Historical Fashion

                         

Historical fashion quickly became an interest of mine in 2009. In my history studies, I received an assignment to create a historically accurate Dolly Madison Costume. From there I began incorporating costume making into my history studies. Now I just do it for sheer enjoyment

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Here is a costume I designed for a Christmas nativity. In an attempt to make this costume as authentic as possible, I made the over dress out of coarse burlap, and I made the under dress from old ragged sheeting I dyed at home with tea. I left the hems ragged to give a weathered look.

 

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Traditional Revolutionary War
(1700) 
every day dress

  Front without bustle                Side with bustle                    Front  with bustle

 Full bustle back

I used antique lace cut from an old torn table cloth for this.
This type of lace is exactly what people in the 1700's would have hand made and used in their clothing.

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                                          Casual 1809 Dolly Madison Costume

Turban Head Pieces for Dolly Madison costume.

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1960’s Gown

                                                       

This gown was a challenging task to complete, but as most challenges are in design, it was an extremely fun and rewarding one.

A few years back, my family and I wanted to add a bit of glamour to our annual Christmas Eve shindig. To do this, we decided to get dressed up in our high class finery and make it a true costume party! I looked at this as an exciting opportunity to make a true vintage ball gown! How fun! However, sewing late into the night with company encamped at my very heels did add a bit of stress as I grappled with the finishing touches the night before!

More to be posted soon!