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Flipping through all the beautiful surviving garment photos makes me feel overwhelmed sometimes. SOOO many designs I simply HAVE to make. Have you experienced this too?

Out pops a gorgeous gown that is so stunning it nearly makes you cry for the beauty of it. Ok – that one is definitely going on the list…. Then three more down and Oh! I have to have that one too – but in blue.

For most of us *really* into historical costuming this isn’t usually an issue to add multiple projects to the never-ending to-do list. But what if you are a Casual Costumer? What happens when your conscience starts whispering that even though you love it, it’s stupid to make something that you have no place to wear it to? Well…

I think that’s kind of a lame excuse to squash your creative talent. Really. I mean, who cares if you have no place to wear it! Either create one or leave it for others to make.

As humans we are designed to create. Creativity is in our genes and must be used. It can be the simplest of things like a new way to make coffee (too much sugar??), or as elaborate as engineering a skyscraper (somewhere BESIDES Dubai please). But let’s not dwell on other issues.

You’re here because you love to make historical clothing, costumes, hats, bonnets, or you just love seeing others produce them. You may not sew. You may not have ventured out of your ¼” quilting seams to try your hand at a wearable garment. Or, you are deeply involved in making costumes but only for certain time periods or themes (Steampunk is awesome!).

But there’s always that one dress… that one painting… that one hat that throws you a curve. You dream of what it would feel like hanging in your closet… or wrapped around your shoulders. The feeling of pride when you answer, “Why yes, I did make it!”

Isn’t dreaming fun? Well, yes and no. I believe it’s more fun to bring that vision to life. To funnel your own personality into a piece of fabric to where it becomes this 3-D version of the dream. To say, “Heck with reality!” and charge forward in making that dream come true. Who’s going to stop you making a full-blown copy of an 1890s Worth ball gown just because you have NO place to wear it? Well… that would be YOU.

The Conscience You is going to try and stop the Heart You that’s founded in creativity. Don’t let that happen! Follow your heart and sew what you want to!

Ok. So what if you really don’t have anywhere to wear that 1890s ball gown?

Here are a few ideas:

Get a friend or two, or even just your spouse, to dress up with you and go to dinner. Go to the tea room you’ve always wanted to try. It’s kind of like high schoolers and prom – only this time you’re an adult and your dress is SO much better. 🙂

Have a dress-up getaway in the neighboring town. Book that B&B and dress up the whole time you’re “on vacation.”

Research historical societies in your area and see what kind of events they put on. If they’re public ones, dress up for the occasion.

Or if you don’t have ANY events in your town, create one! Gather a few friends (you’ll need a few this time and not just one or two others) and schedule a picnic at the local park, or a time to view the latest exhibit at the local museum. Advertise in the Penny Saver, Craigslist, or your church bulletin that you’ll be hosting a Bring Your Own Food Victorian picnic on Saturday. Do this regularly and you’ll have many more friends AND events to wear that dream dress.

Don’t squash your talent simply because you have no place to wear a costume. Dress up at home, take photos, and share with the world online through a blog and social media. We’ll dream along with you (and be inspired too!). 🙂

Where do you wear your historical costumes?