My mother taught me to sew when I was about five, and I started using her machine a few years later. When I was younger, I mostly threw together costumes of various types; as an adult, I started making real clothes as well. Still, I remain interested in historic costume and sometimes incorporate period details into my projects. At the same time, I'd prefer to put my effort into making everyday clothes I can wear on the street, as opposed to actual Victorian or Renaissance gowns (much as I admire them!).

I use a 1969 Pfaff sewing machine for which I no longer have the instructions. It is very solid and will probably be here long after the rest of us are gone. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles that some newer machines do, but I don't miss them.

Historic Sewing Links

La couturrière parisienne: Large site with many pictures and some patterns--parts of the site are only available auf Deutsch, however
Five Rivers: Company offering many brands of historical patterns

Basic Sewing Links

Pattern Review: Good place to check for known issues with commercial patterns
Pauquet