From My Closet - The Better Dresses Vintage Blog

Fashion Plate from 1850

Repairing a Victorian Bonnet

... I knew it was in rough shape, but the price was within reach, the sellers friendly, and you know I love rescuing old clothes ...
Read more
Women tufting chenille quilts. North Georgia, 1930s.

All About Chenille - a Book Review and a Handbag Upgrade

... enterprising depression-era women hand-tufted cotton bedspreads on their front porches, enlisting friends and neighbors to share the labor and reap the profits ...
Read more
before

Mid-Century Makeover - Revamping a 50s Gown & Jacket Set

... It wasn't expensive, so I could do some experimenting using my fledgling sewing skills without taking too big a risk ...
Read more
Repairing an Antique Blouse

Repairing an Antique Blouse

... It was the collar I worried about. The stitches attaching its satin-covered boning framework were mostly gone, leaving the whole thing collapsed and disheveled. I had to do something ... 
Read more
My antique Edwardian parasol

Making a Strap to Fasten My Antique Parasol

... It would need to be attractive but inconspicuous, made of period-correct materials, and not hamper the mechanism or damage the lace ...
Read more
Another Reticule Rescue

Another Reticule Rescue

... I tore away the shattered chiffon lining, wondering why someone would have used such sheer fabric to house drawstrings. I hesitated before snipping the original, tiny, hand stitches ...
Read more
Dirty Lowdown: Why (and How) I Clean Everything

Dirty Lowdown: Why (and How) I Clean Everything

... it shows you just how much dirt can be trapped in the fibers of a seemingly clean dress ...
Read more
Repairing a Vintage Hand Fan

Repairing a Vintage Hand Fan

... The shards had torn through the silk in several spots of nearly every section. Some were hanging from one edge. Others had completely detached. Sob ...
Read more
Lining an Antique Reticule

Lining an Antique Reticule

...  I was determined to do a fine job and most important to "first, do no harm."  ...
Read more
All Washed Up: Salvaging the Green Dress

All Washed Up: Salvaging the Green Dress

... First step: assess the condition, check for damage, and decide how much (time, effort, and money) to invest ...
Read more
Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah!

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah!

... hadn't I read somewhere how to fix this exact problem? Ah! a challenge ...
Read more
The Pink Dress

The Pink Dress

... I think most of us have an outfit we will never forget ...
Read more
Continue shopping
Your Cart

There are no items in your cart