Author Archives: TheQuintessentialClothesPen

About TheQuintessentialClothesPen

The Quintessential Clothes Pen creates historical clothing and accessories as well as modern garments.

Vintage-Inspired Book Dress

Posted on October 12, 2018

Two or so years ago, I came across this dress as I was poking around the internet. I loved the print, but the style was not for me. The peter pan collar, in particular, isn’t really my style. However, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Costume Construction, Modern Clothing, Non-Historical Clothing, Patterning | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

An Edwardian Island Adventure

Posted on October 1, 2018

Over the summer, my dance group was invited to create a turn-of-the-century atmosphere for a weekend on Bakers Island, off the coast of Salem, MA. Today, the part of the island we were on is managed by Essex Heritage and … Continue reading →

Posted in 1900s, 20th Century, Edwardian Clothing, Social History, Wearing Reproduction Clothing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Late Summer Fabric Stash Additions

Posted on September 25, 2018

At the very end of summer I found myself at the local discount fabric store (not looking for fabric for myself–how often have you heard that?). As often happens when I’m looking for fabric, I found some that just absolutely … Continue reading →

Posted in 1800s, 1810s, 19th Century | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Exploring The Crane Estate Gardens

Posted on September 12, 2018

I recently shared photos of my 1925 Blue Coral Day Dress and Lace Cloche, both of which I wore to the Crane Estate Gatsby themed lawn party in August. I wanted to share a few more photos from the day … Continue reading →

Posted in 1920s, 20th Century, Wearing Reproduction Clothing | Tagged , | 2 Comments

1925 Lace Cloche

Posted on September 4, 2018

I knew I wanted a cloche to go with my 1925 Blue Coral Dress from early on in the process of making it. It was going to be hot when I wore the dress, so I knew I wanted something … Continue reading →

Posted in 1920s, Costume Construction, Hair Styles, Hats, Trimmings, Wearing Reproduction Clothing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

#virtualsewingcircle Upcoming Projects

Posted on August 28, 2018

It’s been about two months since I announced a new adventure. Due to that new adventure, I’ve been making great progress on completing garments that often get pushed to the back burner. In fact, I’ve completed all three garments in … Continue reading →

Posted in #virtualsewingcircle | Tagged | 2 Comments

1925 Blue Coral Day Dress (HSM #8)

Posted on August 15, 2018

The summer has been very busy and I don’t feel like I’ve completed very many sewing projects for myself. Really the only reason I’ve completed anything is because I’ve been live streaming my sewing, which forces me to make things … Continue reading →

Posted in #virtualsewingcircle, 1920s, 20th Century, Costume Construction, Historical Sew Fortnightly, Wearing Reproduction Clothing | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments