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The Sartorial Sleuth

Research, Recreation, and Conservation of Historic Dress

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Projects

1810s Wardrobe

  1. Chemise (S&S Patterns)
  2. Short Stays (S&S Patterns)
  3. Gown (S&S Patterns)
  4. Fichu (Self-drafted)
  5. Bonnet
  6. Redingote

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About Alyssa

I am a master’s student studying in the Fashion History, Textile Conservation and Textile Science concentrations of the University of Rhode Island’s TMD program. Previously I lectured on, designed, and built costumes for theatre for nearly a decade. My research interests lies in Empire and Belle Epoque era fashions, and the 1920s, 1940s, and 1970s.  I also blog about vintage and modern sewing at What Would Nancy Drew Wear?

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I finally got to see both halves of the @newporthistory and @audrainautomuseum exhibition "The World in Motion, Fashion and Modernity 1885-1945/Women Take the Wheel" and get my picture with the #1920sdress I made for it. The fashion objects are beautiful, the text labels are very informative, and the exhibit tableaux are so artfully arranged. It closes at the end of August, so if you want to see it you'd better get a move on. Also, if you are a library card holder, the Newport library has a pass to the Audrain Museum (each half of the exhibit requires a separate entry fee). #museumwork #newporthistory #fashionhistory #fashioninmuseums
Today I could not ignore the urge to knit. Since starting grad school 2 years ago, I was surprised at how little knitting was happening. I had pictured myself knitting on the commute to school (of course commuting was largely nixed by the pandemic), during a break on the quad, at bedtime, maybe even in class! Instead those moments got filled with academic reading in order to get my homework done. I am a slow knitter to begin with, I always have been, and my disability has slowed me even further, but still it took me a over year to knit one sock (in worsted!) After finishing it, I have barely picked up my needles for 6 months. But today was unusually cool and damp for July, with overcast skies. With stock simmering on the stove and pine incense burning, I made tea and picked up the second, partially completed sock. I find knitting both calming and stressful - the work is mostly mindless, so my brain is left to churn and pick over anything that has been bothering me. I will find myself tensing up, taking my stress and anxiety out on the yarn. I'm not going to knit for long, because I have deadlines, but knitting today brought me a sense of groundedness and normalcy I haven't felt in a long time.
Switching #sewing gears for the moment...I had originally planned to sew new dresses for some family events this summer, but school and work have me too busy. Instead, I'm trying to let out this #vintagedress I made years ago. It was always a bit snug for a 60s shift, so I'm not terribly hopeful but I love the fabric and trim too much to not try. And as much as I want to sew new things, I find I always feel better about using something I already have. #makedoandmend #60ssewing #60sstyle #vintagesewing #bobbletrim #ballfringe
My #appliquestitch is getting pretty good! This is one of the medallions for my round #regencyreticule. #regencysewing #historicalsewing

Recent Posts

  • Video of Fitting Black Snail 0119 Regency Dress
  • Completed: Regency Sleeveless Spencer
  • Planning for a Picnic: New Regency Accessories
  • NHS/Audrain Exhibit: 1920’s Dressmaker’s Toile Reproduction
  • NHS/Audrain Exhibition: Making Mounts

Top Posts

  • Video of Fitting Black Snail 0119 Regency Dress
  • Bonfit Patterner System from 1995
  • Quick and Thrifty 18th C. Garters: A Tutorial and Short History
  • Completed: Regency Sleeveless Spencer
  • The Regency Redingote Project: Research - Primary Source Images

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