About Rebecca
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!
The Beginning
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 experienced my first Civil War Reenactment when my parents took me to the 125th Anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. Just days after the event, I designed and created 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!
Professional Work
Costume Consultancies
- Manassas Museum, Virginia - identifying and tagging historical clothing in textile collection
- North Carolina Museum of History - identifying unknown pieces in a family collection
- NC State (my alma mater) - consultancy for a production of "Gaslight"
- James K. Polk State Historic Site, NC - construction of period undergarments
- Synetic Theater and The Kennedy Center in Washington DC. - independent costume production
- Consultancy for a series of historical short stories
advanced Schooling
- Master of Business Administration (In Pursuit), University of Illinois
- Doctor of Education (non-degree): Mind, Brain and Learning, Johns Hopkins University
- Master of Education: Instructional Technology, George Mason University
- Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction/Multi-Cultural Education, George Mason University
- Bachelor of Arts: Political Science/Law and Political Philosophy (Magna Cum Laude), North Carolina State University. Honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Sigma Alpha, Golden Key, National Society of Women Engineers
The Rest of the Story
My hubby
the original three
the original three
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
the original three
the original three
the original three
I have four children (16, 15, 12 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!
The Newest Edition
the original three
The Newest Edition
Surprise! I was blessed with baby number four in 2018! While this little guy keeps me super busy, I also currently work as the Director of the Language, Regional Education and Culture (LREC) Directorate which is the finishing leg of the Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) Qualification Course (QC), and I'm working on my MBA (which I hope to have finished by summer 2022. Whew!)