Christine Millar, known around the costuming community as Sewstine, is a board certified physician and historical embroidery magician. Her embroidered costumes are some of the most elaborate we've seen since the actual 18th century, and the fabrics she chooses are equally magnificent. Please check out her YouTube channel to learn more!
he Sewstine Kit is a confection of richly woven damask, satin, taffeta, and brocade. Each pocket is individually bound in petersham ribbon, and the whole piece is finished with a teal silk ribbon.
Christine has generously allowed W&R to make a housewife kit with the fabrics from some of her most widely shared costumes.
Included fabrics:
- blue Scalamandre damask
- red floral brocade
- cream/black taffeta
- pink floral lampas *or* embroidered pink silk satin
- magenta *or* copper silk satin
- cotton lawn lining
Due to the nature of upcycled kits, the configuration of your pieces may vary.
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In the 18th century, the item called a housewife (“hussif”) is one that had multiple uses. It could be a container for small personal items, a wallet, a sewing kit, or a combination of these. This housewife kit is a simple design based off period examples. It has been lovingly assembled in two versions, both containing everything you need to make your own.
Complete Kit:
- Instructions
- Pre-cut fabric
- binding/ties
- Full spool of thread
- Wood threadwinder
- Pins
- Needle
- Beeswax Flower
Essentials Kit:
- Instructions
- Pre-cut fabric
- binding/ties
Photos are the property of Christine Millar and Willoughby & Rose. Photographs of Christine were taken by Lindsey Hinderer of St. Louis, MO.
For more help with making your own housewife check out my video on the subject.