this time of year!), and one small step I've taken in organizing my creative projects is to record knitting projects on my Ravelry account so I won't have to ask myself, "Which pattern was that? What yarn did I use? Dare I wash these socks or will they shrink beyond redemption and have to be donated as boot-liners to one of my little nieces?" What are your creative resolutions for 2015?

1920s Wedding Gown--New Pattern!

I'm excited to announce my latest pattern: 

the 1920s Parliment Wedding Gown! 

Back in October a customer contacted me through my Etsy shop with her Grandmother's wedding photograph from the 1920s. She asked if I could recreate the wedding dress for an 18" doll.

Challenge accepted!

Here's my initial sketch. In the final design I ditched the bow in back and added full-length sleeves.

Although the 1920s are not my favorite fashion era (it's hard to compete with those lovely Edwardian dresses, in my opinion!), I enjoyed the challenge of designing in a new fashion era. The pattern includes a veil and a second dress with a three layer petal-edged skirt--perfect for a 20s bridesmaid!

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!