And so it begins ...

Hello world. My name is Emma and I sew in a closet.

Actually, though. It would seem that the only good place for my sewing machine is in my bedroom closet, amidst my shoes and clothes and all manner of other clutter. 

I tell myself that it's artsy and pinterest-y, but it's still 100% a closet. No complaints, though!

I've been sewing for about as long as I can remember. When I was nine I got my first sewing machine and used it to make lots of doll dresses and one hideous Easter dress, but I didn't discover historical costuming until an eighth grade history project prompted me to create a horribly inaccurate civil war dress in under a week with absolutely no prior experience. 

(This lack of thinking out projects before I start them and leaving things to the last minute will be a trend. Take note now.)

Anyhoo, long story short I've been stalking the blogosphere for quite a long time now, and figured it was time to finally add my voice to the mix. So, here goes nothing.

(I feel like I should introduce myself ... so how about five facts about me? That sounds good.)

1. My area of expertise is about 1775 onwards, but the 1600s have been calling me recently so we'll see where that goes ...

2. I'm a huge classic lit nerd, and this 100% influences my sewing. Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Margaret Mitchell ... expect lots of literary inspired sewing projects.

3. I'm a huge theater nerd with a love for costume design. I've done costumes for a few shows at this point and am looking to do more in the future, so expect that too.

4. I have dubious standards for historical accuracy. I feel like everyone has their own hierarchy of what's important to historical costuming, and I'm no different. I'd love to explore this in more detail later on, but for now, know that I'm a stickler for seamlines and fabrics and general outward appearance, but I'm not above faking it behind the scenes. Oh, and proper undergarments are a must!!! :)

5. And finally, the inspiration for this blog title: I very, very rarely follow directions. Actually, I'm a Hermione Granger-level rule follower in real life, but I don't think I've ever sewn a pattern without changing something. Sometimes it's because I think I know better than the pattern makers, sometimes it's because I'm lazy. Oftentimes it ends badly, but hey, what's life without a few poorly calculated risks? (And by risks I mean not following the cutting diagrams because I'm really rebellious guys, I promise).

Alright. Here we go. Time to sew some stuff.

~ Emma