Absolutely amazing! Thank yo for sharing.

The best piece of sewing advice: make a muslin. I know it sounds pretty simplistic, but a muslin is sort of a practice run to check fit, perfect techniques, and to view the proposed garment on. Eventhough a muslin takes extra time, I as always make one - it saves me sewing frustrations once I get to the fashion fabric.

I, too, work with vintage and antique clothing at the Whittier Museum. Our collection dates back to the 1800's to the present. Most of our clothes were custom made by either the owner or by dressmakers, although we do have some ready to wear designers, too. Judith, if you are ever in Southern California by all means give us a call we would love to show you our collection.