Edwardian Shirtwaist.

I am embarking on an Edwardian blouse. I recently dot the pattern from Reconstructing History, it's pattern #950. What is awesome about RH is that you can purchase the pattern, then download it. All it takes is scissors, tape and patience to put all the pieces together.

The pattern is relatively easy, but the only difficult thing is putting together the two front pieces. The gathered side piece fits awkwardly into the front piece, well the sewing of it is the awkward part. Between the gathering and fitting it into a corner, I was frustrated. So, I sewed it by hand and that was MUCH easier.

More pics to come!

My Etsy page is up and running.

If you would like to order something, you may contact me through the blog, or via Etsy.  Find my shop at Shieldmaidencostumes.  Hooray!

It's here!

Here is my new (to me) Singer 307g2 industrial machine! 

She weighs about 100 pounds. Seriously. 

Here are the foot pedal and a nifty knee lever that lifts up the presser foot so you don't have to reach around and lift it up with your hand. Pretty cool, huh?

Here is the side view with the wheel and gigantic belt that attaches to the motor down below.  The smaller wheel on the left is the bobbin winder.

There are THREE, count 'em three, tension gauges, I have yet to figure all of them out.

...and the mighty switch, that when you turn it on, it sounds like a whole factory staring up.

I want to send a super special thanks to Cheryl for donating this to my workshop.  Go see her beautiful quilts and even more beautiful refurbished sewing machines at http://dragonpoodle.blogspot.com. 

Gettin my new industrial sewing machine!

Getting rady to pick up me new industial sewing machine in Hillsborough, NC. It is being gifted to me by my new surrogate mama, Cheryl of Dragon Poodle Studio. Pics soon to follow!

A few of the patterns that are available at Shield Maiden Costumes

Here are a smattering of the patterns that I have available for custom costumes. If you would like to order one, please email me, as I have not yet set up my Etsy page.  I will let you know when it is setup.  Thank you for looking!

This is a great collection of Steampunk coordinates.  I love the faux leather underbust corset, which I can also make out of leather.  Comes up to size 22.

This is a great fitting pattern for any of your Prairie cosplay needs.  There is also a great Colonial dress version on this pattern as well.  Up to size 22.

It also comes in Girl's sizes 7-14!

...and in Pretty Plus sizes 26-32!  Woohoo!

A Beautiful Civil War era dress.  All the fringe and trim can be changed if you like. This is a two piece ensemble.  And does not include the hoop skirt or corset.  Those are available separately.  Available up to size 22.

Here is a chemise set for men or women.  I love the gathered sleeve option.  These are VERY roomy.  I wear a size 20 and I was swimming in the XL.

This Kirtle pattern, view C, is probably one of the best fitting, historically accurate kirtle patterns there is.  LOVE IT, it's super comfortable and perfect for a Renaissance Faire.  Available up to size 28.

Capes!!!  These are beautiful patterns.  I included the back of the pattern so you can see the difference between them as it is hard to see on the front.  They can be made of velvet, wool or wool blends.

Wonderful Civil War era 1860's day dress.  Up to size 24.

A great smattering of corsets and stays.  

Wonderful 18th Century dresses for all of your Pirates of the Caribbean (Elizabeth Swann) or Marie Antoinette needs!

I just ADORE all three of these variations.  They are not, however historically accurate, but WHO CARES?  They are perfect for any Elven cosplay or LOTR costumes.  AND they come up to a size 26.  

A Beautiful Gibson girl style day dress. It just makes me want to have tea.  Available up to size 24.  Hat not included, although I wish it was.

Silly hat, BEAUTIFUL dress.  I love this kirtle pattern.  It is historically accurate and fits like a dream.   Kirtles are so versatile and were worn for centuries as an underdress.   Both the kirtle and sideless surcote would be beautiful in Linen or wool/wool blend.  Belt not included...neither is the silly hat.  :)  Available up to size 24.

  Pouches, Gauntlets and waist belts...Oh My!  These will be available in faux leather/vinyl for now until I get an industrial machine, then they will be available in real leather.

I do love the sideless surcote on the right, as well as the head piece.  the overdress on the left is not historically accurate, but would make a great Ren faire or cosplay dress.  Available up to size 22.

Welcome to Shield Maiden Costumes!

Hello all!  Welcome to my new blog and business venture, Shield Maiden Costumes.  My name is Jenny and I make costumes from the middle ages to the turn of the century.  I am just officially starting my business and don't have a whole lot of pictures yet, but they are soon to come.

I want to make costumes, for women of all shapes and sizes.  I am a pretty-plus size lady myself and find it incredibly hard to find costumes in larger sizes that aren't three times the price of a smaller one.  So, I would like to provide this service for you all.  I have many patterns that go up to size 24 or even 32.  Like I said, I don't have many pictures right now, so I will post the pattern pictures here for any orders.  

Speaking of orders, if you find a pattern you like, but don't like certain aspects of it (like sleeve length, waist line height, etc.) that can most likely be changed. We can also work together choosing the material for the outfit.  I do not have the million dollars that would enable me to keep all this material on hand, so we can choose it from any number of websites, or stores like Hancock, Jo-Ann's, Mary Jo's, and countless others.

Once pick out your costume, I will request that you send me your measurements so I can effectively fit the garment to you.  After that, we can choose the fabric, then it's off to the sewing table for me.  I plan to be able to finish garments within 2 weeks of receiving the fabric.  I will link to my Etsy site for the payment, and I will request at least half the payment up front so I can buy all the necessary materials and notions.

This blog will serve as a kind of window into my sewing studio for all of the costumes being made.  I love to see other blogger's progress on their garments, so I hope to provide that for you all.

So, if you yourself, or anyone you know, are a LARPer, reinactor, Renaissance fair enthusiast, Con-goer, cosplayer, or just a costume junkie like me, please contact me and let's make you something pretty!

Thanks,
Jenny