Make Stuff

Celebrating the Historical Costume Gurus of Instagram

Costumes are one of the coolest things humans have figured out. We have a holiday that is centered around them, and people with magical abilities have figured out how to transform themselves (and others) into just about anyone: people from the past, present and future, characters from T.V shows, comics, and more! So when I stumbled across one Instagram account and found that some people make historical costumes, I knew I was hooked! Here are some historical costume sewing gurus you should be following on Instagram.

1. @history_butmakeitfashion

Marta not only creates stunning historical costuming (and takes adorable photos) but she is also historical fashion expert for Edinburgh New Town : The Georgian House, which you should also follow because it’s a beautifully restored Edinburgh New Town house (@nts_georgianhouse).

2. @ensembles_of_the_past

Sara Gonzalez is the owner and creator of Ensembles of The Past which offers custom-made historical garments! She also makes other things like wedding gowns (go look at her feed and you’ll see the stunning wedding dress she made for her sister!). Not only does she create, but she also goes to fantastic gatherings and sells her other historical products, like fabric, belts, and other sewing notions!

3. @society_seams

If anyone can make you want to play dress up, this girl can! All her photos are breathtaking and will make you want to go out and start sewing! Or you can get a gorgeous dress from her etsy shop and feel like a princess!

4.@thebohemianbelle1800

We can’t talk about costume gurus without mentioning this freelance costume designer! Her dresses are breathtaking, and she has the best sassy photos of all the ridiculous Regency events she goes to!

Hey Julia, if you’re reading this, I’d like to tag along!

5. @before_the_automobile

If there is anyone who can convince us to wear corset (especially a hot pink one!) it’s this guru! Her costume pieces look like she just stepped off of a movie set, complete with hair and makeup! Her photos, who are normally taken by the very talented Saara Salmi (@saaranoemi) are breathless and look like they are paintings! This yellow dress, which is giving off Victorian Bell vibes was all HAND BEADED by Merja! Don’t believe me? Well go stalk her feed and you’ll see a video of her doing some of the beadwork!

Melissa Haskins

Melissa Haskins is a stay at home mom to twins boys, another baby boy, and a patient wife. While being a mom and wife is a 24/7 job on its own, she is also the creator and host of the weekly podcast Paperback Romance Book Club; a romance book podcast that not only reviews books but likes to point out how the ever-changing genre is still relevant in today’s topics. Melissa is also an unapologetic coffee addict, has a weakness for a man in a kilt, and an avid taco lover. You can find Melissa on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, as well as her blog Paperback Romance Book Club The Blog.