Welcome!
This is a collection of thoughts relating most often to historical costume: the articles of clothing people used to dress themselves in the past. Occasionally I will adventure into sewing modern garments and other projects, as well. I encourage you to join me in sharing your thoughts, inspirations, and resources.
About me
I am a professional costumer with a passion for the construction of historical clothing, particularly from the 19th and early 20th centuries. I understand and enjoy both making clothing with historical accuracy and also building and altering costumes for theatre and film. I always strive to create products that show exceptional workmanship. My website is available here.
A little more
I possess a strong interest and foundation in history: costume history, social history, and material history. I also have an unusual aptitude for creativity which has always been a catalyst for my imagination. I often combine the varied facets of my background and am able to create, study, and wear historical clothing (often, though not always, with The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers, a 501c(3) organization that I am a performing member of). This unique multi-faceted knowledge brings me personal joy and provides a refreshing perspective in the construction of both modern and historical clothing and costumes. There is much to be learned when the three avenues of researching, making, and wearing intersect!
See & hear me in action
‘Undressing History: Active Pursuits, Women’s Sportswear c. 1900‘: a historical clothing presentation at the Newport Historical Society.
Providence NBC 10 Coffee Break (:55-6:54): an interview that takes a look at some of the garments that were a part of the Undressing History presentation at the Newport Historical Society.
‘Why Not Skate Like It’s 1895?‘: an interview on WBUR’s Here & Now also looking at women’s sportswear c. 1900.
Wearing The Past: A Modern Woman’s Fascination With Period Dress: an interview with Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective.
Contact me
The Quintessential Clothes Pen 
Quinn, your Dad just told me about your awesome post to Boston College – that just tickled me no end!! Congratulations and Way To Go!
Oh yes, thank you! Lovely to hear from you.
Quinn, I follow your posts with awe and envy. Keep positng; I’m costuming vicariously through you.
Wonderful! Thanks for reading and posting.
Quinn,
Such lovely work, I am very impressed!
I’m the editor for an historical costumer’s magazine, Your Wardrobe Unlock’d, and I’d love to have you write for us. Please email me if you’re interested.
Hi!
I love your blog and have nominated you for a “Liebster Award”.
Read more and claim your award at: http://www.fashionthroughhistory.wordpress.com/2014/04/04/blog-award/
Best wishes /Åsa
Good afternoon! I just stumbled across your blog while starting my research for constructing a Civil War era ball gown. I have a feeling that your links might be a start for a goodly number of resources. Once I actually get going on my project & begin my documentation, any source I come by will be attributed in said documentation.
I am also a member of the SiliconWeb Costumers’ Guild, a chapter of the International Costumers’ Guild. I know a great many people would be fascinated with all the information here on your blog, so I will be sharing with them, if you don’t mind!
I am excited to browse your blog, I can see that you have a lot of time and effort into your work. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us!
Hello Elaine,
Thanks for your kind comments about my work. I’m excited that you found my blog and I sincerely hope that you find the information and resources helpful as you pursue your project! I’d be pleased to know that you’ve shared resources with others who might find it helpful. Thanks for reading and commenting, and have fun looking around!
HI –
I want to let you know that I’ve nominated you and your blog for a Leibster award. It’s a way of spreading the word to let others know there are more wonderful blogs out there. Your blog has great writing, good information, lovely projects…and I feel more people should know about it. Accepting the award is completely voluntary, so please don’t feel pressured.
I wish there was a period dance group close to me – I’m a bit envious. OK, a lot envious.
Here’s wishing you continued success with your sewing and your blogging!
Susan
http://www.threadingthroughtime.wordpress.com
Hello,
I’m hoping to make a sleeveless Regency chemise. Do you have a tutorial on how you did yours?
Hi Grace,
I don’t have a tutorial, but I do talk about how I made my sleeveless chemise in this post: https://quinnmburgess.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/1812-short-stays-sleeveless-chemise-and-under-dress/
There is also this post showing my sleeveless chemise and underdress research: https://quinnmburgess.wordpress.com/2012/10/03/1812-sleeveless-undergarment-research/
Hi,
We wanted to nominate you for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. https://romancingthesewn.wordpress.com/2015/07/24/sisterhood-of-the-world-bloggers-award/ If you have time to participate that would be great if not no worries. We love your work!
Very impressive work! We’ve met in person, but I just stumbled across your blog and am truly impressed. You have done some great work!
Hi Quinn,
My name is Gianna Dethier, I live in Belgium and I’m in my second year of shoe design. This year, for starter, I’m making a historical replica and I’ve chosen a pair of bathing boots from the 1910-1920’s. I was wondering if I could ask you sole questions, maybe by mail? As I can’t find alot of information about the patterns and other stuff. And yours looks amazing!
Thans in advance.
Kind regards,
Gianna Dethier