Would velvet or silk have been seen as more posh/expensive? Or were they about the same…

https://preview.redd.it/c3zegqsjhdge1.jpg?width=880&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dddefe67e852741c5c1c271d0af190a8ee37248c

I really like the look of this dress and the outfit in general. Where can I buy something very similar to this outfit? Or where can I get it custom made? And how much would it cost? This picture is from 1908.

I'm using view A for my mockup because I think the neckline is lower but the sides don't even remotely match up at the armscye. Yes I'm aware I'll be lacing there or in back but what do I do? I know they're the right pieces because I was very meticulous when I cut them out.

Hi! I want to learn about XVIII European fashion so I was looking for any books or articles regarding bodices, how hey where made and the shape at the bottom, because I know that also changed. Thank you!

I'm putting together a chatelain and would like to include a bag with this type of closure. I'd love to make a full-size purse, too. The problem is, I've only been able to find small hardware that has 20 attachment points. It opens to around 10 centimeters. I know larger closures exist, but I can't find a supplier. I have run across a few vintage and antique purses with larger closures, but I'm not about to pay a lot of money for one and destroy it! I found someone who sells patterns for 38 hole closures and it sounds like she used to sell those and no longer carries them.

Has anyone here found a supplier who sells large gate hardware? It's kind of driving me crazy at this point lol

I asked this on r/renfaire and was sent over here, but I’m planning making my second ren faire costume soon and I had a pirate in mind but I can’t find anywhere what a historically accurate corset would look like. I’ve looked what feels like everywhere but I can’t find anything.

All help and advice is welcome!!! Thanks in advance!!!

I’m not a sewer (I wish) but I am an art historian looking to build a collection of references books. I don’t need any that have sewing references or techniques. Just close ups of design. I’m interested in all periods of womens clothes but mainly 1500-1800

Hi there! This seemed like the right group of people to ask: I have two tickets to Bookbound events' Austen Affair ball and weekend (Memorial Day weekend in Salt Lake City) and can no longer go. I'm looking to transfer them to someone who would love to go at a discount. Please let me know if you might be interested!

R/sewing insta-killed this post because I have never posted there before and r/renfaire suggested you guys might be helpful!

I'm about to embark on my first ren faire costume project, currently shopping for materials online. Basically I want to make a chemise to wear under my corset and a pair of bloomers for under that. I am using methods for the italian chemise outlined in many tutorials - the rectangle construction with square armpit gussets, triangular skirt gores and lots of gathering, with added buttons and loops for customizable adjustment on the sleeves and skirt.

My question is: would 140gsm linen-like woven cotton work well for this, or should I use a lighter weight single layer cotton gauze (100gsm)?

Also, I want to make gathered bloomers to go under. Can anyone recommend a simple, easily adjustable construction method for that? And has anyone worn bloomers in place of modern undies? Ideally I want to keep my number of layers minimal and would love to make them functional as my bottom base layer garment and wear them with other regular dresses/skirts for wonderfully breathable modesty and comfort.

I'm not terribly concerned with historical accuracy and don't have unlimited time so I'll be machine sewing this, but I am going to be using drawstrings and buttons/loops instead of elastic for any adjustable areas, if that matters. All natural fiber with the exception of the thread.

Thank you for sharing your expertise! If you have any similar completed projects I would LOVE to see them.

I have an oc female character in a plot set during the 11th century, she live in iceland and travel to Norway with a group of friends, I'd like to know what colors of apron dresses were available during that time and what colors hoods were available as well.

I know that the cage crinoline was patented in 1856, but what were people wearing before that? Everything I can find just talks about 1856 lol. (Also sorry in the wording is wrong or if this isn't the place to ask questions, I'm very much an amateur lol)

I know the title seems unrelated to the sub, but I think someone here might be able to help me. My friend's quinceanera is coming up this summer and they said the theme is "black and red, 17th century". I think ballgowns were popular for women, but obviously they'll be wearing a ballgown since they're the quince haver. Are there other feminine options that won't outshine them?

thanks in advance :)

edit : thanks to everyone for suggestions!!

Hi, everyone! I am a super new sewer (I can hem, put a button on and cross stitch) but I want to start trying to make my own historical clothes. I know that corsets and stays are going way, way beyond anything I can attempt. Does anyone have a good recommendation on where I can buy more accurate corsets/stays? Or if anyone knows a good website that does custom things? I have a very short torso. I appreciate it so much!

Recently finished my stays and chemise, stays pattern is red threaded and chemise is simplicity 1139

It's in all the "history of raglan sleeves" articles that I can find; Lord Raglan lost his arm, he and his tailor came up with the raglan sleeve for greater freedom of movement. Diagonal seam something something. But I haven't felt any greater movement in a raglan sleeve than in a well-fitted set-in sleeve. What are all your insights and ideas, perhaps with the lived experience of wearing historical coats like the ones Lord Raglan had trouble with?

So I will be heading towards the UK in the fall what are the places or shops I need to visit? Spill all the tea! I’ve been searching around the Internet, but it seems hard to locate all the info I would like. Best places to buy fabric for historical costuming, best vintage stores, museums or historical sites around this? Good place for pictures in dress. Is there a website or YouTuber who’s covered this? No advice too small!

I noticed in the clearance section at IKEA today that the Matilda Curtains are on closeout sale! At my IKEA, I was able to get 5 for $9 each.

They're really well suited for a lingerie dress, as Katja has done here. I've had my eye on them for a while! Especially on sale price, they're very economical for the base of this type of dress.

Imgur link of what I got, including dimensions, pattern, and a good view of how sheer they are.

Happy sewing!

Hello all!

I bought the Mill Farm robe à la française pattern a few years ago from Burnley & Trowbridge before I really knew what I was doing but I have enough experience under my belt to begin the project now! but now I’m worried that I bought a confusing pattern.

Does anyone have experience with this pattern and could clarify a few of the instructions? I’m making a toile for the bodice and already I’m confused because it’s talking about pleating the front of it and I just don’t understand the logistics.

Thank you!

I made a post here a few days ago, and having managed to smoothly hand sew a drop-waist belt, I have decided to sew ny own edwardian (five gored) walking skirt. I have the pattern, and have been assembling the papee, but I am still stuck on what fabric to use? I have a lot of muslin to draft the pattern with (i suspect the length will be too much as I can quite short), but there are so many fabric recommendations that I ave got myself lost. I was initially thinking cotton broadcloth, but I dont know if it is heavy enough (my only source of it is 130gsm). It seems cotton drill would be far too heavy, but I am extremely clumsy, so instinctively I want to go heavier so it is harder to rip the fabric. I would go for tweed, but harris tweed, my only option really, is crazy on a student budget. Does anybody have suggestions? Help!

Hi everyone! I'm on the hunt for dress patterns for specifically 1630(ish). Im looking for both upperclass and lower class dress patterns. I tried looking on Google and etsy and wasn't able to find anything but I feel it might just be user error 😅. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know!

EDIT: For some further context, I was considering doing a female version of Black Phillip from the Witch, Which is set in New england in the 1630s. I've included some new references for what style of dress im interested in! dress 1 dress 2

I am going to an event in April where I will be wearing the same dress though the day and into the evening. I wanted some daytime exercise to dress down the dress that then I will take off for the evening event. For one I will have mitts and a handkerchief around my shoulders and neck. For the 1770s, would it be appropriate to have a delacet apron on over a robe a la francaise for no particular work? Most stialish aprons that I have found are on round gowns. And as for caps, I am 24. I know the etiquette of caps changed as years went, but by the 1770s woman of all marriage status are wearing caps, right? It's not only for married women yet?

Thank you for your help!