Medieval queens wore wool. I wear thrift store curtains. 

Girl, we love anyone weird. Especially us old ones. I love seeing how the young people are carrying on the costume calling! Beautiful reveal--show us more!

It's wonderful to see this tradition continuing! And what a lovely job. Our mother grew up in Bavaria in the 30's and went through the war there. She was mindful of not wasting but she was also very stylish. During the 60's and 70's she regularly recycles drapes into clothing (beautiful Herman Miller fabric) Us 5 children were mortified at this but I learned differently later...about 10 years ago I had to give a presentation and I made a (short jacket 50's style, square neck 3/4 sleeve) suit and a later, a Holly-go-lightly style dress, from two different (fabric) shower curtains. Of course, I used the original hem from the curtain, just for fun. Just a month ago I made a beautiful blue velvet skirt out of a $1 pillow sham from Goodwill, by pleating the back waistline. I think it is a blast to think creatively and enjoy the process. I enjoy making things for others as well. May you enjoy this fun for many years to come and thank you for sharing this!

GORGEOUS!! I really love how it turned out! and your process/ingenuity is really fascinating to me. bravo!

I grew up one of four children in 1990s SoCali and my love for sewing began with thrift store sheets, table runners, and blankets. It warms my heart seeing you and other RU-vidrs utilize these thrift store items because they are very rarely sold to be used for their original purpose (mainly inability to find a full matching set). Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work with us!!!

Your gown turned out wonderful. Sometimes life interrupts, but I’m glad you finished the gown.

Broadcloth: Reminds me of a saying that my dad used frequently. “All wool and a yard wide!” Said as a supreme compliment.

You are so well spoken and articulate, it's really admirable! I loved the historical commentary before the historical costumery!

This is so inspirational! I've been thrifting curtains to make our initial garb for the SCA. I haven't started making it yet because I'm filled with self-doubt, lol. Your realistic approach to making "historically adequate" reproduction clothing is super accessible and I really appreciate that!

I find plain, fine woolen fabrics so elegant, along with silk satin or atlas silk. I like it much more than brocades, but most people i know who do reenactment, like patterned fabrics better. The only exception for me would be the 15th century pomegranate velvet, nothing beats that :D . Your dress looks great, the whole outfit fits you well !

This was super interesting! I'm impressed and inspired with you picking back up the project after a long break and actually getting it done. The gown is grand! Keep doing your weird stuff, we're here for it :)

Wow, that's amazing what you did with those curtains. It looks beautiful and you do look like a princess.

One of my dream garments to make, though also probably not in wool and fur! A good version of it, especially with the materials. The accessories and the fur trim amp up the authenticity rating A LOT for me.

Omg I've JUST discovered you via this video and GIRL I am here to stay!! Your honest presentation is what got me. Can't wait for the next one! 🥳

If that fabric was available in Germany, say, seven years or so ago, I made someone's fantasy themed wedding dress out of it, so 100 of 100 points for taste 😂 This channel rocks really hard for me, I thought I was the only one to make vaguely historical stuff out of thrifted fabrics and I'm right glad to be wrong. The gown, needless to say, turned out fabulously.

I love seeing your creative process, especially with unconventional materials. It worked out great!

Fabulous. I'm a historian, not a dress designer but I appreciate your obvious dedication to your craft and the erudition and sophistication of your knowledge of the topic, its history and history in general. Kudos. It's reassuring to see that some 'younger' people today still have some appreciation for art, culture, education and the whole experience of human endeavor. If only there were more like you in government positions.

Here’s a tip for you, from a seamstress of over 50 years and a former member if Society of Creative Anachronism- and mad my own costumes… I scoured regularly my local Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift stores and found many large beautiful bedspreads ( King & Queen size!) that were brocade and tapestry type fabrics.Also there are great remnant pieces that can be utilized on the remnants table at your local craft/ fabric store for embellishments. Be on the lookout always for laces, trims etc you can use that can be taken from wedding dresses, tops etc and used bought for a pittance at the thrift stores…. Don’t forget to look through the table linen area also…

I get burned out really easily and don't return to big projects for a long time, as well. I'm always impressed with people that can finish their crafts :) I love using thrifted items for costuming! You find the best stuff. Your dress turned out really pretty and would be great for a performance, I think.

this is so unreal! i love the footage with your completed look. i too have so many vaguely historically-inspired costumes made of thrift store sheets:]

Love it!! The history, the delivery/ narration, the choices made, the result, all of it :) 🎉

The color of the curtain was perfect for this style!! Love the end result; you did a fantastic job🤗🤗🤗

Ooh new to me costuming channel with a focus on history? I'm in! I can barely do a running stitch by hand, but I do love my historical recreations and laconic realness (Also yes I am a gigantic nerd - I've already seen a stitch in time). Time to go through your back catalogue, and looking forward to seeing more for you :)

WOW! The finished product blew me away. Also I loved loved loved your explanation of broadcloth. I’ve heard various renditions of this but yours finally pieced (no pun intended) it all together for me

I love how you discuss the history of the fabric aside from the actual process of making the dress, thank you for taking the time to do so and sharing with us ❤

Wow!!! Just the history and research was fascinating on its own. Your creativity of figuring this out and the use of some unexpected things like mosquito netting are brilliant. The final dress is amazing!!!

The whole ensemble came out so good🙌

My fairytale princess look are all Rococo stylised, I just love the outrageous designs and the shoes, oh god those shoes.....😍😍😍😍

Your reference images, narration, and persistence in creating a historically accurate looking dress using modern materials is wonderful! Excellent musical accompaniment too. You have proven that you can create a great dress on a budget. Thank you for your hard work. 😊❤

That is an amazing dress! I love your story telling and the history behind the dress. Thank you. It always amazes me that you and any other creator takes the time to compose an educational and entertaining video so that I may come upon it and be entertained! You're wonderful.

The historical background history of the clothing is fascinating, and your dress is beautiful!!!

Great work! This was fun to watch. 😊 I’m almost done with a 14th c. gown made from bedsheets I got from the thrift store.

One or two or 10 people ellipsis more like one or two or 10,000! This was so amazing to see you create and use your creativity around the constraints of time and budget and availability. And what a beautiful result! So stunning thank you for sharing the whole process and even though I have no idea how to sew and will never do it, I sure enjoy watching it :-)

In the late Middle-age, the state of Burgundy existed in what is now Belgium, eastern France, around the cities Strassbourg and Colmar...This country was extremely successful economically at the time.. The fashion shown comes from this country and was style - defining for the whole of Europe at the time... This special fashion testifies to an elegance that one looks for in vain today.... Thanks for the magical video 🌈

I had a very similar stall with a dressing gown/robe I was making. I used a historical pattern that I could plug my measurements into and easily put together. I had a large scrap of 108 wide cotton printed fabric for the front. I cut everything out and had some extra triangular panels left that I could turn and use for extra fullness in the skirt. Then I decided to use an old top sheet to line but it was white and I needed it to be coral. Then I decided to add piping to the edges. Then I decided cotton lace gathered really tightly around the elbow would look amazing. Then I realized I made a mistake on the size of the lining in the sleeves and it was a touch too short. I folded everything up and put it away. We moved across the country and I ignored my 85% finished project because my mistake felt enormous when it happened and I was sad about it. When I pulled it back out with fresh eyes It just needed a strip added and some hand sewing to tack everything down. It took me less than 3 hours to fix the mistake, add a ruffle and finish off all the little details. In the end it turned out perfectly. The 800 thread count sheet as lining really is lovely. The gathered cotton lace makes me feel like a regal lady and I find any excuse to put that thing on. Lol Cheers to powering through and getting it done!

It’s late and I just ran across your video. I used to do a lot of seamstress work when I was young and this was quite interesting. I remember years ago reading about a dress worn by the lady of the manor (in Scotland somewhere) and it weighed a whopping 45 pounds! I was exhausted just thinking about lugging around a dress that heavy much less trying to do any work in it. When my friends rhapsodize about living in the past I always laugh and said, “Oh no, not me. I love modern plumbing and central heating!” Just think of all the trouble you would have going to the toilet in a 45 pound dress. Yikes!!!

The phrase "historically adequate" really made me smile, love the dress and getting creative at the thrift store!

You're absolutely right - those gathers make it, totally. And my local thrift store is completely out of tacky polyester sheets, thanks to my need for toiles 🙂

This is super interesting! Loved the dress in the end. Well done😊

Wonderful job! I love the realistic way you approached this project in a way the everyday average person without a huge budget would. Very inspiring and gives us an “I can do that to!” Vibe.

LOVED IT! Thank you so much. Been sewing for 60+ years and found this fascinating. Congrats to you.

I love The Carol Burnett show when she becomes Scarlett O'Hara with draperies.

Love this. Favorite part by far: “foldy bit”

I have made lots of costumes and love your thought process, the finished product is AMAZING!

Can we all take a moment to recall the movie "Sound of Music"? Frauline Maria made play clothes for the Captain's children from her drapes...and had a marvellous time in them! Great project and process you shared👍👍♥️🇨🇦

I once made an Obi-Wan costume from tea and a stained banquet tablecloth. My kids are now in their 40's and I am in awe of your skill. Tina, Al's wife

Interesting. Now you need to find a Medieval Festival to attend in your garb. I've been to one in NY. Lots of fun.

YES. When I joined a medieval reenactment group; we were all starving students. It became an art to take a group to thrift stores to hunt for appropriate fabric or details to re-assemble as medieval garb. We DID pay attention to historical detail. My favorite, well worn Viking coat of wool, embroidery, fur and amber began life as an army blanket. Occasionally, i take it off and show a newcomer the "US ARMY" designation still printed on the inside. Creativity is key; recognizing fabric content and prints. I was always proud of how good we looked when we finished our projects. it can be done for any time period in mind. Brocade, you ask? Curtains! Yes, just don't get blackout or plastic lined. Cloth lined can be used as is; to add more stiffness to the drape. Nice use of newspaper, I tend to use the paper shopping bags as they last a little longer. (if you have family and friends to dress as well) If it's a one off project; by all means use what is cheapest and most available. Quarentine was torture; until I turned my mind to sewing new garb; for the first time in a long time I could actually FOCUS on sewing! Full new kit from skin to furs. Wore for halloween because it is DONE and there are many weeks before "the season" begins again. I've definately used the fur edging sewn wrapped around the edges to suggest the garment was fur lined. In southern california, it is a survival tool. It's hard doing full medieval garb in 100f weather! Survival is necessary LOL.

Being weird is the best thing in the world... I love EVERYTHING about this project

My Mum was a dress maker. She apprenticed in Germany. I have fond memories of going to Mr Gold's fabric store. I still remember probably because I.had seen a photo, of my sister, not yet walking and I, about 3yo playing with the wooden thread thingys. This video sparked these wonderful memories of my childhood. I'm 60 now

Totally enjoyed and appreciated the history lesson on broad cloth! Your gown looks fabulous and you are a hero for inspiring us likeminded people!

Congratulations on a gorgeous dress that looks smashing on you--Mr. Jan van Eyck will be by later today to paint your portrait! I hope you have lots of opportunities to wear it--looking forward to your future videos!

Absolutely beautiful! Those curtains were born to be that beautiful gown!

Yep, i'm a thrift store buyer for my fabric. I love your dress you should be proud of all your hard work.

It’s so pretty! You really called it that such a weird curtain would look cool as this sort of dress

The dress turned out very pretty!! I loved the accompanying headpiece!

Excellent work. You're right up there with Scarlett O'Hara.

Curtains are great. So are sheets and bed covers. Anything that allows for a nice, large, continuous piece of fabric to cut into. I have some fabulous red fabric that was sourced from curtains and has made it into several sewing projects. If I could find more of that fabric, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Sadly, I've only ever come across it in that pair of thrifted curtains. I love all the trouble-shooting and the make-shift creative solutions that went into this project. As you mentioned, fabric was costly and precious. I'm sure those gowns were passed on from person to person and due to the generous, flowing nature of the gown, very little tailoring would have been required between owners. Our forebears were not above sourcing fabric from whatever source they could and using what they had available to get the job done. We shouldn't be either. =)

Your video was on my recommended page! I’m here to stay ♥️

That was fun and the results beautiful. I made a renaissance inspired princess dress for my daughter for Halloween one year using a 1969 prom dress of mine. It had an empire waist and the color was close to yours, but no fur. The pointy hat was the real challenge!

Fascinating. I love the outfit. I paid a dressmaker to make me a gown similar to the ones worn in the Henry VIII period. It was made from pink velvet curtains.

I'm delighted to see you posting again! I am in awe of the success you have with research. Congratulations in finishing! It looks fantastic!

We had this set of curtains in my childhood household. I had totally forgotten them until now. I think a dark color fo fur would have looked better with the green. But you did a good job on the dress.

WOW, WOW, WOW. I was just so amazed by your creativity and willingness to think outside of the box, heck, you recycled the box. Fabulous job at such an intricate and unusual costume. I got me here at fur and curtains; I am subscribing to your channel to see where your creativity and willingness to accept challenges will take you!!!

Your Burgundian gown came out beautifully. I am also into historical garb making and the thrift stores are always my first stop when sourcing fabrics.

Oh I totally dig your project! The creativity, resourcefulness, history and humor are delightful! (I made an awesome jacket out of a shower curtain once. I loved telling people that who complimented me . . . the faces they made, LOL!) Super fun work right here lady! Well done!

How wonderfully smart you are ! Congrats your dress is beautiful.

I love the innovative materials you used! The dress turned out amazing!

someone who had those curtains in the 60s/70s would love to see that someone found a use for the curtains they had hanging in their home. it really is nice to see these older home decor items being used for something cool rather than the dump.

Love it! I have a pile of thrift store curtains with plans to make some gowns for cosplay! Fun fun! I love yours

What a great way to recycle old curtains. Even Scarlett would be impressed.

Good job! glad you returned and completed your project. Interesting and fun. You made a very nice gown, that I hope you get to wear out and show off. Your curtains turned out as good as the 20th Century Fox costume department, for the Von Trapp family children in the movie

Beautiful! How I wish "A Stitch in Time" had more seasons.

That green would have drawn ME in! I LOVE green in all its glorious hues! Congrats! I’m pea green with envy lol.

One or two... or 3 thousand people are hyped you finished this beautiful dress!!

"Non-Pintrest research!" Loved your video on recycling fabrics in a fun and historical way! Great information!

It came out great! Nice job persisting ☺️ And super cute thrifted couch too! ❤

You are inspiring. I've had a box of drapes that I couldn't let my sister get rid of because I am determined to make a gown from them (someday). 😉

The title read my little thrifty DIY soul like a book 💯 👑 😂

That turned out so cute! I especially liked the gathers at the back, it's a very nice touch! You go girl!

The finished dress looks great! Love the way the veil floats too

Omg that last shot is so gorgeous. Literaly out of a fairytale.

Mosquito netting is so brilliant as a stiffener!!stiffened!!! I bet it would work well for horsehair substitute too! This turned out amazing!

Girl. Love this. Very cool to see you using nice hand stitching techniques and thoughtful research and patterning. Please keep doing more historical projects cause this was very fun to watch!

Best curtain re-use since "Gone With The Wind"!

This was the perfect video to watch while seam-ripping some thrift store pillowcases for a sewing project of my own. Beautiful work, and congratulations on the completion of your lovely project. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us!

I love how it turned out. Often me sewing is a journey and it's a surprise to see how wonderful things look at the end. Well done

I really appreciate this video, as i made a medieval princess dress out of very heavy 70s brocade curtains! Your dress is fabulous and that pleating on the back is gorgeous, loved all the details and the color is gorgeous!

Your dress is beautiful . Your talent and skill are amazing. Thank you for a lovely video. 👍👍

It looks amazing. I love that episode of Stitch in Time. Very impressive. Glad you kept going. We all have UFOs in our stash.

That’s so cool with a little history lesson. Love it!

Wow! The dress turned out beautifully!!

Love the historical explanations, and your work.

This is so nice! Girl you did a fantastic Job! You suddenly realize how thin they are! With al the cloth and fur and everything … I used to make skirts out of old curtains and embroidered them with flowers….

I seriously loved this. "broadcloth" because it's, like. broad. never thought of it that way. also the history of wool and how luxurious it is was just awesome. the dress looks great. thanks for sharing!!!

Your dress is Amazing!! You looked like you stepped back in time. The creativity of your pattern & material is your shining glory!

I love this video, because I can relate to it so well. The first (and so far, only) 15th century houppelande I made was from a fabulous 70's Sears jacquard bedspread, and I love it, but the bedspread was lined in this weird, possibly sprayed-on, vinyl-y stuff that does not detach from the fibers of the jacquard. This makes for a wonderful heavy drape to the fabric, but is also hot! I live in New Orleans, and wear it in the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc parade at Mardi Gras. Some years are cold enough that it's perfect because it cuts the wind. Other years, when the temperatures are more like 40's and 50's, make me feel like I'm smothering under 18 tons of heavy fabric and fur, and I could just cry. Funnily enough, the fur trim (I used a vintage real fur collar for neck trim) is actually the least sweaty part of the whole thing. I'm about to start a new one, lighter weight, closer fitting (for a little less pleating), and definitely minus the weird plastic lining. The under-dress (were they still calling it a kirtle in early 15th c.?) will be from curtains: cotton poly brocade. Then, a sideless surcoat from a better fabric to go over the top. Hopefully much cooler to wear, but still period appropriate and winter-appropriate. The thing about Joan of Arc era is that, fashion-wise, it is sandwiched between the last bit of the 14th c, and the first half of the Burgundian era, so we can dip into either side semi-effectively. My first houpp teetered on the Burgundian side, and this time, I'm going to go a bit earlier, for ventilation, if nothing else.

How creative. Especially like the pleats in the back, the fabric falls so pretty.

Wow, this was so cool to watch! Thank you for sharing both your work and your struggles; it's very inspiring. Great job on reclaiming your motivation and finishing a project! I also have trouble with that. Overall awesome video, I'm subscribed now :)

That turned out pretty cool (errrr, warm, with the poly curtain and faux fur ...)! Also, thanks for the idea of making lacing rings by sewing metal eyes on a tape; I hate making eyelet holes, so I will definitely be trying this!

Wow it looks incredible! I can see how excited you were on all the research. Amazing that you completed it. I suppose if the hem being real fur it would protect the dress as well and would be easier to replace a section. The original dress would be warm and breathable unlike some modern equivalents. I love the idea of the pleating to make the dress adjustable.