This Site

This site has grown out of my love of costuming and historical fashion. The generosity, resources, pictures, 'dress diaries' and research of online costumers has been invaluable to me over the years. I think it only fair to share my own projects, knowledge and experience, humble as they are.

This site is primarily a polished archive of my costuming blogs (hosted on Live Journal & Blogger). I post in my blogs as things happen, updating this site every 4-6 weeks or as my schedule allows. Follow me on LJ or Blogger to see what I'm up to today!

This site was created using Dreamweaver and contains a smattering of self-taught HTML and CSS. It can be best viewed using Internet Explorer. The lovely background seen throughout these pages was provided by inishmaan. The red background featured on the Titanic pages is curtsey of copal.

The History of Seamstress

I have been sewing and creating costumes for over 13 years but I have been fascinated by historical fashion since I was a very little girl. I was fortunate enough to have a mom who created beautiful costumes for me, my sister, our friends and even our Barbie dolls. I was also to have a mom who was willing to teach me all she knew and who continues to encourage and occasionally lend a helping hand with this beloved hobby. Yes I am very spoiled and I know it!

What is my secret to costuming? Never be afraid to trying something new or to think outside the box. You never know what you can do until you try. Read, research and look at original garments to learn why pattern shapes work the way they do and what happens when you change them. Then get over the fear and just play around. It's a trial and error method to costuming but it's served me well. Most days anyway.

Also, to me it's more important to have a complete ensemble that "looks" correct than one in which every stitch can be documented. So I use plastic boning in my corsets, fabrics that are close enough and machine stitching anywhere I can get away with it. The trick is to accessorize to the nines. And walk like a lady of course.

Copyright & the Fine Print

I don't want to be sticky about copyrights and all that jazz. I have an abhorrence of web sites that are full of red-tape or that growl & bark at you if you dare click anywhere. However I have spent hours creating, tweaking, scanning, cropping, uploading, typing, coding and otherwise creating my little piece of the web here. If you wish to take/use pictures or graphics displayed on these pages, here are the rules:

- You may take any picture you would like for a private image collection.
- Before using any pictures/graphics on a personal web page, paper etc please ask permission.
- You are NOT permitted to use any of my images on E-bay or for any other commercial use.
- Please don't claim my photos, text, ideas or costumes as your own. It's very rude.
- Please do not link directly to the picture but download it first and upload to your own server. To do otherwise is called hot-linking and it is also rude in the extreme.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Random Facts

"Jenny-LaFleur" was a favorite nick-name from my high school French class
I hate wearing trousers, preferring skirts & dresses and have done so since the age of two
I am a born-again Christian, and believer in Jesus Christ
I have one sibling; a younger but taller sister named Bridget
My hometown is San Diego, California
I became a web-mistress in the fall of 2000
I have lived at 22 addresses in 5 States. (go Navy!)
My birthday is in the first week of October
I was homeschooled for 10 years and adored it
My most loved stuffed animal is a bear named Freddy Teddy
My favorite holiday is Christmas
I have been to Australia (twice), England (thrice) and in 26 of the United States

Remainder

Still curious about something? Check out my Live Journal & Blog, or drop me note!