This nightcap, dating from the late 17th or early 18th century, was made using a technique called crewel, a type of embroidery worked with wool yarn on linen. Since men had shaved heads or very short hair to accommodate their wigs during this period, they wore caps like this one to keep warm after their...

What is a miser's purse and how does it work? Watch this short video to see Laura Camerlengo, author of the DesignFile e-book "The Miser's Purse," demonstrate how to use this nineteenth-century costume accessory. Interested? Check out "The Miser's Purse," an e-book by Laura Camerlengo now available in iTunes, Amazon, and most places e-books are...