Thanks to Jacky Sanger, our summer studio mate, we were able to draft a historically accurate* fitted sleeve with a layered cuff for our Marie Antoinette costume. She then hand-tacked Alençon lace motifs to some flocked tulle fabric to create the perfect oval ruffle as a bit of decorative trim. We do love to go […]
We came up with another hack using the patterns from my latest book, Gertie Sews Glam Knits! Inspired by the 1960 “Solo in the Spotlight” design created for our favorite blonde collectible, this sparkly dress combines the basic Jewel Neck Top and Pencil Skirt patterns into one glamorous garment. Resources Sequin knit fabric with 50–70% […]
We came up with another hack using the Halter Top and Pencil Skirt patterns from my latest book, Gertie Sews Glam Knits! This mashup of the Halter Top and Pencil Skirt patterns pays homage to the original dream girl, Barbie, in her very first outfit. The straps of the top are altered and tied together […]
We came up with another hack using the Halter Top pattern from my latest book, Gertie Sews Glam Knits! This pattern takes the classic halter and crosses the ties to create shoulder straps, with an added shoulder drape for drama. It’s paired with the Side Drape Skirt from the book to create this lovely floral jersey […]
Are you looking to stand out at your holiday party this year or add some extra pizzazz to a favorite dress? This tutorial from Rachel Petterson, aka Pigs In Pajamas, will show you how to easily transform (almost) any skirt or dress–including one you’ve already made–by adding a removable, twinkling LED underskirt! For a very […]
It’s not the Halloween Extravaganza if I don’t bring my not-so-secret goth side out to play! This hack of the Lorelei Gown came out even better than I expected. But first, some inspiration! Vampira (played by Maila Nurmi) was a character in a tv show, The Vampira Show, that ran for one year (1954-1955) and […]
Dolly Parton is a style icon! I am delighted to share this hack of the Lorelei Gown (paired with the Dolly Bell Bottoms) so you can recreate this iconic look! Let’s start with some inspiration. Dolly wore so many jumpsuits with big bell bottoms back in the 1970s! More images and inspiration can be found here. […]
The Niagara Bodice pattern expansion includes a longer three-quarter sleeve as well as alternate bodice and midriff front pattern pieces for the Niagara Keyhole Bodice, so you can wear this sexy style during the cooler months and in more staid environments. — xoxo, Gertie This pattern was originally published on Patreon on July 15, 2025.
The Niagara Keyhole Bodice pattern was inspired by the gorgeous pink wiggle dress Marilyn Monroe wore in Niagara (1953), created by costume designer Dorothy Jeakins. This fully lined bodice has a sexy keyhole opening and a lower, wider, and deeper V-neckline than the Lisa Bodice (released in March). It is meant to be worn off […]
The Bathing Beauty Bathing Suit is one in a million! Inspired by one of the many gold swimsuits worn by Esther Williams (and by a risqué one in my collection!), this versatile beauty gives you so many options to make it your own. Create a simple suit with a halter strap, or add a ruched […]