Heavily pregnant + height of summer + packed into a crowded space = worst idea ever, UNLESS you are attending an event to celebrate your favorite author. If that’s the case, then you go and drag your family along for physical and emotional support. Which is how I found myself in the below crowded room.
This past summer, one of my favorite places in NYC, The Morgan Library, presented an amazing exhibition for Jane Austen’s 250th birthday (December 16, 1775) featuring many manuscripts and letters from their extensive archive. I had the pleasure of attending and hearing a bit of a gallery talk from the curator, which was packed!
The exhibition started with a replica of Jane’s unique writing table, which was a seven-sided table. I definitely felt like a kindred spirit with my tiny sewing studio.
Besides showcasing first editions and letters to her family, the exhibition also featured information about Regency-era clothing.
The highlight was this replica of one of Jane’s gowns, which was completely handsewn!
She was definitely a petite woman, with elegant taste.
The library also had one of her rings on loan from the UK. This ring has quite a backstory. Kelly Clarkson tried to buy it at auction and bring it to the US but public outcry led her to donating it to a museum in the UK, where it lives full-time.
The end of the exhibition also discussed Jane’s reception in the US and contemporary art influenced by her, including this stunning Amy Sherald portrait.
I’m a huge fan of Jane Austen any year, but it’s been especially fun to see all the special tributes to her in 2025. Here on Substack I’ve enjoyed this series inspired by one of her quilts from Beth at Sewing with Numbers and this list of reading suggestions from Elizabeth at What To Read If.
A fun thing about being a Jane Austen fan is that there are so many riffs on her work, so you never really finish reading the stories, they just get remade over and over. As far as modern adaptations go, Clueless is one of my favorite movies of all time. While I’m not thrilled with Gen Z’s embrace of most 90s fashions (wide leg jeans, noooo), I feel like the outfits in Clueless are ones I’m happy to see replicated! My favorite book adaptation is Sonali Dev’s modern retelling of several Austen novels featuring an Indian-American family. I started with The Emma Project and then read the rest of them in quick succession!
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For 2026, I want to notice more pattern and texture from my surroundings, so I thought I’d start this new section highlighting my finds. This week’s inspiration comes from the Islamic Art wing of the Met Museum - gorgeous rugs!
Recently, I finished a WIP that had been languishing in my drawer for the past year - the Tasi robe by Sew DIY - also by Beth from Sewing with Numbers! I was drawn to this pattern because you draft the pieces based on your own measurements and don’t need to print anything! As someone who loathes taping PDF patterns and doesn’t even have a printer, this was a huge selling point! Plus, pattern drafting is something I’m trying to learn more about.
For fabric, I used a block print from India that I’ve been saving for a robe or something similar. I love how elegant the print is! And the fabric is super soft. I finished the cuffs and the front band with the “quick” finish method described in the instructions instead of the handsewn finish because, let’s face it, I don’t have a lot of extra time these days!
What is your favorite Jane Austen book or adaptation? Let us know in the comments or reply to this email!
Have a great week!
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