Current Projects

YouTube | Bernadette Banner

With an audience of over 1 million subscribers, the Bernadette Banner YouTube channel seeks to harness the power of algorithm-based social media to spread awareness and public interest in dress history through entertaining and accessible content. Videos range from lighthearted discussions of period costume in popular media, to video essays ‘mythbusting’ common dress misconceptions, to documentations of historical reconstruction projects. A series of ‘docu-vlogs’, which will highlight various traditional or specialty crafts, is still in development. The first two episodes can be found here.

“Make, Sew and Mend: Traditional Techniques to Sustainably Maintain and Refashion Your Clothes”

Published in May, 2022 by Page Street Publishing, now available for purchase at most large book retailers.

“As people learn the environmental and economic toll of fast fashion, they are turning toward more sustainable fashion practices like mending. From running and herringbone stitches to basting, pleats and buttonholes, Bernadette breaks down techniques with step-by-step photos to show people with any level of sewing skill how to achieve the most lasting results for every stitch.

Whether readers are looking to build and maintain a vintage wardrobe or merely want to phase out fast fashion in favor of more sustainable practices, Bernadette has the basics covered for every kind of seamster.”

Skillshare Course: “Handsewing Basics: Sturdy Stitches for Mending & More”

YouTube is excellent for pretty pictures and calming vibes, but rarely is there time in the story to stop and explain how to actually thread the needle. This step-by-step introductory class will help curious beginners learn the fundamental hand stitches needed to make or mend almost any garment.

Sign up to Skillshare with a free 30-day trial: