where to find the deck of fashion history playing cards

I broke out the cards last night and they worked! I've played with decks where the paper stock is too flimsy or the numbers have been difficult to read, but I'm thrilled to report these cards shuffled and played exactly as a deck of cards should. Yea.

Just so you know, even though I designed this deck and work at the museum that produced them I have no financial interest in these cards. I'm just so excited to see such a wonderful collection presented in such a fun way. So then, for those interested in purchasing a deck (or two!) they are available in the Kent State University Museum gift shop. The museum does not have an online store but you can order via email. The cards are $7.95 per deck, plus shipping.

Have fun!

historical costume playing cards

I've been away for way too long. I did make eyelet progress using the eyelet-a-lunch plan. But then my lunch breaks started being used to meet with advisors, or write papers, or work in the studio. The good news is my thesis work is underway and, even though it not is at all corset related, I'll share images once I take some.

I do have something fun to share that is costume related, a deck of playing cards with images from the Kent State University's collection!

This has been a pet project of mine and I'm so happy with the finished deck. Fifty two pictures of beautiful gowns from all eras, details of intricate bead and ribbon work, and a couple of corsets too. When I see my family over the holidays I'm going to force them to play card games with me.

I'm also bringing the 1650s bodice with me so I can make more of a dent in those eyelets. What are your holiday sewing plans?

getting my eyelet mojo back

The eyelet-a-lunch-break plan is working. You can see it took a few days before I regained lost eyelet skills.

The eyelet on the left is the first one done after a two year break. (Two years?! Yikes.) It's pretty sad, but yesterday's eyelet, on the right, is a perfect little wagon wheel. Thanks for all the words of encouragement!

rebel chic

My enthusiasm for books I've purchased has been documented. So you can image how thrilling it is when I've had some involvement in the production of a book.

Katharine Hepburn: Rebel Chic, written by Jean Druesedow, director of the Kent State University Museum, is being released today. It celebrates the unique style of Katharine Hepburn. In addition to essays contributed by top fashion historians, it also contains never before seen images of her costumes and personal wardrobe. Many photographed by me!

Let me show you my favorite photo in the book.

That is the make up case of some one who was very aware of her appearance, all the while cleverly convincing the public that she couldn't care less. The book is filled with wonderful publicity and behind-the-scenes images. Fans of Katharine Hepburn will of course find plenty to enjoy about the book. But so will those interested in costume design and of course those who love Hollywood's Golden Era.

If I owned a pair of khakis I'd wear them to today to celebrate her sense of style, but I don't. I'm not nearly as sensible as Miss Hepburn.

one eyelet down

It's just one eyelet, but it's a start.

Or rather, it's a continuation. I'll stitch another one during lunch today, maybe even two. Well, I shouldn't get overly ambitious. For all of you out there picking up abandoned projects we'll just keep stitching together. One eyelet at a time.