History of Toile de Jouy

March 2010 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of Oberkampf factory at Jouy-en-Josas in 1760, – we’ll begin with a little look at a well-known pattern – Toile de Jouy.[above: 18th century French cotton dress via the Metropolitan Museum of Art]Cotton Banned in FranceBefore we can get into the nitty, gritty of the pattern, … Continue reading History of Toile de Jouy →

Preparing for the AGM: fashion

Make sure that you are the height of fashion for the AGM by sewing your own costume using patterns from Sense and Sensibility patterns. http://www.sensibility.com/pattern/main/

Beautiful Regency inspired computer screen wallpapers

The original Ackermann's Repository of Arts, Literature, Fashions, Manufactures, &c. was published monthly from 1809-1829 by Rudolph Ackermann (1764-1834) in London. Each month's Repository featured a pair of fashion plates in addition to other illustrations and articles covering a variety of topics. Some issues included embroidery patterns and fabric samples, which have provided inspiration in … Continue reading Beautiful Regency inspired computer screen wallpapers →

Shelter from the storm

Although the umbrella was invented over 4,000 years earlier, it isn't until travel writer Jonas hanway carries one around London that British gentleman adopt the accessory (and umbrellas become known as "Hanways") in 1750.