I can't thank you enough for taking the time to visit my site and enjoy my creations. Everything I sew is truly a work of he(art) and every project is like a little child of mine that I am putting out into the world. I have loved historical clothing - the decorative elements, the body shaping, the culture and the stories embedded in the design - from such an early age, I really can't remember a time I haven't. Of course, history, sewing and design are ever-changing arts and ones that require an open mind and desire for constant learning.
I took a break from sewing for others (I used to sew under "Rebecca's Reproductions") while I was single-parenting and raising my first three kids, but I am back, and once again loving every moment.
I'm thrilled and tickled pink that you are excited about historical clothing, too! Let's make something great together!
Let's just say that historical costuming has been a hobby and an obsession of mine since . . . well as long as I can remember. (REALLY!) From the age of seven, I could sit for hours engrossed in movies like "Les Miserables" (with Anthony Perkins), "The King and I" (with Yul Brenner), and of course "Gone With the Wind." Even then, I was studying the clothing so I could run to my box of play clothes and attempt to recreate that perfect historical look.
Okay, so my research methods and sewing ability may not have been quite "up-to-par" at that point in time. but my motivation, creativity and enthusiasm were definitely running wild. Day after day, I snuck up to my Mother's bedroom to teach myself to use the sewing machine. Eventually it paid off.
In 1986 (at the age of 12) I attended my first Civil War Reenactment - the 125th Anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. Just days after the event, I designed and crafted my first Civil War period day dress. (Picture to the left). Of course, this was still far from authentic or perfectly period (styled from the TV miniseries, "North and South," and made up of synthetic satin) but it was a start. I received enough gentle optimism and advice from fellow re-enactors that I was able to begin my research in earnest: visiting libraries, museums, examining period pieces and images for details.
From that time on, I immersed myself in researching historical costume; learning something new almost every day. And that's the point when it comes to historical garments and sewing: the learning never ends!
This is my fabulous, Green Beret, husband who lovingly encourages my crazy obsession with sewing, historical events and period dramas. Without wholehearted support from your loved ones, small businesses are difficult to maintain. This guy supports it all!
<3 <3 <3
I have four children (17, 15, 13 and 3) who keep me constantly busy! I used to drag my first three little ones out to events all the time, and then they turned into teens. ;) I can tell you some events were easier than others. Little ones are not always keen to put on layers of clothes - especially on hot Virginia days! But we always had fun!
Surprise! I was blessed with baby number four in 2018! I haven't rustled up enough courage to drag this little guy out to any events yet (and thanks to COVID there really haven't been too many) but we'll see what the future holds!
Have you heard about our WWII USO Dinner & Swing Dance going on in Fayetteville, NC on June 29th 2024?
It's going to be the event of the summer and you're not going to want to miss it! Tickets are on sale now and early bird prices are going on thru December 31st!
