I specialize in made to measure Art Deco reproduction fashion, keeping old designs and techniques alive. Even just having something custom made can be a vintage experience, as these days most of us are more likely to buy ready-to-wear. But if you have an original garment too delicate to wear which you want copied, or … Continue reading Custom orders: what’s involved?
I have been making 1920's reproduction dresses for the best part of 5 years now, but this is my first foray into headwear, starting simple; the bandeau or headband is a cliche of 1920s fashion. A modern 'flapper costume' would not be complete without a sequinned, feathered headband. But original pieces actually came in a … Continue reading A little Bandeau
In February I was asked to sew two 1920's slips for the Napier Art Deco Festival and launched into a frantic couple of days of research on fabrics, length, cut and finish details. Slips were generally made of silk or 'art silk' (rayon/viscose) and tended to be soft pastel colours with peachy tones … Continue reading A Tale of Two Slips
Taking a break from the travel posts, here is the first garment finished in 2017; a men’s double-breasted waistcoat circa 1937. This has been made on a sewing machine of no fixed abode, from Auckland to Algies Bay to Napier - the trusty domestic sewing machine has come into its own while we holiday and … Continue reading The Prototype Men’s Waistcoat of 1937
Sometimes I get approached for some very unusual commissions, and they are often the most fun. This was one of the more unusual ones to date… I was asked to make a jacket out of bus seat fabric. It was perhaps asked in jest, perhaps thinking ‘she wont be silly enough to accept’. But I … Continue reading The Bus Seat Suit
As a dressmaker there are three words you should never say to me, and they are 'there’s no rush', closely followed by the phrase 'when you have time'. I'm pleased to say that I have never missed a firm deadline for a project, but three years ago a lovely lady told me 'there’s no rush' … Continue reading The Howick Historical Village Dress
Last weekend was a perfect practice for the next two. I finished three dresses (none of them for me!), had great fun swing dancing, and went on a mini road trip! Hamilton Gardens was the road trip destination; for the Katherine Mansfield Garden Party, after seeing the gardens I can't believe I had never been … Continue reading Two Deco Dresses for the Emma!
Tammy Twinkletoes 