My channel focuses on 20th century historical dress. My particular area of expertise lies between 1930 to 1979, so I will mainly focus on mid-20th century sewing and history (with some notable exceptions of course). A large part of my channel is dedicated to reconstructing iconic garments from the period/media while diving into the history that surrounds that particular piece. I aim to create garments using historical methods whenever possible in order to achieve a version as close to the original as possible. In between reconstructions I post historically relevant videos related to dress, sewing, beauty, food, or other homemaking activities.
Right now I feel like 18th/19th century dress dominates the historical costuming community on youtube, so I wanted to contribute and create for those who desire for more 20th century focused conversations.
While interesting info, the vid was hard to watch and to listen. The skittery clipping and monotone voice was not my cup of tea. Additionally, you missed Stretch & Sew a powerhouse in a dying industry.
We also moved from NJ to Williamsburg VA. Not sure what town your in but I believe close to Williamsburg. We retired 3 yrs ago and moved here. Best decision of our life. Love your home. Love being able to walk down Colonial Williamsburg everyday and I still find something new that I never knew before.
Just an FYI after sewing since 1958, and having lessons in 4-H and Home Ec as well as watching my mother use her tailoring classes from Penn State's County Extension Program. When using loosely woven fabrics in creating self-fabric buttons, you should use your lining fabric under the boucle to keep the silver sheen from the buttons from showing through. If you're using contrast lining in your garment, but don't want the contrast lining under the fabric for the buttons, find a scrap of matching or neutral fabric lining in your stash to use instead. My mother taught us not to waste anything, so scraps from our clothing were saved for crafts and doll clothes. Smaller scraps were saved for Barbie clothes and bits used to teach us how to sew seams, make hand-sewn button holes, and, yes, cover buttons. Also: my mother reinforced the hems of gowns I wore in HS Choir concerts with horsehair braid. Under-lining and lining will do the trick, too, but I needed so many gowns for various concerts inmy high school years that horsehair braid (now polyester, of course) helped the gown to hang properly without the added expense of under-lining and lining.
I just picked up this pattern. I’m thinking of using a a. Quilted top for the outside and a silky fabric for the inside so the batting does not show. You inspired me. Thank you
Here's a tip I've learnt in between when I first watched this video when it came out and now. When working with Boucle, the couture method of stabilising it is to flatline it to silk organza. Chanel basically quilts them together. You tack them first and then mark you pattern on the silk and then cut out.
New subscriber here. I enjoyed the whole show! Jealius of your pattern & catalog stashes. The fabrics you chose were just beautiful! Wonderful time watching, thanks!
So that no one jumps on you, Wythe is pronounced “With”, Short I. Welcome to the Old Dominion. Gorgeous home. Congratulations! You may also want to visit the Colonial Plantations on Rt 5 just between Richmond and Williamsburg.
The recent new patterns I have purchased have HORRIBLE instructions. If I didn’t already know how to sew, I wouldn’t have understood how to construct the garment.
Beautiful work! I appreciate you criticizing the fast fashion industry and praising historical craftsmanship, but it is a bit weird that there was also no balanced criticism of 1950's fashion (e.g. the romanticization of girls being taught sewing in school while glossing over the societal implications of this)
I really appreciate your input. So I don't think sewing classes themselves were bad, it's the way they were implemented that was sexist by have only women participate. I guess I assume that most people recognize that the 1950s were very much sexist, racist, all the ists basically. My intention is not to romanticize, but to look to the past for the positive and interesting things we lost like more sustainable methods.
Did you raise the waist in the mockup to make sure it worked or just went straight to the green fabric? Also did you change the bust at all in the mockup or did the pattern end up fitting well afterall?
I adore sewing but seldom need anything so I volunteered to help the local high school with their plays. I enlist the students to help and be assistant costumers. I have taught some basic sewing, embellishments and machine sewing. One of the kids came back from break saying she got her 1st machine for Christmas. I am thrilled
Are you able to sit with that 15inch busk you used? I have the same issue, where I'm about to choose a busk size and I'm not sure. Using the pattern marks I get a 12-13 inch busk.
I have been looking for a pattern for the yellow dress Mrs. Kennedy wore to the Champs-Elysses. I think this would have to be done either without a pattern, or modiify one of the old Simplicity design, no?
You're work is Beautiful! I love what you did with the lace placements and "All Hand Stitched!". Brilliant work... You have inspired me to have a go at draping underwear. Love your finished work and construction information. 🙏🤗💃💖 Thank you. X
