The History Wardrobe on dressing like a 1930s film star on an ordinary budget, and Kate Ireland on making bias-cut gowns without the drama.

A write-up of our November 2025 meeting at Sunny Bank Mills, where textile artist Hannah Lamb shared the stories behind her heritage-inspired work.

Embroiderer and costume historian Alison Larkin on remaking the waistcoat Elizabeth Cook never finished for her husband.

Heather Audin of the York Quilt Museum on quilted clothing, and Anna Day on 18th-century Paris fashion and the Macaronis.

Artist Chandra Law on learning batik at school in Malaysia, and the meaning behind its colours and designs.

Curator Pauline Rushton on the Tinne family’s shopping habits, and a visit to the ethnology collections at the Conservation Centre.

Members brought their own collections and mystery pieces to share, and we cut our 25th anniversary cake.

Our AGM at Chatsworth House, with Head House Seamstress Christine Thompson on caring for the house’s textiles.

A special meeting in Leeds for our 25th year: four experts on how technology has changed the design and performance of textiles and dress.

Bridalwear designer Fiona Lawrence on the modes and manners of Wallis Simpson, and Sue Seeger on the London couture house of Lachasse.