Cicada dress because your historical sewing lay dormant for years like actual cicadas? I love everything about this series of videos, I have a sudden urge to buy yards and yards of black fabric!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Natalie! Also, yes, I realized that after I decided to use cicadas in part of the embellishment on the day bodice and then I've run with it a bit since 😅

I can't express how hype I am for this costume. I've gotten my whole family hooked on it.

@SewSewDrew

3 жыл бұрын

My husband is “watching” football but keeps glancing at my computer

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Chae! ❤❤❤

I like the length of the tails. It really lends to the Vampire/Goth look (bat wings, don't you know). I think the the lack of a bag lining was because, back then, clothing was being constantly altered to the newest mode of fashion. A bagged lining would really hamper that. Larger seam allowances were used, also, for this same reason.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rob! I think the side points I'll definitely make longer for that bat wing effect indeed!

From my own experience I can say that using a very short machine stitch length does come with a caution. With the wrong type of fabric, "tear along the dotted line" no longer applies only to paper.

@maryblaylock6545

3 жыл бұрын

Oh Yes! I learned this the hard way. Always work out your stitch length and tension on scraps of your final fabric. I was so mad at myself.

To be filed under unsolicited advice: Guttermann is cross wound for machines with horizontal spool pins. Vertical spool pins introduce an extra twist in the thread as it feeds. If you have feeding issues with those Guttermann spools on a vintage machine (some of mine do, some don't), either switch to "stacked" thread or get a spool stand.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

This is truly some detailed knowledge and I love it!

@lynndragon2536

2 жыл бұрын

That’s very useful information and may explain issues I’ve had with thread before

So happy to see a video where the music so accurately reflects the "going into battle" feeling of sewing a seam. I'm loving all the drama in these videos, you are killing it!

@rd6203

3 жыл бұрын

For some reason, this music sounds like Xmas to me... 😜

And clicked on that within 4 minutes of upload. I love the spooky intro. I have enjoyed having you see while I am sewing my annoying velvet cuffs to my 40’s dress. Thank you for another great video.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Stephanie! Velvet is always such a pleasure to work with eek!

The white bodice with the black petticoat looks like a 1880s version of that Chanel New Look suit, especially the points of the tail.

@rd6203

3 жыл бұрын

*Dior's New Look, i think you meant, what with the princess seaming, cinched waist and full skirt. Chanel's signature is the flat, short suit look, typically in textured fabrics like tweed and boucle. 😊

I love the little “Listen, don’t make it rude” 😄

I love this bodice, it is very elegant. You are doing a great job getting the fit and styling right. For me, and this is purely my own aesthetic, I would keep the bustle pleats the same length but I would really dramatise those points at the sides. Love your work and am spending many happy hours binge watching your back catalogue :-)

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Julia! I definitely want to make the side points longer for sure, the more bat-like the better 😅

This is so perfect for the Spoopy time of year. I'm watching this like a Hitchcock film! NO, Closet Historian! Turn around!! Oh, Bianca! Can't you see, that sharp left turn you took, took you off the main drag! The GPS made you miss the entrance to that lovely, clean Bates Motel where the tall thin good looking bisexual young man works! Instead, you came the back way up to that old Victorian house on the little hill! No, NO! Your car broke down RIGHT IN MY BACKYARD!!!! That's right, my dear, I'm a Neo-Edwardian, and you just waltzed right into my clutches. What? you're going to cut silk, here, my dear, you may borrow my micro-serrated sheers, they will make quick work of that slippery old silk. Don't mind the ravens, dear child, taming the local corvids is hobby of mine. What? Oh, yes, that silly little song about washing her face and combing her hair seems to calm them, but never mind that. What? WHy where could that lovely toile of yours have gone to? It was here a moment ago. Isn't that always the way with sewing, you spend most of your time looking for the thing you JUST HAD in your hand! Run, Closet Historian! RRUUUNNN! You may not make it out with your clothes!

@michellecornum5856

3 жыл бұрын

Ah, forgive me, dear, but the NaNo approaches quickly, and I am feeling wordy.

For folks like myself who aren't enamored with the summer season, I love cicadas because they are harbingers of the end of summer approaching. AKA The time of year when the trees are screaming.

@kckazcoll1

3 жыл бұрын

that is interesting, here in Australia it signifies the warmer weather coming

@rd6203

3 жыл бұрын

In Argentina we called them dive bombers because as you would walk by, they would drop out of the branches to the ground, pelting you on their way down.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

RD this sounds terrifying for me eek!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Ah the trees are screaming, so lovely ❤

@rd6203

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheClosetHistorian It totally was, the first few times, because we didn't know what was doing it! Once they land, they just sit there all innocent like so you don't suspect them. Plus, the noise they make seems like it should be coming from something shaped a little more like a fighter jet 😜 Eventually got used to it, tho. It only smarts a tad if they actually run into you, which they usually don't.

I really enjoyed the bug talk! I'm a beginner taxidermist and I have 10 quails in my freezer. It's a lovely hobby! Hope you enjoy your bug forays

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Steffi! I have dried butterflies and some pins now, so I'll see how it goes!

You are nearing 40,000 subs Bianca!!! Holy Cow 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

I think the tails look fine. Before you change their length, make the skirt. How the skirt falls over the bustle may help determine the best look for the tails

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jeri! I will luckily be making the skirts before the day bodice, so I can try the next muslin on over them indeed!

I noticed you haven’t been using a thimble for your hand sewing and as someone who always thought thimbles were the devil’s work I can really recommend the clover natural fit leather thimbles. Soooo comfortable I often forget I’m wearing it and has taken the strain off my finger tips.

Collections by Clarks' Emslie Lulin slip-ons are a very good Edwardian-esque shoe. JCPenney has them for @ $94. They're 100% real leather with, I believe, memory foam inner soles. If you get them, go down a half-size down from your usual: I wear a 8.5 instead of my usual 9.

I loved your tangent about bugs!

Boy, am I glad I procrastinated making my TV bodice. Thank you for this video and for bringing up my childhood trauma of having to mow the lawn during the 17 year cicada swarm.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Yikes that sounds...crunchy?

I love seeing your progress

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I think the pointy tips longer for sure, like bat wings indeed!

Mock-up turned out pretty good though I do agree with you on the length of the tail. Either shorter or even longer so it drapes down a bit more, either would look better, IMO. As for the buttons you could always go hook and eye on those (if ya didn't wanna make a ton of button holes) all in all the fit was really good!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! But I've bought such pretty glass buttons see... ;)

I can't wait for this dreeesss. Also the modern hair with victorian dresses oddly works? Idk. There's something about it. Kinda Bladerunner-ish

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Kyle! More modern Victorian hairstyle fusions coming up shortly ha

I was going to bed, but I guess ill be up for another 43 minutes 🥰🤭😊 I always get so happy every time you upload!💗

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Ah! Thank you Ami! Get some sleep too, I could use some myself 😴

October is DEFINITELY the best month of the year! Also, that broach is beautiful!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Joanna!

I lived through the last (2004?) cicada eruption in the Washington DC area. They don't bother people, but there are so many of them ... and the noise! At least they were only noisy during the day.

Strange utility room noises are great sound effects for a spooky Halloween theme 👍

I've only recently started watching you... I am so glad KZread suggested your channel to me! So far it's the cicada dress that I've been watching. I am loving the spooky decor, warm fuzzy home feeling of people wearing lots of black, and hearing your love for October/Halloween! It's wonderful, thank you so much for sharing all of this with us! I'm very new to finally starting to sew this time period (normally sew Halloween costumes and artist-daily-wear creative sewing design.). Finally, with the internet exploding with patterns, wonderful makers making, and a plethora of historic photos and information, finally it's possible to start learning! :) makes my little heart so happy

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! All Halloween all the time I say 🖤🦇🎃

I have just discovered your channel! I am a 60 something year old black woman who’s has been in love with historical romance novels since my teens. The descriptions of the clothing was always a great part of my love for these stories. I could never imagined myself wearing the clothes in real life, cause where would I have worn them, around the house? Finding your channel has been heaven sent! I have subscribed and am currently binge watching the content! I don’t sew but I can live vicariously through your videos! Impressive! Live long and prosper!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mali! I too love some good clothing descriptions. I've always been dreaming of princess dresses and just never grew out of it I suppose!

Thank you so much for a wonderful video. It's like sitting next to a good friend and watching her create a project while chatting on and learning. You create such a comfortable and amicable feel that is just charming. We're in Spring here so green is in and the smell of fresh mown grass. But your friendly chatter fits just as well. So pleasant and relaxing.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Kaytie! ❤

This looks great!!! I really like the points at the sides, that looks super cool. and the fit looks good too. I would totally dye this thing and wear it somewhere, maybe the grocery store or Walmart on a Friday night. lol

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Deborah!

The day bodice looks like a Riding Amazone. Priorattire has a video on that style if you needed aesthetic research.

It is so vital to show making mock-ups that do not fit. It's essential to see how to alter patterns so that people do not think that things never fit on them. Which is silly, for nothing out of the "box" ever fits anyone. McConnell is a great name for the owl and, as always, you are so nerdy, you are just too cute for words. My neice likes to sew, but I don't have a daughter. I'd adopt you! Hah! That's what we're here for, to form our own community of costume nerds... Keep it up, this is great!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I am indeed quite nerdy, ha! 😅

the soap on your threads thing works about the same as waxing your thread to prevent issues with tangling and improve glide when hand stitching

I’m so excited to watch this project come together because you always explain everything so well. I also love McConnell xx

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Beverley!

Did anyone else get shivers from the cinematography? Fantastic video xx

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Charlotte!

It's great seeing the behind the scenes work.Thanks

I understand the feeling about working with silk. I'm on my first silk project and have the same feelings about it. We can do it!

The big-boy cicadas came out last year for the area's once every 17 year bugapalooza. They were quite charming..

Long and Sharp batwing like tails!!! The B roll is awesome !!!

So excited for the cicadas! I also rarely use linings day to day, costuming definitely requires a lot of layers that I’m still getting used to.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

So many layers!!!

Your intro is 🤩 amazing! Your tutorial are top notch! Thank you for sharing 😺🥰

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Helen!

I love it. I like the length of the tails as they are. I just think whole garment is beautiful. My ignorance of sewing and fit shouted their presence when you pointed out the fit issues. I did not even see them till you said something. Very ambitious project. Kudos. And I loved watching the process. It is oddly satisfying watching cutting, pinning and sewing

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ann!

I am excited for the new insect collecting hobby. When shopping out in the wilds isn't as deadly, keep an eye out at antique and vintage markets for pinned and framed specimens. I got an Atlas moth for $5 at my local market.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

I saw a huge collection at a booth at my favorite antique mall once (years and years ago) but there were too many of the truly creepy extra large monster beetles with feelers going on so I sort of ran away, but there were probably pretty butterflies and moths too, but I was like "nope, nope, nope" right outta there 😅

I love the way the opening your videos these days. I also like the lights you use around the sewing machine. The music that you use on your videos are always so great listen to. I like the name of your owl. I really like your vintage sewing machine. I would like to find a sewing machine like that. I do have a treadle sewing machine that still works, this is the sewing machine that I learned to sew on. On the bodice back cut the pleats a little shorter.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Fay!

The more I research a topic of fear, the more I get used to it. I was afraid of octopi, still am kinda, but they are so fascinating and quite cute and loveable :) So happy to see you use the pattern I planned on sewing too ♡

Victorian inspired Mandrin collared bodice with tails would be Avant Garde for the white dress-shirt ❤️ if ever you get inspired to draft a pattern for it next year,

Yessssss. Hi I'm new here and soon I'll be driving into making that exact same bodice. Thank you X100 for putting this into the world!!!!

15:55 I giggled quite a bit when you said you're in a committed relationship with your vintage machine - I enjoyed it so much that I want to use that instead of saying like a new phone contract. Ooh imagine: "I am entering a new committed relationship, their name is Pixel and having gone out with their older sibling I have high expectations for the younger!!" 😂😂

But Boy is one of my favorite characters in your vintage travelogue films!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

This is a wild idea that probably wont happen, but you've just made me think of it, a whole lookbook of masc outfits as bug boy...

@PolyvoreThea

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheClosetHistorian OMG how awesome would that be????

"The stitches... were so small- so small- they looked as if they had been made by little mice!" Beatrix Potter

To tell the difference between convex and concave- concave goes in like the mouth of a cave! The end result looks good! I like where the tails end, but that’s a taste thing. Maybe go shorter? An idea for the boning casings-twill tape! Just sew down the sides of the twill tape to the seam/dart allowance and put the boning in that.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I think I'll need a thinner twill tape as all I've got around is quite bulky

I love watching you to sew, it's very calming

@TheClosetHistorian

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Sam ❤

Excited for halloween gothy evening gown! I really enjoy watching the behind the scenes stuff and seeing how all these things come together.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Shannon!

Awesome sewing! Very creepily, youtube knew I just sewed the same pattern... So good to see the same pieces on screen! I modified the pattern to make a blue velvet vest. Can't wait to see the end of this cicada project!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Diana! A blue velvet vest sounds fabulous to me!

If I could sew like you, I would make a jacket in the style of that bodice and wear it every freaking day. Looking so forward to the costumes’ end result but definitely enjoying the journey along the way.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It would be a lovely daily wear style indeed!

Wonderful project my dear. Somewhere along the way I acquired a stiffened muslin dress, I was told a young lady who worked in a shop cobbled it together for a wedding dress from the pieces off the cutting room floor. Perhaps I should get it out for you from the vault. When Hello Dolly came out as a film my aunt Roberta was tasked with making bustles for early seventies bridesmaids dresses, and looking over your shoulder as you speak so fast and clipped is so much like I spent my Saturday afternoons as a child! Even the gothic vibe. Aunt Roberta was born minutes after midnight on Halloween 1932 on a lonely windswept cliff side, for real! This she thoroughly enjoyed.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Susan! How very gothic romance novel of her!

Rocking that stern Victorian governess look!

I think I would make the tails a little longer or leave it as is. The silk will drape nicely. Love your channel

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Tiana!

So cool! Glad the mock-up turned out so well. It looks rather cool with the white bodice and black petticoat

Fill you hams and arms with chippings what you put for bedding for hamsters and guineapigs sawdust like stuff that’s what they are filled with , can’t wait to see this finished loving this series ❤️❤️

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Ah this makes sense, I'll have to hit up the pet store sometime! Though then I'll spend hours looking at the fish, and the cute bunnies, and the cute birds, and...

This costume is coming together beautifully! The mockup looked like it could be the real thing, except for the part that it couldn't be buttoned! LOL. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Peggy! ❤

You’re making me want to pick up my Hecklinger again and make a massive sleeved blouse to go with my 1890s skirt...

I like the tail like it is. Don't forget that those were mostly used as support for further decorations like bows and tassels and just about anything except a kitchen sink. Otherwise I'd say your sleeves are a bit too long, the curve should match your elbow. And don't forget the requisite padding at the collarbone dip to "round the bodice". But for a first time, it is a superior job!

Your sewing machine is a joy lv the featherweight👌🏾🌷

Tesco do a candle with the scent 'white linen ' it's just lovely. Great video as always.

Finally set some time aside for this - because a project like that deserves undivided attention :D Having the bodice in white against the black petticoat looks really striking btw!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! The contrast of the muslin against the black petticoat really does help show the shape, which is very useful during the mockup stage for sure!

Your bright eyeshadow looks are just everything! Hoping to make my first self-made Victorian outfit this year, probably green because I want to reference arsenic dyed dresses haha.

Enjoying these Victorian era project videos Bianca, cant wait too see the finished product 😁.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Andrea!

I am getting extreme joy from the 'budding entomologist but kind of afraid of it' monologue

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

I can't wait to try and frame some real butterflies, some sort of curiosity shop Victorian instinct is haunting me 😅

I think you need to shorten the back by about a half inch? It looks like it's just a little too long right where the corset line is. (I'm short-waisted and have an extremely straight back, so I have to do this a lot!) Also, I like the idea of a shorter tail, but I think the length the pattern currently has it would look nice in a swishy silk.

Yay!!!!! I was so excited to see this come up on my feed! This is my favorite “TV show” at the moment. I can’t wait to see the finished project 👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️❤️

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! ❤

Victorian is my favorite era. Naturally, this was an awesome vid!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

When I was a little kid I wanted to be an entomologist when I grew up, but now I'm a little more creeped out by arthropods and I sew instead, too :D I do want to mount some insects in shadow boxes. I thought some pretty iridescent butterflies and beetles would add a nice sparkle to my interior.

"They look like they are made by fisherprice." 😂👏

I have this pattern, I tried to stalk the interwebs to find a tutorial because I was so overwhelmed by the instructions. I finally went for it last week and then today I found your video, lol. I didn’t do tails at all but so far it’s turning out great. Happy to see you make it as well

Going to binge-watch this whole series now 😎

Longer tips for sure!

I like watching your process.

This was interesting. Not having ever done any historical patterns it was making my head spin some what. Wow that is a lot of work. Thanks for showing it.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Debbra!

That is absolutely lovely and I am psyched for the finished piece!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Anna!

I can't wait to see the actual finished dress.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Susan!

I'm in Australia and the cicadas have just started singing. I love the sound, as it is a sound of summer :)

Love this so much! My vote on the tails is to make them longer. I can hardly wait to see the finished project.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

This bodice shape is glorious on you!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Rhonda!

I think that this would look amazing with the long tail.

Did anyone else growing up find cicada shells and stick them on to random people shirts to see their reaction...

@maryblaylock6545

3 жыл бұрын

June bugs!

@cruelcimmcia859

3 жыл бұрын

No but I did think about eating them ? 🤔 I never did but I always had a pull...

@kckazcoll1

3 жыл бұрын

we used to paint them with nail polish and wear them like jewellery lol

Soap was probably used to smooth and strengthen the thread, to keep it from snarling and tangling while you sewed. Then when you washed the dress, it would rinse out. Beeswax is also used the same way. But it won't rinse out.

@nataliestanchevski4628

3 жыл бұрын

I don't use soap on my thread, but I do use slivers of soap instead of tailors chalk on dark fabric. Not on silk of course, not that I can afford to sew with silk lol.

@TheZombieMe

3 жыл бұрын

Natalie Stanchevski Same. I always save the last sliver of soap to use as 'chalk'. Other wise we'd just throw it away!

Really enjoyed that tangent (although not really, as it's relevant to the topic) about Becoming Bug Boy. Always fun to discover something new & unexpected about yourself. I like butterflies, moths, bees...and ladybugs! I don't mind "creepy crawlies" so long as they don't creepy crawl near me. I'm the same with rodents. I'm always terrified that they'll scamper over my feet...or worse, I'll step on one! I stepped on a frog once and I felt so horrible! Like, worse than any time I've ever tripped on a cat or dog.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Some of the furry moths out there look like stuffed animals 😅 They seem cute but also sorta still creep me out eek! Sorry about the frog, for both you and for the frog really 😬

@AdirondackRuby

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheClosetHistorian Seriously! I watched a video here on KZread about Moths (21 Incredible Moth Species) and some had me like "No. Surely, that HAS to be needle felted! That can't be real!"

Loved this. The mock-up already looks gorgeous. Love the Victorian edginess of your hair style and make up together with the bustle.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Marna!

I say longer tails, because: Drama. Though, maybe it’s not “accurate”. But, I think this is just divine.

Bugs can't hurt you when they're dead. ^_^ But as an entomology hobbyist who received pre-shadowboxed butterflies for xmas (as well as a heavy duty singer, YAY) BUGS ARE AMAZING! Bugs are the primary reason I'm watching this cicada dress saga. I thought it was so unique to do a cicada dress bc most "bug" clothes are either butterfly or (inaccurately as they are arachnids) spiders. But I love cicadas and they are so underappreciated.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Don't worry I'm slowly getting less afraid, I shadow-boxed up some cicada myself last year, and now can rehydrate and pin butterflies without getting squeamish ha! 😅

Oh wow, love this project. I like the tail part as it is. I would add the needed bit for the buttons at the center front. Take care, keep well, Gloria 🐂

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Gloria!

Oooooo I know this was a mockup and that the dress is done but OMG I am digging the white and black and honestly aside from the elbow issue I think it looks AMAZING, absolutely stunning!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

your process has helped me with my own project. Thank you

Awesome soundtrack ❤

Looking good for a first try. Worse part of sewing is 'reading the wrinkles' in the mockup, it does my head in. Google might be evil but it sure is useful. Loving the makeup looks, so much drama!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

It’s the perfect length looks classy

Just finishing of a wedding dress for a Halloween wedding. Black silk of course. Having a rest now before I attempt the sleeves yet again. Yet to make my out fit, a Victorian walking skirt. The whole wedding is fancy dress. We even managed to buy some carving pumpkins in Australia. Love your videos

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

This all sounds quite fabulous!

Truely magical! Love! Xx

I recently made this same pattern for a costume, and somehow managed to avoid noticing that the shoulder area had about an inch too much fabric. It was so annoying to wear. I’m happy for you that it fits so well! I can’t wait to see all of the finished pieces.

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Suise! Bummer about the shoulder!