Sewing & Costuming

Sewing and Costuming Resources

As we’ve gone out into the community to talk with people about historical reenacting, time traveling, and history education in general, the number one concern we hear over and over again is, “I’m afraid I won’t be able to make the costumes – I don’t know how to sew.”

In response to the need we have put together a wonderful step-by-step instructional guide that teaches both modern and historical sewing skills.

Even if you are all alone and have no previous training whatsoever, you can learn how to sew on a machine using our guide!

(The only thing you will need outside of the LPH guide is the owner’s manual for your sewing machine. It alone can show you how to properly thread your particular machine.)

Still afraid to go it completely alone?

We understand!

Here’s a great idea: Why not consider the time honored tradition of starting an old-fashioned sewing circle? Halloween makes the need great anyway, so why not get one started so everyone can help everyone else learn the skills of sewing?

Sewing circles are great fun for everyone, no matter what you’re working on!

In addition to a sewing circle where you live, you can also join a sewing circle in the LPH Community. With the video chat capabilities you can easily communicate sewing questions and answers, live.

So, rest assured the support you need is available, and YOU CAN DO IT!

A Combo Guide for Beginning Sewing & Authentic Period Costuming can get you up and sewing fast! This is the only book on the market today that not only covers the basics of modern machine sewing, but also illustrates historical hand-sewing techniques, as well as shares hard to find information for the beginning historical costumer.

The modern machine sewing section of the LPH guide is laid out logically with step-by-step mini lessons that will have you machine sewing in record time. You’ll learn what supplies you must have in your sewing kit, and you’ll learn tips and tricks that will make all the difference in the quality of your finished product.

As you move into the historical information you’ll find a nice overview of the costumer’s art. You’ll learn what notions appeared when (ie, buttons, lace, hooks, pins, etc.), what materials were used, where to get hard-to-find materials, and even resource suggestions for complex garment construction such as armor-making, leather work, hat creation, and shoe designing and construction.

Now, we do want to point out that the LPH sewing guide is NOT an extensive treatise on historical costuming. At only 58 pages it is a quick-read that will give you beginning sewing information, plus additional resource information so you can dive into further costuming research and construction.

An inexpensive and ideal way to explore potential interest in historical costuming!