Black Orchid Atelier

08/01/2025

I missed yesterday of with dames_a_la_mode

So here is
Day 6 -Details
Day 7 -Laughter

With costumebaby and another great costumer that I can’t remember her name! I’m sorry!

05/01/2025

Georgian January 2025 with dames_a_la_mode

Day 5 Travel

I’m taking this one literally… I loved the juxtaposition of this gorgeous retro vehicle and my gown, so I had to take a pic with. Then attempting to travel to the event with my beautiful feathered turban by shockingbadhats!

04/01/2025

Day 4 of dames_a_la_modes Georgian January 2025

Large!

On my list of things to make is a fabulous and bright Calash Bonnet using the already existing and beautifully designed pattern by virgilsfinegoods

How ridiculously large! The satire picture of course is beyond imagination but still I think this Calash was make my already 6ft frame 7+ ft tall!! And I am here for it!

04/01/2025

Day 3 of Georgian January with dames_a_la_mode!

Quiet 🤫

Here is my impression of Phillis Wheatley. I didn’t realize how regional specific history was until I taught a lesson about her to my North Carolina students and several of my colleagues said they had no idea who she was!

Phillis wasn’t even her real name. Phillis was the name of the ship that transported her across the ocean to America (after they had kidnapped her from her home).

Wheatley was the name of the man who purchased her.

Her short life (she died in her early 30’s) was plagued with some triumphs and much resilience but also great sadness. She deserved better.

She is not a footnote.

She deserves her own name. A moment of quiet for her…

03/01/2025

Day two of Georgian January with dames_a_la_mode!

Celebration!

I celebrated finishing it in time, I sewed the last trim on the stomacher as I walked out the door…. my shoes even matched!

I was pretty proud of this dress as I typically made basic average people kits for myself.

This was my walk back to get my reticule and fan, that I had left on the bathroom counter.

02/01/2025

Going to try this Georgian January Theme with dames_a_la_mode!

It's really difficult for me to remember to post on the daily but it looks like fun! I definitely don't have enough Georgian items for the whole month but here it goes!

Hi, my name is Kristen!

I love Georgian costumes but I don't have many items from the era. I'm also not crazy about how they look on me, it's a work in progress.

01/01/2025

My Costume Makes of 2024! This year has been such an amazing mix of creativity, challenges, and joy.

Some of these were made for events, some just for fun, and a few for work to help teach lessons.

I still have a couple unfinished projects and some I haven’t had the chance to take pictures of yet, but overall, I’m so proud of what I’ve accomplished.

I have a Black Panther Regency and Kente 18th Century I still need (resize) to get pictures of! There’s not enough time in the day!

Here’s to celebrating history, creativity, and representation—and to more exciting projects in 2025!

22/12/2024

Order in my new shop dedicated to kits and collaboration called Threaded Histories!

Pre-Order Now: Victorian Beetle Wing Pattern & Kit ✨

Get ready to add a touch of Victorian elegance and shimmer to your projects!

We’re thrilled to announce that our highly anticipated Victorian Beetle Wing Embellishment Pattern & Kit entitled The Marie (named after my great great grandmother ((1890’s)) who defied her parents and married a black man, despite her off the boat German immigrant parents wishes).

This idea originally was developed when my virtual Beetlewing class was cancelled two years ago. I spoke with a couple friends about a way to make it less labor intensive and provide options for those with less time to devote to the actual embroidery.

Life got in the way, I went back to teaching in the class room and it was put on the back burner. Until last month when I found my kit and supplies, while moving my daughter into my sewing studio.

Anyway!!!

Two Options Available
Kit With Beetlewings for Application
Kit Pre-Filled Embrodiered Beetlewings

Kit Includes (variations depending on the option chosen)
• Exclusive Pattern: Inspired by an authentic Victorian designs, perfect for creating historically accurate or fantasy-inspired looks.
• Premium Materials: Everything you need to complete your project, including embroidered panel(s), faux silk taffeta in green for lining, cording, tassels, beads for flower centers and threads for beetlewing application.
• Perfect for costume enthusiasts, historical fashion lovers, and DIY creators.
• Adds a stunning, eye-catching detail to your mid Victorian ensemble!

Just interested in the beetlewing embroidery files, will be available February 1st.



https://threadedhistories.etsy.com/listing/1832297516

https://threadedhistories.etsy.com/listing/1832990328

16/12/2024

✨ Pre-Order Now: Victorian Velvet Bracelet Kit ~The Remisa~✨

Inspired by an amazing fellow costumer, Johannes, we can Indulge in the luxury and elegance of the Victorian era with our Victorian Velvet Bracelet Kit—a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and style. These exclusive kits are available for pre-order now, but hurry—there are only 12 kits available!

🎀 What’s Included in the Kit?
• Luxurious Velvet Ribbon: Rich, high-quality velvet in a timeless Victorian-inspired hue.
• Intricate Metal Clasp & Findings: Beautifully designed metal clasps and embellishments to complete your bracelet with a touch of antique charm.
• Authentic Embellishments: Delicate lace, beads, or charms to enhance your creation.
• Step-by-Step Instructions: Easy-to-follow directions to guide you through the process, making it perfect for all skill levels.
• Historical Inspiration Card: Learn about the Victorian era’s fashion trends and the significance of velvet in historical jewelry.

💎 Why You’ll Love It
• Create a wearable piece of history with your own hands.
• A stunning accessory that adds vintage sophistication to any outfit.
• Perfect for gifting or as a cherished addition to your jewelry collection.

📆 Pre-Order Details
• Pre-order period: 12/16 until the first 4 kits sell out!

https://blackorchidatelier.etsy.com/listing/1842856359

$50 shipped in the usa

• Shipping Begins: Mid January

⚠️ Limited Availability: Only 12 Kits! ⚠️
Once these kits are gone, they’re gone—don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive design.

👉 How to Pre-Order
Reserve your Victorian Velvet Bracelet Kit now: Purchase via Etsy link or via PayPal invoice.

✨ Bonus for Early Birds ✨
The first 4 pre-orders will receive extra charms for their bracelets!

💌 Questions? Reach out to us at [email protected].
Celebrate the timeless elegance of the Victorian era with this exquisite, limited-edition bracelet kit.




Concepción Remisa de Moret painted in 1856

01/09/2024

Rare Find!!
Mrs. CORNWELL'S IMPROVED SELF FITTING CHART FOR DRESSCUTTING
Cornwell's Improved Self Fitting Chart for Dresscutting

* Usable perfect condition for being over 148 years old. No cracks in the folded sections or missing sections of the writing.
* “Cornwell’s Improved Self-Fitting Chart for cutting ladies, misses and children’s dresses cloak, basques & postilions”
* Patented Feb 11th, 1873, 1876 Honor Award Philadelphia World’s Fair (Centennial Exposition.)
* Front & Back Charts included together (sleeves seem to have been sold separately so not included in this listing.)
* Front Chart measures approx. 16″ x 19″, back chart approx. 11-3/8″ x 18-1/2″
* this is an original, not a reproduction

An instructional booklet can be emailed called, “Cornwell's Improved Self Fitting Chart for Dresscutting,”.

I believe this is a museum deaccessioned piece.

Can't get your hands on a McDowell, here’s the next best thing 😉

$200 shipped in the USA

31/07/2024

The final day of was the Sunday Tea with a Tropical Theme. There were some fabulous Gertie/ Charm Pattern makes, some Charlie’s Angels Poses w/some Black Girl Magic (yeah I'm bringing that back), and if you remember the show, Magnum PI, ‘he’ showed up, lol. Hey, Kiara B, DaLindah ,and Sharon !!

29/07/2024

The Friday night social was ‘What Movie Am I?’ My variation of the ‘Ever After’ dress & a new friend who used the same pattern! Isn't she lovely?! We chatted, took pics, met up for drinks with some other friends, I think a good time was had by all! My buddy Hello Dolly! Sherlock Holmes Cosplay by just a couple of the amazing costumes seen that evening!

28/07/2024

Of course, while wandering the halls there had to be a crossover of Star Trek and Charlie’s Angels 😆

27/07/2024

This was a UFO gown I had cut out probably a year ago.

Technically does it count as a UFO if I didn’t start to sew it? I don’t know but I decided it would be nice to have a comfy gown for day wear.

Made from a gorgeous cotton black windowpane fabric, I decided not to make black undergarments.

I might make the hem a touch shorter but I think this gown is one of my favorites. I think it also deserves a bonnet and turban of its own.
Photoroom app for the win, sometimes the rug and background just doesn’t fit, lol…

26/07/2024

My hobbit costume and the custom feet 👣 sneakers I made...that indeed was an epic journey. More to come about that later, possibly. Don't look behind you…. When he says don't touch it… obsessed!
Costume College Pool Party- A Courtly Soiree #

25/07/2024

Quick pic of my costume refresh makeover for the Bridgetown-themed Gala at Costume College 2024. Lady Watered-Downs Gala.

19/07/2024

My first time at the Queen Mary and it was a lovely day! Thank you for coming on this little excursion with me.

03/07/2024