Bernadette Banner: Expert in Historical Sewing, Purveyor of Ankle Porn

My great-grandmother’s treadle sits in the dining room with all my fancy furniture. I used to love to sew on it, but the belt was broken and has gone missing. It is high on the list of things that I will want repaired and restored when my children are all grown and gone. 

I think I found Bernadette when I was looking for a medieval dress with bell sleeves. Bernadette had made one and some cheap costume place had ripped off her design. She had great fun destroying their version, and I had fun watching. In a previous life, Bernadette was a costume seamstress on Broadway. She has since become a devotee and expert in historical sewing. Watching her tiny fingers fell stitching something is relaxing and a little awe-inspiring. She tackles beautiful and intriguing garments. With all of history to draw from she has never fallen into a rut.

Co-starring with all those garments is Caesar the guinea pig. Bernadette, if you haven’t already read it you should read Olga da Polga by Michael Bond. It’s a wonderful children’s book about a guinea pig. Caesar has full run of the house and makes many charming appearances. 

Bernadette is fun to watch in her own right, but her content is a worthy partner. She has also written a book, Make, Sew, and Mend that is on my wishlist. Give her a glance.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSHtaUm-FjUps090S7crO4Q