If I Had My Own Blue Box:

With the deep freeze and blanket ingredients snow many of us are facing in the coming days, I propose a fun distraction with a Snow Sewing Challenge:

Fleece Blanket Challenge

Step 1 – Grab an inexpensive blanket while you are out sticking up on milk & batteries.

Step 2 – Pick a period pattern from any era in history.

Step 3 – Make the garment or accessory using the fleece blanket.

This challenge is meant to be a bit of fun in the depths of winter. This can also be a way of making a functional garment to stay warm.

Of course, I would love to see some fleece versions of my winter hoods. Other ideas could include: a fleece waist, fleece petticoat, fleece mantle, fleece drawers.

I finished it!

This doll hood is absolutely adorable!

Theo is modeling this darling 1870s hood. Theo is a 16ish inch porcelain doll.

But, don’t worry. This pattern has pieces for a 16″ doll and an 18″ doll.

Link to Pattern in Etsy.

I am excited to announce my newest pattern for 2026 is now available in my Etsy shop!

This 1870s Light Wool Hood Pattern has been a long time coming. This beautiful hood has been in my collection for years patiently waiting its turn.

While my previous hood patterns focused on function, hoods that could keep you warm and/or dry, this hood is more about form.

The person who made this original hood from which I pulled this pattern, was skilled creating a simply beautiful hood. The easy two-piece construction has lovely lines with a flare into the bavolet along with finishing details that are just darling.

With this pattern, you can follow closely to the original wool hood or opt to make a couple variations for a lasting, accurate hood to wear with your 1870s impression.

PS – I plan to have the doll version of this pattern available ASAP

PPS – A couple Saturday morning reflections and thoughts:

I made a couple of variations, including one inch instead of half inch quilted diamonds plus enlarging & flipping the trim design.

The main construction of this hood is pretty quick. It is the quilted lining, hand binding, and bow that take a little time. This could easily be a single week or weekend project. If ordering or looking through your stash, you will want a half yard of the exterior fabric and lining fabric.

The hood is lighter weight compared to hoods I’ve previously patterned. This makes it appropriate for milder winter days as well as fall and spring. To increase the warmth, a double layer of wool batting and a second layer of silk lining could be used.

It is only 8 days into the new year, yet I’ve been busy, busy.

Somehow, I managed to pull off a week’s catch-up work in 2 days for another department while technically on recess.  I’ve been working at double, maybe triple speed this week as we dive into our January crunch time for exams. I’ve still been determined to get this pattern done.

And

It is nearly ready!

If you are on Patreon,  you have access to my proof copy.

Once I am happy with it, and sure I didn’t miss something from staring at a computer screen for 12 hours, I will upload it to Etsy for everyone.

I still need to create the doll version. I have 2 doll sizes drafted. I think I am still on track to have those ready by the end of January for you.

Happy 2026!!!!

This new year is especially significant to me. I am starting the year as Anna Worden rather than by my married name, and I am also nearing a landmark birthday. I’ve never been good at setting traditional New Year’s Resolutions or such. I do find value in focusing on a theme and arcing intention this year.

For this year, my theme is to embrace and celebrate myself. My broader aim is to move beyond survival mode and into a period of growth.

Connections – Which of my readers are authors?

As I think about this year and what I hope to grow, I find myself reflecting on how much I value connection. This is particularly true of my many readers who have followed along for years. This year, I want to grow these connections. Starting off:

Over time, I’ve learned that a good number of my readers are also writers. Many of you have reached out to me with thoughtful questions about history, clothing, and millinery while working on your own projects, and I’ve always been glad to help where I could. What I’ve realized, looking back, is that I didn’t always take the next step and ask about the books themselves.

That’s something I’d like to change.

If you are an author, I would love to hear about your work. If you’re comfortable sharing, please leave the title of your book (or books) in the comments. I find myself in a place where I want to read more of what others have written. I’d like to fill my 2026 reading list with authors I know, supporting your work as you have mine.

Edit: I am starting a Good Reads “shelf” of writers I know.

What’s ahead in 2026:

Coming in January – Many have been asking for 1870s and 1880’s hood patterns. I am listening! I am currently working on an 1870s Light Wool Hood Pattern. Initially, I wanted to have this pattern ready for New Year’s Day. I’ve really pushed myself through recess to get it done for you. But, this hood is just too darling to rush. It will be available sometime this month with 2 sizes and a doll size. Of course, paid Patrons will have access to this pattern here.

Coming in February – I have my first program of the year scheduled at the Wehle Gallery at the Genesee Country Village & Museum. I am looking forward to sharing often overlooked or mis-identified Pen Wipes with visitors, including a make-n-take option.

Bergère Hats – I will begin sewing Bergère hats as soon as I finish the pattern mentioned above. I want to do my best to make a hat for everyone who wants one for this 250th year.

I do have additional plans that I am not quite ready to share. I will as soon as I have them more firmly in place.