Links

The links I've put here are by no means a complete list of all my favorites; however, as I'm a woman with varied interests and a lot of curiosity, I've included a little bit of everything including more than a few that are just for fun. If you know of a (virus-free) site that might interest me and others, please e-mail me and include the URL!

The Repulbic of Pemberley - The most comprehensive site on the web regarding Jane Austin and all of her novels. Great boards on the life and times of early 19th century life, along with an advice column written by Her Grace, Lady Catherine de Burghe. A must for Janians.

Jessamyn's Costumer's Companion - A great resource for those who participate in re-enactment groups. Jessamyn has reviews of nearly every sewing pattern covering the period, links to pattern sellers and fabric sources, links to accessories and menswear vendors, and ta-da---she's a talented dressmaker who takes commissions from her web customers. Beautiful online pictures of her work. Another must see for anyone interested in the period.

Victoria Louise Mercers - The single best online source for reproduction fabrics and findings for all your 18th to early 20th century reproduction costume needs. Amazing embroidered muslins that are appropriate for Regency Ball Gowns. Civil War era weight crinolines, hoops, corset kits, patterns and lots more. Fun feathers, flowers and ribbons for hat decorating. For the bride to be, a small but beautiful collection of old-fashioned embroidered veils made in England.

Vintage Vogue - A growing local company (Corona, CA) that has beautiful silk and velvet ribbons, in a wide selection of widths and colors. Also a great source for dyeable ribbons in different fibers. Great for quilters, fiber artists and dressmakers. They also sell kits to make antique looking pins featuring reproduction metal fixings and their beautiful ribbons. Online tips for making ribbon flowers.

Farthingales - An amazing site located in Ontario, Canada for the costumer and sewing enthusiast alike. Fabrics, reproduction fabrics and patters, kits for corsets and hoops, online sewing tips and reviews. Great value with the American dollar stronger than the Canadian dollar.

Sense and Sensibility - Another one woman business with a lot of information and beautiful images for home sewers. Jennie Chancey has a small collection of extensively tested patterns for sale that she's drafted from the Regency, Titanic and Swing eras. Her Titanic Project and Diary of a Dress pages are well worth looking at for sewing inspiration. She also has put together an amazing selection of extensive links to sites that I love for being extra-"girly." What can I say...I love beautiful sites with beautiful things!

Piecemakers Country Store - THE premier craft shop in Southern California. I've spent thousands there over the years! Everything from quilting and silk ribbon embroidery to classes teaching you how to spin your own wool and make furniture out of willow. If they don't have it, they'll get it for you. Extensive selection of fabrics, beads, trims, dollmaking supplies and the biggest selection of every kind of class you can imagine. If you're in Orange Country, make a trip there before you see Disneyland. Their village has a cold coffee drink to die for, along with all kinds of homemade treats to nibble on, and the squaw bread is the tastiest since Mom's. A limited web page compared to their brick and mortor locations, but still worth the visit. World renowned Australian teacher Gloria McKinnon teaches classes here (pricey!) a couple of times a year. Great old fashioned craft fairs and peddler's markets every season.

The United Way - Still the best way to give locally. Also, the home of Mayor Giullianni's September 11th Fund. Give locally, and your funds will stay local. Support goes to a lot of local programs that you might not have heard of, but they are sorely needed.

The Salvation Army - In memory of my dear friend, the late Chris de Profio. Chris did street outreach and intervention for TSA in Denver. The Salvation Army helps the homeless and others who have a hard time helping themselves. Denver, Disneyland and the world lost a good friend when Chris died in 1992.

For Mom, Auntie Marie and Florence
Alzheimers Association - Information about this disease and other dementias.

Alzheimers.Org - Education and referral services.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - They have helped our family so much through their outreach and education programs. Best source of help for all breast cancer patients.

The Audrey Hepburn Hollywood for Children Fund - currently, the web page is being rennovated, but you can still make donations to continue the work started by this beloved icon. I will update this link when the web page is finished.