I have been trying to find a place that sells them or the patterns but I haven’t been sure where to look.

Hi guys,

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First time posting so please be nice :)

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I (18F) have long been interested in going for a ball (I just finished Downton Abbey 5 months ago). I also love how women used to dress back in the 1920's but am relatively new to this subject. Can anyone help me find/pick a good dress for the Jane Austen ball in 2025 (link posted below), please, as well as tips on etiquette and ballroom dancing in general? Im very nervous but excited :)

Any help is much appreciated!

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https://www.janeaustenevening.org/

I’m gearing up for my first Victorian event that doesn’t take place in the cold weather lol and I’m wanting to know where I can find a good parasol?

I’ve looked on Etsy but I’m scared of paying $50+ for something that’s on amazon for $10.

Hi Folks, as part of my series 'How to make a Simple Viking Age Tunic or Dress', I have just released this latest video, with a PDF accompanying it. ( link in the description)

In this episode, I take you step-by-step through my method for making Pattern Diagrams for Viking Age Kirtles and Dresses. I will show you how a simple kirtle or dress is constructed, breaking them down into their component parts. Then, starting with a set of measurements, (and my example person, Loki) I will take you through how to accurately size each piece for a custom fit.

We will look at checking the fit of the garment over the hips if you need to before we start cutting, and learn how to create a handy neckline template for a simple, close fitting, comfortable neckline. Finally, we will look at how we can use our pattern diagram to check we have enough fabric for the garment, or, how to know how much to buy for a particular project!

There are timestamps separating each section of this beast of a tutorial, so you can come back and find just the bit you want easily! These are also given in each section of the PDF document that accompanies it. You can find that link in the description along with another link which just contains the Pattern Diagram Template and Notes for easy printing.

This one is a bit special. :) This series is the one I wanted to make when I first started the channel, and this step, learning how to take your measurements, and turn them into a garment that fits you well, is the heart of it. Over 5 years of trial and error, 2 years thinking about how to share it and refining details, a month of PDF editing, diagram designing, script writing, filming and editing, and here it is.

I really hope you find this helpful. It’s aimed at those just starting out, but I hope more experienced sewists can find something to take from it too. It assumes a small amount of knowledge that has already been covered in previous videos in the How to Make a Simple Viking Age Tunic or Dress series, and the Stitches and Seam Treatments playlist, but you don't have to have sewn a stitch in your life to be able to create your own Pattern Diagrams!

So, grab a cup of something tasty, come on over, and let’s get started. :)

https://youtu.be/9NEbnCzoMhU

Hello everyone,

I am making my second pair of late Edwardian Trousers. I drafted my pattern with the help WDF Vincents "Cutters Practical Guide". The section on making up ist very condensed, so I am Sometimes comparing with Jason Maclochainn's "Victorian Tailor".

The Trousers use a grown-on waistband and a fishtail-back for use with braces.

With my Last pair, when placing the Canvas around the top i cut it in one long straight Strip per side, wich widens in the back following the triangular shape of the backs.

In the illustrastions though it shows the canvas in one continuous width following the shape of the tops.

How is this done? Do i cut it to the shape or is this done in multiple parts?

Maclochainn's book unforfunately used a curved, not pointed, back in its making up section. He also used a thinner Linen, wich is Cut straight and curved by pressing. He also Cuts it in two parts for Front and Back wich overlap at the sideseam. With canvas this would create too much bulk.

I hope someone can shed some light in this matter !

I attached a picture from the Cutters Practical Guide showing the Canvas (Grey) and linen stays (black).

https://preview.redd.it/xdm1wrxrgewc1.jpg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5efab6735141cc61e0a9bd84d026c693b13f7730

I just REALLY REALLY want an excuse to put on an Edwardian tea gown

Just wondering if anyone has made this - if you have, do you have any photos? The pictures on the site aren't that great - and how was it? Doable for a relative beginner? (I have - basic sewing skills, I guess?) - am I understanding correctly that it's actually open down the entire front? ("The deep front opening typical of this era closes with buttons in the yoke; hooks and eyes can be used to fasten the long opening.") - Could you stitch that closed if you didn't want it open all the way down?

It looks so comfortable (and wearable over modern-ish underthings if a person wanted) - also looks like it could do double duty as a nightdress if you made it in a soft flannel. I kinda want it for both - cotton for day, soft flannel for night.

link to the pattern in question: https://www.folkwear.com/en-ca/products/201-prairie-dress-pdf

I'm looking for some input.

I'm trying to make my husband a pair of pants.

The problem comes that my he carries his weight around the middle and has no butt.

Based on his measurements, I have to cut a size 54 waist (easy enough), but it is a size 46 in the hips. How on earth do I grade that!?

Do I need to enlarge the whole pattern to a 54? Have him wear the mock-up and pin it?

I cut a 52 (the largest size included) to see if it would fit, and it just barely does as long as we dont tie at the back, but the pant legs are far too big. I'm I making this harder than I need to?

EDIT: missed some words and double spaced for clarity

I can’t remember where I’ve seen this- it was in a movie I think, or what terms to search really. It’s a fan on a beaded belt that the wearer can hold the fan or drop it and let it hang on their person like a chateleine. Any ideas of where I saw this or what it’s called? Thanks :)

ETA- the movie is The Muse and the item in question is used by Sharon Stone in several scenes.

I'm looking to buy some more formal court-esque 18th Century womens' shoes (silk/satin latchets or mules), but the only brand I can seem to find that offers anything of the sort is American Duchess. I've heard too many stories of poor quality and short lifespans when it comes to AD shoes, and in addition to how I'm not really that fond of how their shoes look in comparison to what they're trying to reproduce.

i’m looking for patterns for or similar to this dress from outlander!! i have been in love with it since seeing it!

Can anyone summarize the key differences between early 1880s corsets and 1860s corsets? I've been doing my research but I'm finding them very similar. I have an 1860s corset pattern if I lengthen it an inch or 2 and install a spoon busk will the shaping be right for the early 1880s ?

So, I'm trying to make a lady Sherlock Holmes (1980 TV show, with Jeremy Brett). He wears a pocket watch, and after many google searches, it looks like he wears a Double Albert chain in the show. I've found images like the one included, but I can't figure out what I do with the long ends. I see that the watch goes in the middle on the short chain, but I can't find anything about what to do with the long chains. Nothing about an little loops in the pockets it would clip to. I would really appreciate any insight about what is supposed to be on the long ends of the chains.

https://preview.redd.it/cfnkoq5502wc1.jpg?width=569&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c0826d42aff53a6f7facd85f38bc1f0762b67f6f

Posting this under purchasing because I do not know where else this might apply!

In the post I made like 40 minutes ago I came to the realization that corsetry may not be for me. Whoops!

Since I don’t plan to wear the corsets I own, I want to give them new homes. One is a size XS from Redthreaded, and the other is a size M. The XS has a dark floral print and the M is white! I also have bust padding from GGD (size narcissus) and hip padding from theboudoirkey (size moderate padding if i recall correctly)!

I can give extra info to anyone interested (dm or comment) but wasn’t sure where else to give these items a second chance at life!

Edit: they’re both 1880s style!

Edit again: size M has been sold!

I generally lace my corset pretty loosely - I have that intrinsic fear of restriction LOL. It does become somewhat of a problem when it coming to the corset staying in place and supporting me. I’m not sure how tight I should be pulling it. I’m quite an anxious breather and I’m used to deep hyperventilation, which is of course not so feasible in a corset! When going by measurements, I have a 1 inch reduction at most at the waist, but since I’m used to… no reduction… it feels like I’m going to hurt myself. How much of a reduction is too much for daily wear? I’m really not used to the constriction around my ribs and it’s freaking me out 😭

Edit: I am selling my corsets LOL

https://www.reddit.com/r/HistoricalCostuming/s/It2iuN5pkZ

I generally lace my corset pretty loosely - I have that intrinsic fear of restriction LOL. It does become somewhat of a problem when it coming to the corset staying in place and supporting me. I’m not sure how tight I should be pulling it. I’m quite an anxious breather and I’m used to deep hyperventilation, which is of course not so feasible in a corset! When going by measurements, I have a 1 inch reduction at most at the waist, but since I’m used to… no reduction… it feels like I’m going to hurt myself. How much of a reduction is too much for daily wear? I’m really not used to the constriction around my ribs and it’s freaking me out 😭

So basically I'm making an 1830 tailcoat for my Les Miserable cosplay, more specifically this one from blacksnailpatterns I've picked a light blue plain linen for the main fabric What I'm still not sure on is whether the lining should be similar to the main fabric or a light blue plaid (I like this better, but not sure if it's historically acurate) I'm also considering making it unlined or partially lined, but am not sure on how would it look So yeah I need some advice or suggestions.

Thinking about tackling this dress from Janet Arnold’s book. Of course, I’m doing the undergarments first - but because the front and back of the dress is so low I’m wondering what to do about the chemise situation - was there such thing as an “evening chemise” - something cut lower to not interfere with the neckline? If so, does anyone have a good pattern?

So far, I've seen it called a justacorp (which don't seem to traditionally come in at the waist), a frick coat (tighter and later period), and a longcoat, but I'm having issues finding patterns for this design in particular.

If the book/pattern suggests a rough yardage, that would be greatly appreciated too! I'm reasonably experienced in sewing medieval garb but this is my first serious foray into Renaissance/Enlightenment gear.

I found this dress on Pinterest and can't for the life of me find the source or any other pictures. The background makes me think it's a museum or auction picture, but the dress is probably a movie costume. Even just finding a pic from the front would be great. Anyone have any ideas?

https://preview.redd.it/xukngw4ugvvc1.jpg?width=735&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4c61a3f0b1b066273db7946017d557fbb21b44e6

hi! i’m wondering if anyone has any affordable book recommendations about 19th century fashion/patterns/sewing techniques? preferably between €10-€30 and within the eu

Hello!
Does anyone have any pieces or scraps of Burnley & Trowbridge's 44"wide Polish linen canvas? They had it this past February. I've run out and just need about 1/4 of a yard more. Please let me know if you have any! I'm in the USA. Many thanks!

I have never sewn a thing in my life but really love historical clothing and want to learn how to make it myself, any advice on good materials/tools or patterns? What would be the easiest to start with as someone totally inexperienced?? Anything i should generally know?

Hi!

This is probably a dumb question, but, during the late 1910s and 1920s, when the envelope chemise greatly rose in popularity and became a primal undergarment for many, what did women wear underneath their nightclothes since drawers (besides in the late ‘20s) were not all too common? During the late 1910s especially, the envelope chemise became, essentially, drawers in its own. Did they wear an envelope chemise underneath their nightgown? Did they have drawers and wear those to bed?

Hi all, im working on an 18th century outfit and would like to wear it with a small bum roll similar to the one in the picture. However when i wear it with a "normal" petticoat the back of the petticoat ends up hanging higher than the front. Ive tried looking up tutorials on how to make the hem hang at the same hight all around but have so far been unsuccesful. Can anyone give tips or reccomend a source on how to do this? Thanks for reading!