*** IMAGE CREDITS *** adding these here because there wasn't enough room in the description! in order of appearance My 1870s Italian Gown: ruclips.net/video/cq02yq31tFE/видео.html Future project: coming soon! White gown: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/158252 Two mannequins (also thumbnail image): www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/81778 Ancient Roman dress: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ancient_Times,_Roman._-_018_-_Costumes_of_All_Nations_(1882).JPG Roman "peplos": www.pinterest.com/pin/849773023414499746/ My red linen kirtle: dixiediy.com/2018/04/mid-1300s-kirtle-and-veil.html The Accolade by Edmund Blair Leighton: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Accolade_(Leighton)#/media/File:Accolade_by_Edmund_Blair_Leighton.jpg 1920s dresses from various issues of Journal des Dames et des Modes: gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb32799510k/date.r=Journal+des+dames+et+des+modes.langFR Evening overdress 1797-99: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/156996 Dress ca. 1820: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/82128 Dress 1790s: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/80594 Ballgown ca. 1821: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/158971 Chemise ca. 1860: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/82080 Corset 1830-1835: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/157923 Petticoat 1890s: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/86358 Crinoline 1860: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/82072 Corset cover 1870: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/109227 Autumnal Walking Dress, Fashion Plate from La Belle Assemblée, or Bell's Court and Fashionable Magazine: sparcdigital.fitnyc.edu/items/show/2969 Costume Parisien: artsdecoratifs.e-sezhame.fr/search.php?action=Record&id=1755328946273939856&num=1&total=16&searchid=5fcd68d0b496b Chemise 3rd quarter of the 18th century: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/84369 Corset 1811: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/86424 Afternoon dress 1876-78: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/85317 Petticoat 1855-1860: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/159335 Petticoat 1895: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/158080 Petticoat 1840-55: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/155760 Petticoat 1880s: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/110407 Petticoat 1900: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/86386 Petticoat 1830s: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/82076 Petticoat early 19th century: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/81577 Morning dress 1806-19: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/107934 Afternoon dress 1845: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/159513 Ensemble 1887: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/85325 Evening dress 1805-9: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/121324 Dress 1810-15: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/81212 Lady with blue scarf (1823): collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O576868/chapeau-de-paille-ditalie-orne-fashion-plate-unknown/ Ladies with red scarf: www.europeana.eu/en/item/2048213/europeana_fashion_http___collections_vam_ac_uk_item_O580392 Lady with yellow scarf: artsdecoratifs.e-sezhame.fr/search.php?action=Record&id=1755328946273939856&num=1&total=16&searchid=5fcd68d0b496b My Regency spencer (with scarf): dixiediy.com/2018/11/regency-spencer-laughing-moon-129.html 1817 portrait of Elizabeth "Betsy" Patterson Bonaparte by François-Joseph Kinson, Maryland Historical Museum in Baltimore Maryland Chemisette: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/98257 Portrait of Marianna Gutakowska: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marianna_Gutakowska.jpg My Laughing Moon regency dress (& fichu): dixiediy.com/2015/07/full-regency-era-costume.html Mrs. Fox ca. 1805: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/12815 Rebekah Biddle ca. 1815: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/12818 Madame Philippe Panon Desbassayns de Richemont 1802: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/435650 Mrs. Daniel DeSaussure Bacot ca. 1820 www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/11604 Cap ca. 1812: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/116429 Costume Parisien: artsdecoratifs.e-sezhame.fr/search.php?action=Record&id=1755328946273939856&num=1&total=16&searchid=5fcd68d0b496b Mrs. Andrew Sigourney Ca. 1820: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/12676 Mrs. Jonathan Pinkney, Jr. (Elizabeth Munroe) 1798: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/11732 London Full Dress: www.pinterest.com/pin/362187995015864207/ Eléonore de Montmorency (1771-1828): commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:El%C3%A9onore_de_Montmorency.jpg My Regency short stays: dixiediy.com/2014/08/regency-era-underthings-more-adventures-in-historical-sewing.html Dress 1805-10: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/107925 Evening dress 1809:www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/156562 Evening dress 1809: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/86867 Wedding dress 1812: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/90503 Reticule 1800-1810: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/156853 Reticule first quarter of the 19th century: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/156995 Fashion plates: www.europeana.eu/en/item/2048213/europeana_fashion_http___collections_vam_ac_uk_item_O576922 www.europeana.eu/en/item/2048213/europeana_fashion_http___collections_vam_ac_uk_item_O1109333 artsdecoratifs.e-sezhame.fr/search.php?action=Record&id=1755328946273939856&num=1&total=16&searchid=5fcd68d0b496b
Guess I’m the odd one! I enjoy sewing all the underwear for some reason! The more tedious the better! hello fully boned 1740s stays. 9 mockups, 3 of them fully finished, for a 1886 corset? Yes please 😂 Got underwear for many eras coming out my ears but only 1 historical dress haha Regency is rather intimidating for me, it seems alien compared to all the structure around it but hell yeah do I want a tartan Spenser!
Some people really love making the understructures. I like sewing corsets and stays but not so much hoops and petticoats. And regency does seem out of place in the timeline of fashion. I hope you make your spencer. Tartan sounds amazing for that!
Thank you for this video and all the suggestions. In the past I have made 14th-15th c. garb but I’m now (May 2024) getting into Empire/Regency clothing. Having already looked for all those patterns you recommend and finding that the vast majority of them are either only sold as PDF (I much prefer paper patterns) or no longer available, I had to resort to patterns by ‘the big 4’ and make the best of it, modifying and adding adornments as shown in period illustrations.
I do have a regency project on my to do list- one inspired by La Pola, a Colombian seamstress and revolutionary. She was known for wearing black dresses, and navy blue spencers or scarfs, which I think is awesome, because I’m generally not into the white regency dress look. But I will say that if you’re worried about your tummy, Regency is pretty good because it’s just not clingy there. And my “hack” for regency underwear is an under bust corset with a push up bra. Because I need a corset for back support anyway (and regency stays, even long ones, aren’t structured enough for me), but my goodness does that corset push my boobs up to my chin! Especially when I’m sitting down, and considering I’m a wheelchair user, I usually am. I actually have to avoid wearing that particular combination most of the time, because it makes my boobs look HUGE (and it’s not like they were small to begin with), and right up under my chin. I feel a bit like the prow of a boat. Not great for all styles, but definitely works for Regency! That’s another benefit to regency actually- it’s a bit more accessible for those of us with wheelchairs. Because no way are panniers or crinolines fitting in my wheelchair. And while a bustle would fit, why would I bother? I normally just go straight for working class clothes, because I sew stuff mostly for history bounding anyway, and working class is easier to get away with. But if I do want a nice party dress, well the wheelchair can make that a bit more difficult. But not with regency! No need to change anything, which is awesome. It’s not my favourite era in terms of style (that would be basically everything from the Victorian era), but it is accessible, both in terms of ease to start, and in terms of disability.
Wow I'm going to have to look up La Pola now, thanks! Great "stays" hack and the wheelchair accessibility tip is great, too. I love that you've figured out ways of adapting your style (both historical and historybounding) that works for a wheelchair.
@@DixieDIY I have a set of themed projects- outfits based on or honouring badarse women who were also seamstresses. My current three are La Pola, Elizabeth Keckley (who went from being a slave to owning her own design ship, where she made the clothing of Mary Todd Lincoln), and Emma Goldman, who is one of the most famous anarchist and union theorists and activists of all time, and who was also a professional seamstress. She’s the one who said “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution”. They also cover a range of eras- La Pola is regency, Elizabeth Keckley is 1860s, and Emma Goldman is 1890s-1910ish.
Great to read about S and C America, Caribbean, Mexico 1800 to 20--- Independence Era fir Spanish speaking mainland, while Brasil was in Portuguese Empire period, English Spanish French Dutch Caribbean were in ??? era?(s) besides English Regency and French 1st Empire---??
I am saving up for a fascinating book on Minoan clothing (complete with pragmatic information on making it), but it's only available for $700+, either because it's out of print or because they're assuming only libraries would buy it. And that's just so frustrating. Meanwhile, getting information on the dimensions of draped clothing, from Egyptian women's dress to Mayan men's loincloth is ... crickets. Saris are a modern garment, and I can still think of only one person (Chantal Boulanger) who has actually documented the diversity of drapes, rather than focusing on textiles. So even for your run-of-the-mill rectangle clothing, it's actually very hard to figure out where to find things, in the less 'popular' time periods (e.g., not Scottish, Greek, or Roman). Most ancient clothing, then, still remains startlingly inaccessible to beginners.
@@blktauna That's very sweet of you lol. Ironically enough. I suspect I'd need the aid of stays in order to have any chance of a good fit for regency era dresses. I suppose maidenform could also sneak underneath the dress and no one would be any wiser....
I just finished a video on sewing a Regency dress on my own channel and I LOVE Regency, not only the silhouette but also because I'm obsessed with Jane Austen's novels. Thanks for a fun video! I'm going to share it with friends thinking about getting into Regency costuming.
This type of video was great, detailing what might be hard/easy for a beginner without being judgemental :) Would be great to see similar videos for other eras!
Regency was one of the eras I started with, because in Ye Olden Days before historical costuming really caught on, it was easy enough to find high-waisted commercial patterns that could be fudged to look period-ish. It’s a great era to start in! And thank you for the shoutout! 😃
This video was perfect. I want to make everything. You should make videos for every era with all the recommended patterns and garment items. This was better than if I had spent weeks trying to find everything and then giving up!
I wished I could like this multiple times once I heard you mention non-binary people existing. And then wanted to give even more likes after seeing your dedication to image credits.
I've a few Regency costume patterns but are mostly from the big four. Closest I've to sewing Regency is a retro bodice to a slightly below the knee length. Most historical or period dressing I've done are Korean Haboks. Never use a Kdrama's costumes for reference as they aren't historically accurate.
I've always loved the Regency period dresses for summertime wear, with the light white cotton fabrics it's perfect for a picnic or a stroll down the meadow path with a parasol. In modern fashions I've always loved empire waists, as a pudgy hour-glass shaped (short) body the high waist with the larger gathered skirts are perfect to hide all the body flaws one may see in the mirror and appear a tad bit taller. There are a few movie dresses that are based on historical times that I want to make, the horse racing dress from My Fair Lady, the puffed sleeve dress from Anne of Green Gables (the 80s version) that she wears to the white sands hotel reading, and the red and black lace gown that Rose wore in Titanic. These are all fancy dresses that I'm probably never going to have occasion to wear in public beyond halloween maybe, and most of my historical dress making will be more functional no matter which era.
I love Regency! And the 1920's. I think that I am most comfortable when the waists of my dresses are nowhere near my actual waist. Over the holidays I am going to sew the front closing Black Snail pattern.
I saw still images from Shonda Rhimes' new Regency show on Netflix, and I knew I wanted a Regency dress. I'm glad to hear you confirm that it's an easy(ish) historical time period to sew in because I am stressed.
This is very validating for me because I just finished a regency dress as my first historical dress project. I changed the pattern a bit so I could wear modern undergarments instead of making stays. I think I'll do 1940s next since it doesn't require any historical undergarments although it might be considered vintage rather than historical.
I like 1940s for that reason, too. I feel like 40s is right on the cusp of historical vs vintage. Like you said, you dont really need special undies so it feels kinda modern in that way.
I love the regency era and always have!! What has always stopped me from starting a dress was not knowing where to wear it though. I suppose I could do it for just the sake of a pretty dress, but I like the events that go along with costuming. I guess I need to do more digging. :)
When I started I didnt really have any place to wear costumes but then I discovered a costuming group in a neighboring city. I also found an English country dancing club nearby (who knew?!). I was surprised by how many regency enthusiasts are out there if you hunt for them! I'm sure you'll find your tribe out there
Regency has been on my mind of late, though I've been aiming to work on a colonial-type leuwk first. You're temping me over to the Regency side, like Mr. Darcy tempts me with those eyes of his in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film.
Aha! Short stays! The thing about short stays (I want to make a blog post/video about this but it's A LOT of work) is - they're ubiquitous among costumers but they're actually NOT ubiquitous in actual historical evidence that we have. Rather the opposite - they're the exceptions. And NONE of the extants and rare depictions I know of look _exactly_ like the sort of laced, gussetted, straight horizontal hem short stays that costumers make. NONE. I love your practical observation abount them because it's another point against their ubiquitousness! I truly think they're so popular among costumers mainly because they seem so comfortably, familiarly bra-like!
I don't even sew, but I love the way you approached this, so structured, so accessible, everything explained but nothing too complicated. Awesome! Thanks for the video!
I sew for dolls and not for myself but I have gained an increased interest in historical costuming. I agree that Regency would be a good place to start. I have wondered if stays would be more comfortable than a bra. I enjoyed your video plan to see what other tips you have. Thanks
I have sooo many clothes I want to add to my everyday wardrobe, I’m not quite ready to start historical, but when I do I’m looking forward to having one of those elegant regency era dresses for myself!
I garment sewing and love it. I’m about to venture into historical costuming starting with Regency for some of the reasons you mentioned. I recently purchased several of the patterns you recommended. Thank you for affirming all my choices! 😊🙏
Personally, I always think of the period as Empire (the fashions came from Paris - after all), but Regency seems to have won out (despite its technically not beginning until 1811).
Yeah, its ironic because I definitely prefer the pre-1810 regency styles but technically that's not even the real "regency" era. Sometimes terms just stick even if they aren't entirely avcurate6.
I LOVE the black snail dress and sleeveless Spencer. I whipped that outin 4 days for an event because I hate myself I've done multiple black snail patterns! The note are amazing, the infographics are so smart, and just grateful patterns overall. The front closing g day dress is on my project list.
I am a historical beginner and I did do a regency gown, but I will say - I tried the bra trick, but as an F cup, you can't ever pull them that high in a modern bra. That being said, a short corded stays (based on a free drafting online tutorial, only slightly lengthened) only took me an afternoon on a machine and the look (and support) was immediately better :)
Whoa, free drafting tutorial for stays!? Mind sharing it? Might be worth looking into if I want to make some 1790s stays... And yeah, trying to make a couple thin straps to hold up a lot of volume with hardly any torso support would be difficult. I feel like modern bras rely too much on the straps to do the heavy lifting (literally) and not enough on the band (and the bands should probably be longer, like historic stays!).
It might be the lack of events this year but I find myself working through historical clothing by theme rather than by era. Make all the chemises, then all the skirt supports, now I'm in progress with 3 different eras of corsets. I really hope I will one day arrive at the putting-it-all-together station.
I did a little bit of that this year by making three different corsets from different eras. I think once we start having events again, that'll be good motivation for making dresses. Until then, have fun making all the underlayers!
Regency definitely is the easiest more modern era. If you're in the UK however, you might want to start off with Tudor, because there's a lot more Tudor events here than any other era and even working class outfits can be very pretty and flattering!
Great benefit is also a structural undergarment is hard to sew. I'm happy with my first stays, but I'm also pretty sure I had needed year+ experience in sewing when I made it.
Thank you for this video. This was my first time on your channel so this was a great intro as I decided to start my first historical costume project after the holidays and have been in great debate about what era to start. I have been nervous about all the layers and getting burnt out before I even get to the dress. I also don't want to spend a ton on fabric for my first historical costume. So, thank you for all the resources, also finding the right patterns has been nerve racking. Thank you again. Shawna Clair
Your videos are so helpful!❤ I need to make a regency era dress for the Jane Austen Society national convention in November. You are giving me the courage I need to do it! I live your videos. Thank you so much.
I loved this video - thank you so much! I finally decided to start sewing regency garments (haven't sewn any garments since I was in college 25+ years ago- skirts mainly) but I just ordered some cotton voile for a shift (I made the mockup out of a white sheet - way too thick and my cotton muslin was only slightly lighter so I an keeping it to make pantaletts/drawers. Pretty excited as I found some lovely cream cotton with a leaf pattern (hopefully there is enough for a gown) and repurposing a velvet curtain into a spencer and matching bonnet (yep I'm ambitious! lol) I do have an idea of making a spencer with puffed short sleeves and then button-on long sleeves so it can be worn indoor or outdoor - probably not period correct - (but who would know) Thanks again for your video - i appreciate how "real" and practical you are!
Currently learning to sew clothing (I'd previously only done quilts). Half-way done with an A line skirt, but up next is a Regency day dress. Very much looking forward to the process. Fingers crossed.
do you know of any regency costume makers that are black women. I love the tips you shared about the dress components now I feel I need someone who can demonstrate how to style Afro hair textures into regency hairstyles. Thank youuu
Hey, yeah there are some out there like @tiger_lilys_threads, @e3v2 @amandapoldark, @misstre74 (you may have to scroll down far to see regency-specific costumes). @labelladonnahistory is currently working on a regency look. And here are a few art pieces from the period for more inspo: mobile.twitter.com/MitchFraas/status/966314361865293824 (labeled as c 1855 but the clothes are clearly regency) mobile.twitter.com/paulclammer/status/955851621971496960 maryrobinettekowal.com/journal/images-of-regency-era-free-people-of-colour/#jp-carousel-16015 www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/my/collections/36252--carl-haarnack/surinamica/objecten#/SK-A-2641,5
Regency is really the best place to start when it comes to making historical costumes. I like it since its easy and the I feel taller and slimmer since it hides my tummy.
I’m sewing my first Regency right now. I’ve done 1860’s and late Victorian and early Edwardian, my friends had to help me understand that this will be an easy project.
Wow! You popped up on RUclips and I’m not sure how come I haven’t seen you before. Anyway you have confirmed my starting point to take a chance and try Regency fashion. I keep collecting various historical patterns, but have yet to make one. So here I go. Thank you for sharing your recommendations.
I'm starting out with regency :) I've made the laughing moon chemise and am now working on my mock-up for the stays. Haven't chosen a dress pattern yet so thank you for all the recommendations!
Other than the short stays issue, I have much the same thoughts about Regency being a good and cheap era to start with. Yes on the bra. :D My old stays no longer fit, I haven't had time to sew, unwired bras to the rescue! (ETA: They're better than wired ones, especially better than wired bras with molded cups, because they don't give you that super-modern melony shape.)
Regency dresses are a good starting point for vintage costuming. Personally, I like the early and middle parts of the period, particularly the Napoleonic era dresses, with the columnar silhouette and the trains and all. Also personally, the 1920s would also be an easy reference, if you skip over the stereotypical fringed mini dresses. What fascinates me is that they're glittery sacks that could be made for an hour or less.
I love love the Regency, but I have been putting off buying really fine muslin like the type from Burnley and Trowbridge because I don’t know how to finish off the seam allowances without having the stitching show. Any ideas?
I've done narrow french seams but I'm not sure if that is historically accurate (anyone else know)? Or you could sew the seam, trim the allowance, and tightly overcast the edge with a whip stitch. I've flatlined AND lined my sheer bodices to hide stitching but the skirt seam allowances aren't that noticable.
Thank you, I was going to make short stays, but after listning to you I think it may not be the best idea, unless I decide to make a peasant outfit. As for starting where to start. I started with 12th century, being from a country that was born in 1139 it's the dress I need the most.
one thing that helps me is knowing that this is a time period that preferred a slightly chubbier woman. especially in the hips. beauty standards were not always what they are today and have never been able to account for personal tastes. I believe I'll feel more confident in the dress of an era that celebrated my body type more than today.
I've made a few regency dresses and they all had fit issues. The first I didn't have a pattern and just sort of went for. It's worst of the lot of the fit front. Despite being altered a million times and more and more trim added to it. But it is the won't white cottony of them. Then there is a purple satin one, which is actually ok with the right under things. The green satin on with white lace, which never quite worked and then the polycotton darker green, which is ok. I need to go back to the regency period. I've learnt a lot since I was last there. All of the above was made using a simply pattern. Which definitely do not recommend. I have got the laughing moon one and some white satin I want to use next. But I've got a bit distracted by the 16th century.
Sounds like my early days in costuming! I had similar problems trying to make a regency Simplicity pattern. I also had issues trying to heavily alter a LM pattern that did work well. I still think Regency is a comparatively easy era but having a good pattern is going to make so much difference! I hope your next attempt with the LM pattern is a success. I actually refashioned one of my old failed Regency gowns a few months ago and I'm planning to turn that simplicity-fail-dress into a 1920s dress next month.
Now I'm curious about which styles might be easier to try for more masculine costumers... I'm one of the aforementioned nb reenactors and while I usually opt for more feminine styles, I've been wanting to branch out! I do love regency men's fashion but it's so intimidating...
I love regency menswear, too, but don't know as much about its construction so I couldn't guess how easy it is compared to other times. If I were to do it I'd start with a shirt because that's the easiest. I know Laughing moon makes a popular breeches pattern and Black Snail has some 18th century and regency menswear patterns. The channel Be Queer, Make Stuff just finished a historical/history bounding look with shirt, breeches, and waistcoat and made it seem really achievable.
@@Rowan.Evander if you find more resources besides those mentioned I’d love to sew more “”masculine”” costumes but there are very few youtubers (at least that I’ve found) that make “masculine” clothing :/
Us men have an easier time the further back you go. Look up Tudor Farm or Tales from the Green Valley here for examples. There are not as many male historical makers, so it is harder to see the work. HEMA and the Viking set are the most common, but look for a style that fits you.
@@leechowning2712 Therein lies my problem, lol. I'm not huge on viking kit. Zack Pinsent is wonderful for 18th century but I do tend to ride a weird line between wanting to present...more masc than standard, but not *super manly*.
Three years late but I just wanted to add that the laughing moon pattern, although very pretty, really didn't work for me. I don't know why but the angle between the shirt panels made it so that you could basically look straight into the dress and see, well, everything. I also had similar problems with the bust, it gaped a lot. Pretty sure it's a me problem ( I have tried three different times to make a regency gown and the bust always comes out weird) but I do think it can potentially require at least some fitting. However, this is such a good video! I just found your channel and now I'm binging.
Hi - I've just bought tickets to the masked ball at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath this September and I've never made a historical dress before so this video is really helpful! I need to make evening gowns for me and my mum. I have a few questions... Is the Laughing Moon 126 pattern suitable for making a ball gown? Also, would it be historically accurate to use the long-sleeved version for an evening dress and/or wear a matching spencer with it? Many thanks 😊
Most of the long sleeved “nice” dresses I’ve seen have been labeled “dinner dresses” but in a fancy fabric I don’t see why you couldn’t wear a long sleeved gown. The 126 has a short sleeve option or elbow-length sleeves were very popular in the early regency and you can slice the sleeve pattern at elbow length. 126 can make a ball gown that’s suitable for early regency (1790s-1810). And you can totally make a cute sleeveless spencer to go with it. I think Fig Leaf patterns has a couple cute Spencers based on original garments.
I have very square, broad shoulders, really big breasts and a smallish waist, I don’t think I will be making Regency style dresses anytime soon. On the other hand, I look freakin’ great in northwestern Europe/Scandinavian Iron Age fashions. I can always sneak in a shaped seam here and there.
I've decided to start historical sewing and I'm currently debating whether to go regency (because of its relative simplicity) or to start on a project I've been dreaming about since I was in elementary school (for context, I turn 22 on Saturday!). Even tho this video was absolutely fabulous, I'm still not sure!! Argh! Has anyone started with working class Victorian styles? What was your experience like? Do you wish you went regency first?
It's funny you mention this because my first costume was a Victorian work dress... and it took me 8 years to finish lol (I made a video about it, too: ruclips.net/video/L_Z3UeVx-JI/видео.html). I think you could be successful in either direction so long as you have a good plan and feel confident in your research (I didn't and wasn't at first). Good luck!
This video was really useful so thank you! What (fairly cheap) material would you suggest for an evening gown without it looking like a Halloween costume or bland? Would a soft cotton be alright for a realistic evening gown as I can’t invest in silks?
Plain white, very lightweight and sheer cotton fabrics were very popular for fancy gowns during this period. Search for cotton voile or lawn or batiste. The finer the weave, the better.
Hi. A lot of your links in your description don't work. Just an FYI for you. Your link to Amazon for the book won't work when I copy and past it and the ones for specific patterns with Laughing Moon must have been updated since you posted them as they don't work anymore :-( Nice video!
1920s fashion isn’t shapeless! 🙂Just very little emphasis on curves, more emphasis on straight lines. Agree with you that regency is the way to go for ppl new to costuming.
It's so frustrating that people say the best place for beginners is the regency era because the empire waistline is the literal *worst* cut for dresses for me. I'll end up with a shelf for a chest due to my cup size and the closer to the underbust that empire cut is, the more pregnant I look because I see so many fashion plates where the dress is clinging to the body. Even if I pick cotton, the chest is still an issue.
I totally hear you, and I know I'm not busty but I know of many costumers with large busts (many also plus size) who look beautiful in Regency. And the shelf-bust thing... actually was the fashion so you're on the right track. If you feel uncomfortable in that style (I'm small chested but I felt like I looked pregnant in regency dresses at first, too) maybe try an earlier 1790s look which has a slightly lower, more naturally rounded bust-shape and fuller skirts as the style transitioned away from the classic 18th century look. Gallery of Fashion has a lot of good looks: world4.eu/gallery-fashion/
If you're already familiar with sewing, I'd say the late 1910s and 1920s (most everything can be sewn by machine and construction techniques are pretty modern). The easiest time period otherwise would be early middle ages because there isn't much complicated fitting with those garments.
Your channel recently came across my RUclips feed. Your videos are informative and your creations are wonderful; however, I would like to make an exception when you refer to the clothing as "costume". You are not creating a "costume" as which you will find in theatre but clothing that was once worn every day and in fashion. I prefer the term "period attire". May I point out that the clothing you are currently wearing will be considered "costume" at some point in the future. This is just my thought on the matter. Thank you.
No shame on SCA! I just find that people who like medieval gravitate toward SCA but people who like more general historical fashion are really drawn to the floofy stuff (like big bustles gowns and robes a la francaises)
Hey, I can't say regency menswear is as easy as regency womenswear because it involves tailoring, but (and I'm not sure what level sewing you're at) both laughing moon and black snail have menswear patterns for the late 18th/early 19th century and both have decent size ranges: www.laughingmoonmercantile.com/product-page/123-download-men-s-regency-slip-vest-vest-1806-1830 (the version with the vertical seam could be adjusted easily for a curvy torso) www.laughingmoonmercantile.com/product-page/127-download-men-s-narrow-fall-breeches blacksnailpatterns.com/shop/27247909/pdf-men-1700-1820 blacksnailpatterns.com/shop/26928467/pdf-men-1820-1860 This is a good intro book for tailoring (many modern techniques have roots in historical sewing): www.amazon.com/Tailoring-Classic-Sewing-Perfect-Jacket/dp/1589236092/ This is a good site for tailoring supplies: bblackandsons.com/index.php as is Burnley & Trowbridge for wools and linens. This is a modern sewing book for curvy bodies but so many of the fitting tips and tricks can be applied to historical clothes, especially for trouser-fitting: www.amazon.com/Ahead-Curve-Amazing-Clothes-Curves/dp/1787136302 (this is a great book no matter what your size or gender!) Check out the 18th century or 19th century sewing facebook groups. And the r/historicalcostuming subreddit features more menswear than I've seen on facebook or instagram. There are several trans costumers out there, especially on Reddit. On RUclips, Be Queer Make Stuff's channel has a lot of late 18th-century videos. Good luck!
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*** IMAGE CREDITS *** adding these here because there wasn't enough room in the description!
in order of appearance
My 1870s Italian Gown: ruclips.net/video/cq02yq31tFE/видео.html
Future project: coming soon!
White gown: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/158252
Two mannequins (also thumbnail image): www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/81778
Ancient Roman dress: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ancient_Times,_Roman._-_018_-_Costumes_of_All_Nations_(1882).JPG
Roman "peplos": www.pinterest.com/pin/849773023414499746/
My red linen kirtle: dixiediy.com/2018/04/mid-1300s-kirtle-and-veil.html
The Accolade by Edmund Blair Leighton: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Accolade_(Leighton)#/media/File:Accolade_by_Edmund_Blair_Leighton.jpg
1920s dresses from various issues of Journal des Dames et des Modes: gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb32799510k/date.r=Journal+des+dames+et+des+modes.langFR
Evening overdress 1797-99: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/156996
Dress ca. 1820: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/82128
Dress 1790s: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/80594
Ballgown ca. 1821: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/158971
Chemise ca. 1860: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/82080
Corset 1830-1835: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/157923
Petticoat 1890s: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/86358
Crinoline 1860: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/82072
Corset cover 1870: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/109227
Autumnal Walking Dress, Fashion Plate from La Belle Assemblée, or Bell's Court and Fashionable Magazine: sparcdigital.fitnyc.edu/items/show/2969
Costume Parisien: artsdecoratifs.e-sezhame.fr/search.php?action=Record&id=1755328946273939856&num=1&total=16&searchid=5fcd68d0b496b
Chemise 3rd quarter of the 18th century: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/84369
Corset 1811: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/86424
Afternoon dress 1876-78: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/85317
Petticoat 1855-1860: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/159335
Petticoat 1895: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/158080
Petticoat 1840-55: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/155760
Petticoat 1880s: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/110407
Petticoat 1900: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/86386
Petticoat 1830s: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/82076
Petticoat early 19th century: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/81577
Morning dress 1806-19: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/107934
Afternoon dress 1845: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/159513
Ensemble 1887: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/85325
Evening dress 1805-9: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/121324
Dress 1810-15: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/81212
Lady with blue scarf (1823): collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O576868/chapeau-de-paille-ditalie-orne-fashion-plate-unknown/
Ladies with red scarf: www.europeana.eu/en/item/2048213/europeana_fashion_http___collections_vam_ac_uk_item_O580392
Lady with yellow scarf: artsdecoratifs.e-sezhame.fr/search.php?action=Record&id=1755328946273939856&num=1&total=16&searchid=5fcd68d0b496b
My Regency spencer (with scarf): dixiediy.com/2018/11/regency-spencer-laughing-moon-129.html
1817 portrait of Elizabeth "Betsy" Patterson Bonaparte by François-Joseph Kinson, Maryland Historical Museum in Baltimore Maryland
Chemisette: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/98257
Portrait of Marianna Gutakowska: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marianna_Gutakowska.jpg
My Laughing Moon regency dress (& fichu): dixiediy.com/2015/07/full-regency-era-costume.html
Mrs. Fox ca. 1805: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/12815
Rebekah Biddle ca. 1815: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/12818
Madame Philippe Panon Desbassayns de Richemont 1802: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/435650
Mrs. Daniel DeSaussure Bacot ca. 1820 www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/11604
Cap ca. 1812: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/116429
Costume Parisien: artsdecoratifs.e-sezhame.fr/search.php?action=Record&id=1755328946273939856&num=1&total=16&searchid=5fcd68d0b496b
Mrs. Andrew Sigourney Ca. 1820: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/12676
Mrs. Jonathan Pinkney, Jr. (Elizabeth Munroe) 1798: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/11732
London Full Dress: www.pinterest.com/pin/362187995015864207/
Eléonore de Montmorency (1771-1828): commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:El%C3%A9onore_de_Montmorency.jpg
My Regency short stays: dixiediy.com/2014/08/regency-era-underthings-more-adventures-in-historical-sewing.html
Dress 1805-10: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/107925
Evening dress 1809:www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/156562
Evening dress 1809: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/86867
Wedding dress 1812: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/90503
Reticule 1800-1810: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/156853
Reticule first quarter of the 19th century: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/156995
Fashion plates:
www.europeana.eu/en/item/2048213/europeana_fashion_http___collections_vam_ac_uk_item_O576922
www.europeana.eu/en/item/2048213/europeana_fashion_http___collections_vam_ac_uk_item_O1109333
artsdecoratifs.e-sezhame.fr/search.php?action=Record&id=1755328946273939856&num=1&total=16&searchid=5fcd68d0b496b
"... you get those super tight fitting kirtles that make you look less like a sack and more like..." a SNACK!
😂😂😂
Regency is like a breath of calm in a sea of floof.
Regency people really knew how to do comfort and style lol
Guess I’m the odd one! I enjoy sewing all the underwear for some reason! The more tedious the better! hello fully boned 1740s stays. 9 mockups, 3 of them fully finished, for a 1886 corset? Yes please 😂
Got underwear for many eras coming out my ears but only 1 historical dress haha
Regency is rather intimidating for me, it seems alien compared to all the structure around it but hell yeah do I want a tartan Spenser!
Some people really love making the understructures. I like sewing corsets and stays but not so much hoops and petticoats. And regency does seem out of place in the timeline of fashion. I hope you make your spencer. Tartan sounds amazing for that!
I bought a modern balconette bra and it comes REMARKABLY close to the look of Regency short stays. Under a dress you can't even tell!
Thank you for this video and all the suggestions. In the past I have made 14th-15th c. garb but I’m now (May 2024) getting into Empire/Regency clothing. Having already looked for all those patterns you recommend and finding that the vast majority of them are either only sold as PDF (I much prefer paper patterns) or no longer available, I had to resort to patterns by ‘the big 4’ and make the best of it, modifying and adding adornments as shown in period illustrations.
I do have a regency project on my to do list- one inspired by La Pola, a Colombian seamstress and revolutionary. She was known for wearing black dresses, and navy blue spencers or scarfs, which I think is awesome, because I’m generally not into the white regency dress look.
But I will say that if you’re worried about your tummy, Regency is pretty good because it’s just not clingy there. And my “hack” for regency underwear is an under bust corset with a push up bra. Because I need a corset for back support anyway (and regency stays, even long ones, aren’t structured enough for me), but my goodness does that corset push my boobs up to my chin! Especially when I’m sitting down, and considering I’m a wheelchair user, I usually am. I actually have to avoid wearing that particular combination most of the time, because it makes my boobs look HUGE (and it’s not like they were small to begin with), and right up under my chin. I feel a bit like the prow of a boat. Not great for all styles, but definitely works for Regency!
That’s another benefit to regency actually- it’s a bit more accessible for those of us with wheelchairs. Because no way are panniers or crinolines fitting in my wheelchair. And while a bustle would fit, why would I bother? I normally just go straight for working class clothes, because I sew stuff mostly for history bounding anyway, and working class is easier to get away with. But if I do want a nice party dress, well the wheelchair can make that a bit more difficult. But not with regency! No need to change anything, which is awesome.
It’s not my favourite era in terms of style (that would be basically everything from the Victorian era), but it is accessible, both in terms of ease to start, and in terms of disability.
Wow I'm going to have to look up La Pola now, thanks! Great "stays" hack and the wheelchair accessibility tip is great, too. I love that you've figured out ways of adapting your style (both historical and historybounding) that works for a wheelchair.
@@DixieDIY I have a set of themed projects- outfits based on or honouring badarse women who were also seamstresses. My current three are La Pola, Elizabeth Keckley (who went from being a slave to owning her own design ship, where she made the clothing of Mary Todd Lincoln), and Emma Goldman, who is one of the most famous anarchist and union theorists and activists of all time, and who was also a professional seamstress. She’s the one who said “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution”.
They also cover a range of eras- La Pola is regency, Elizabeth Keckley is 1860s, and Emma Goldman is 1890s-1910ish.
Great to read about S and C America, Caribbean, Mexico 1800 to 20--- Independence Era fir Spanish speaking
mainland, while Brasil was in Portuguese
Empire period, English Spanish French Dutch Caribbean were in ??? era?(s)
besides English Regency and French 1st
Empire---??
I am saving up for a fascinating book on Minoan clothing (complete with pragmatic information on making it), but it's only available for $700+, either because it's out of print or because they're assuming only libraries would buy it. And that's just so frustrating. Meanwhile, getting information on the dimensions of draped clothing, from Egyptian women's dress to Mayan men's loincloth is ... crickets. Saris are a modern garment, and I can still think of only one person (Chantal Boulanger) who has actually documented the diversity of drapes, rather than focusing on textiles. So even for your run-of-the-mill rectangle clothing, it's actually very hard to figure out where to find things, in the less 'popular' time periods (e.g., not Scottish, Greek, or Roman). Most ancient clothing, then, still remains startlingly inaccessible to beginners.
I've really wanted to make a Regency dress for a long time. This bumped me a little bit closer... Nice work
Covid 19 has made me appreciate boxy style its sooooo comfortable and wfh friendly.
First Rule of Regency, No one looks bad in Regency...
Or everyone looks equally bad in them. Its opinion.
Not with my body type
@@beckyweiss6072 oh I reckon we'd be able to find the right outfit. :) Besides I'm sure you look wonderful in anything!
@@blktauna That's very sweet of you lol. Ironically enough. I suspect I'd need the aid of stays in order to have any chance of a good fit for regency era dresses. I suppose maidenform could also sneak underneath the dress and no one would be any wiser....
I just finished a video on sewing a Regency dress on my own channel and I LOVE Regency, not only the silhouette but also because I'm obsessed with Jane Austen's novels. Thanks for a fun video! I'm going to share it with friends thinking about getting into Regency costuming.
This type of video was great, detailing what might be hard/easy for a beginner without being judgemental :) Would be great to see similar videos for other eras!
Thanks! I'll consider doing more eras in the future
Regency was one of the eras I started with, because in Ye Olden Days before historical costuming really caught on, it was easy enough to find high-waisted commercial patterns that could be fudged to look period-ish. It’s a great era to start in!
And thank you for the shoutout! 😃
Thanks for the pattern! I def need to make one myself one of these days
This video was perfect. I want to make everything. You should make videos for every era with all the recommended patterns and garment items. This was better than if I had spent weeks trying to find everything and then giving up!
Thank you! I'll think about doing other eras
I wished I could like this multiple times once I heard you mention non-binary people existing. And then wanted to give even more likes after seeing your dedication to image credits.
Thank you 😊
You can edit your gender and pronouns when you sign up. So I suppose there just isn’t enough to make a percentage.
Yes!! A regency dress was the first costume my younger sister managed to sew by herself when she was 14!
Regency is in my 2021 plans and I am excited. For some reason I used to hate it, but now I am pretty into it.
Definitely helps me as I start looking at historical costuming
I've a few Regency costume patterns but are mostly from the big four. Closest I've to sewing Regency is a retro bodice to a slightly below the knee length.
Most historical or period dressing I've done are Korean Haboks. Never use a Kdrama's costumes for reference as they aren't historically accurate.
Thank you. I wanted to make a Regency outfit but didn’t know where to start. This video was just what I needed.
I've always loved the Regency period dresses for summertime wear, with the light white cotton fabrics it's perfect for a picnic or a stroll down the meadow path with a parasol. In modern fashions I've always loved empire waists, as a pudgy hour-glass shaped (short) body the high waist with the larger gathered skirts are perfect to hide all the body flaws one may see in the mirror and appear a tad bit taller. There are a few movie dresses that are based on historical times that I want to make, the horse racing dress from My Fair Lady, the puffed sleeve dress from Anne of Green Gables (the 80s version) that she wears to the white sands hotel reading, and the red and black lace gown that Rose wore in Titanic. These are all fancy dresses that I'm probably never going to have occasion to wear in public beyond halloween maybe, and most of my historical dress making will be more functional no matter which era.
I love Regency! And the 1920's. I think that I am most comfortable when the waists of my dresses are nowhere near my actual waist. Over the holidays I am going to sew the front closing Black Snail pattern.
I live in a hot climate and more and more I also prefer my waists to not be anywhere near my actual waist. Sack dresses are my new favorite thing!
LOved this video because it was so realistic and made starting and sewing so user-friendly.
I saw still images from Shonda Rhimes' new Regency show on Netflix, and I knew I wanted a Regency dress. I'm glad to hear you confirm that it's an easy(ish) historical time period to sew in because I am stressed.
This is the second time hearing about this show and now I'm intrigued! Hope it's good
This is very validating for me because I just finished a regency dress as my first historical dress project. I changed the pattern a bit so I could wear modern undergarments instead of making stays. I think I'll do 1940s next since it doesn't require any historical undergarments although it might be considered vintage rather than historical.
I like 1940s for that reason, too. I feel like 40s is right on the cusp of historical vs vintage. Like you said, you dont really need special undies so it feels kinda modern in that way.
I love the regency era and always have!! What has always stopped me from starting a dress was not knowing where to wear it though. I suppose I could do it for just the sake of a pretty dress, but I like the events that go along with costuming. I guess I need to do more digging. :)
When I started I didnt really have any place to wear costumes but then I discovered a costuming group in a neighboring city. I also found an English country dancing club nearby (who knew?!). I was surprised by how many regency enthusiasts are out there if you hunt for them! I'm sure you'll find your tribe out there
Regency has been on my mind of late, though I've been aiming to work on a colonial-type leuwk first. You're temping me over to the Regency side, like Mr. Darcy tempts me with those eyes of his in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film.
😂😂😂 thanks!
Aha! Short stays! The thing about short stays (I want to make a blog post/video about this but it's A LOT of work) is - they're ubiquitous among costumers but they're actually NOT ubiquitous in actual historical evidence that we have. Rather the opposite - they're the exceptions. And NONE of the extants and rare depictions I know of look _exactly_ like the sort of laced, gussetted, straight horizontal hem short stays that costumers make. NONE. I love your practical observation abount them because it's another point against their ubiquitousness! I truly think they're so popular among costumers mainly because they seem so comfortably, familiarly bra-like!
The quilted petticoat in your slideshow is soooo awesome I seriously could have used a quilted skirt while snowed in over Christmas
This Video was what I needed. I feeling so motivated now. Thank you!
I think it's a great period to start. I started with Regency too :D
I don't even sew, but I love the way you approached this, so structured, so accessible, everything explained but nothing too complicated. Awesome!
Thanks for the video!
Thank you so much!
I sew for dolls and not for myself but I have gained an increased interest in historical costuming. I agree that Regency would be a good place to start. I have wondered if stays would be more comfortable than a bra.
I enjoyed your video plan to see what other tips you have. Thanks
I have sooo many clothes I want to add to my everyday wardrobe, I’m not quite ready to start historical, but when I do I’m looking forward to having one of those elegant regency era dresses for myself!
I garment sewing and love it. I’m about to venture into historical costuming starting with Regency for some of the reasons you mentioned. I recently purchased several of the patterns you recommended. Thank you for affirming all my choices! 😊🙏
Yay! Good luck on your historical adventures
Personally, I always think of the period as Empire (the fashions came from Paris - after all), but Regency seems to have won out (despite its technically not beginning until 1811).
Yeah, its ironic because I definitely prefer the pre-1810 regency styles but technically that's not even the real "regency" era. Sometimes terms just stick even if they aren't entirely avcurate6.
I LOVE the black snail dress and sleeveless Spencer. I whipped that outin 4 days for an event because I hate myself I've done multiple black snail patterns! The note are amazing, the infographics are so smart, and just grateful patterns overall. The front closing g day dress is on my project list.
Thank you for the suggestions for additional resources. It is definitely appreciated 😊
I literally fell in love with this style after the 2020 jane austen réadaptation, Emma ✨✨😱
I am a historical beginner and I did do a regency gown, but I will say - I tried the bra trick, but as an F cup, you can't ever pull them that high in a modern bra. That being said, a short corded stays (based on a free drafting online tutorial, only slightly lengthened) only took me an afternoon on a machine and the look (and support) was immediately better :)
Whoa, free drafting tutorial for stays!? Mind sharing it? Might be worth looking into if I want to make some 1790s stays... And yeah, trying to make a couple thin straps to hold up a lot of volume with hardly any torso support would be difficult. I feel like modern bras rely too much on the straps to do the heavy lifting (literally) and not enough on the band (and the bands should probably be longer, like historic stays!).
It might be the lack of events this year but I find myself working through historical clothing by theme rather than by era. Make all the chemises, then all the skirt supports, now I'm in progress with 3 different eras of corsets. I really hope I will one day arrive at the putting-it-all-together station.
I did a little bit of that this year by making three different corsets from different eras. I think once we start having events again, that'll be good motivation for making dresses. Until then, have fun making all the underlayers!
Regency definitely is the easiest more modern era. If you're in the UK however, you might want to start off with Tudor, because there's a lot more Tudor events here than any other era and even working class outfits can be very pretty and flattering!
Wow I didnt know Tudor was so popular (although I guess it makes sense if I think about it)
Good points. I'm convinced. (looking fly out on the street!!!!) Stay well.
Great benefit is also a structural undergarment is hard to sew. I'm happy with my first stays, but I'm also pretty sure I had needed year+ experience in sewing when I made it.
Thank you for this video. This was my first time on your channel so this was a great intro as I decided to start my first historical costume project after the holidays and have been in great debate about what era to start. I have been nervous about all the layers and getting burnt out before I even get to the dress. I also don't want to spend a ton on fabric for my first historical costume. So, thank you for all the resources, also finding the right patterns has been nerve racking. Thank you again.
Shawna Clair
Hoist those puppies high...with your big muskets of course. Loved it all and was agreeing with every thought.
Your videos are so helpful!❤ I need to make a regency era dress for the Jane Austen Society national convention in November. You are giving me the courage I need to do it! I live your videos. Thank you so much.
this was sooo helpful! thank you
Great! Advised, specially for the stays length which I did not realize would make an effect if short
I loved this video - thank you so much! I finally decided to start sewing regency garments (haven't sewn any garments since I was in college 25+ years ago- skirts mainly) but I just ordered some cotton voile for a shift (I made the mockup out of a white sheet - way too thick and my cotton muslin was only slightly lighter so I an keeping it to make pantaletts/drawers. Pretty excited as I found some lovely cream cotton with a leaf pattern (hopefully there is enough for a gown) and repurposing a velvet curtain into a spencer and matching bonnet (yep I'm ambitious! lol) I do have an idea of making a spencer with puffed short sleeves and then button-on long sleeves so it can be worn indoor or outdoor - probably not period correct - (but who would know) Thanks again for your video - i appreciate how "real" and practical you are!
Thank you for making this video and sharing your wealth of knowledge!
Thanks a million for all those tips! This is so inspiring.
Super great info, thank you! The regency era always made me a little leery but it’s great to know I was overthinking it as usual 😂
Thanks for posting this, tons of great info, and advice.
This was a really great video! I'm an advanced seamstress and agree with everything you said
Currently learning to sew clothing (I'd previously only done quilts). Half-way done with an A line skirt, but up next is a Regency day dress. Very much looking forward to the process. Fingers crossed.
do you know of any regency costume makers that are black women. I love the tips you shared about the dress components now I feel I need someone who can demonstrate how to style Afro hair textures into regency hairstyles. Thank youuu
Hey, yeah there are some out there like @tiger_lilys_threads, @e3v2 @amandapoldark, @misstre74 (you may have to scroll down far to see regency-specific costumes). @labelladonnahistory is currently working on a regency look.
And here are a few art pieces from the period for more inspo:
mobile.twitter.com/MitchFraas/status/966314361865293824 (labeled as c 1855 but the clothes are clearly regency)
mobile.twitter.com/paulclammer/status/955851621971496960
maryrobinettekowal.com/journal/images-of-regency-era-free-people-of-colour/#jp-carousel-16015
www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/my/collections/36252--carl-haarnack/surinamica/objecten#/SK-A-2641,5
@@DixieDIY Thank you for all the sources. I'm excited to start and make something awesome. I will tag you with the finished look hahaha
Regency is really the best place to start when it comes to making historical costumes. I like it since its easy and the I feel taller and slimmer since it hides my tummy.
I’m sewing my first Regency right now. I’ve done 1860’s and late Victorian and early Edwardian, my friends had to help me understand that this will be an easy project.
Wow! You popped up on RUclips and I’m not sure how come I haven’t seen you before. Anyway you have confirmed my starting point to take a chance and try Regency fashion. I keep collecting various historical patterns, but have yet to make one. So here I go. Thank you for sharing your recommendations.
Thank you so much for being here!
I'm starting out with regency :) I've made the laughing moon chemise and am now working on my mock-up for the stays. Haven't chosen a dress pattern yet so thank you for all the recommendations!
Good luck on the stays! I made the laughing moon ones and it took way more cording than I though I needed. I had to keep going back to the store lol.
actually working on my red threaded mock-ups for both their 1790s and regency stays as we speak !
Oooh I've been wanting to try that pattern since it's like, the only transitional pattern on the market. Hope it works for you!
@@DixieDIY it fit with almost no alterations just took at a little out of the center back!
Thank You. Excellent info. Blessings
Such an encouraging and helpful video. Thank you so much.
Oh my gosh!! This is so helpful!!!!
Turbans in regency ☺ woohoo I love wearing Turbans. But seriously want to try a bonnet or some kind of cap.
Other than the short stays issue, I have much the same thoughts about Regency being a good and cheap era to start with. Yes on the bra. :D My old stays no longer fit, I haven't had time to sew, unwired bras to the rescue! (ETA: They're better than wired ones, especially better than wired bras with molded cups, because they don't give you that super-modern melony shape.)
This is so helpful, thank you!
Regency dresses are a good starting point for vintage costuming. Personally, I like the early and middle parts of the period, particularly the Napoleonic era dresses, with the columnar silhouette and the trains and all.
Also personally, the 1920s would also be an easy reference, if you skip over the stereotypical fringed mini dresses.
What fascinates me is that they're glittery sacks that could be made for an hour or less.
I'm late. I started 1780s stays haha
Great channel!👏👏
Thanks! I tried starting in 1860s but backtracked to Regency lol
I love love the Regency, but I have been putting off buying really fine muslin like the type from Burnley and Trowbridge because I don’t know how to finish off the seam allowances without having the stitching show. Any ideas?
I've done narrow french seams but I'm not sure if that is historically accurate (anyone else know)? Or you could sew the seam, trim the allowance, and tightly overcast the edge with a whip stitch. I've flatlined AND lined my sheer bodices to hide stitching but the skirt seam allowances aren't that noticable.
@@DixieDIY this is a pretty good article that might help! historicalsewing.com/seam-finishes-19th-century-garments
Thank you, I was going to make short stays, but after listning to you I think it may not be the best idea, unless I decide to make a peasant outfit.
As for starting where to start. I started with 12th century, being from a country that was born in 1139 it's the dress I need the most.
one thing that helps me is knowing that this is a time period that preferred a slightly chubbier woman. especially in the hips. beauty standards were not always what they are today and have never been able to account for personal tastes. I believe I'll feel more confident in the dress of an era that celebrated my body type more than today.
I've made a few regency dresses and they all had fit issues. The first I didn't have a pattern and just sort of went for. It's worst of the lot of the fit front. Despite being altered a million times and more and more trim added to it. But it is the won't white cottony of them. Then there is a purple satin one, which is actually ok with the right under things. The green satin on with white lace, which never quite worked and then the polycotton darker green, which is ok. I need to go back to the regency period. I've learnt a lot since I was last there. All of the above was made using a simply pattern. Which definitely do not recommend. I have got the laughing moon one and some white satin I want to use next. But I've got a bit distracted by the 16th century.
Sounds like my early days in costuming! I had similar problems trying to make a regency Simplicity pattern. I also had issues trying to heavily alter a LM pattern that did work well. I still think Regency is a comparatively easy era but having a good pattern is going to make so much difference! I hope your next attempt with the LM pattern is a success. I actually refashioned one of my old failed Regency gowns a few months ago and I'm planning to turn that simplicity-fail-dress into a 1920s dress next month.
I like almost any historical fashion except this period.
It's not my favourite either tbh
Now I'm curious about which styles might be easier to try for more masculine costumers... I'm one of the aforementioned nb reenactors and while I usually opt for more feminine styles, I've been wanting to branch out! I do love regency men's fashion but it's so intimidating...
I love regency menswear, too, but don't know as much about its construction so I couldn't guess how easy it is compared to other times. If I were to do it I'd start with a shirt because that's the easiest. I know Laughing moon makes a popular breeches pattern and Black Snail has some 18th century and regency menswear patterns. The channel Be Queer, Make Stuff just finished a historical/history bounding look with shirt, breeches, and waistcoat and made it seem really achievable.
@@DixieDIY Thank you so much! I'll be sure to check them out! I'm a relatively new follower but I love all the work of yours I've seen. 💙
@@Rowan.Evander if you find more resources besides those mentioned I’d love to sew more “”masculine”” costumes but there are very few youtubers (at least that I’ve found) that make “masculine” clothing :/
Us men have an easier time the further back you go. Look up Tudor Farm or Tales from the Green Valley here for examples. There are not as many male historical makers, so it is harder to see the work. HEMA and the Viking set are the most common, but look for a style that fits you.
@@leechowning2712 Therein lies my problem, lol. I'm not huge on viking kit. Zack Pinsent is wonderful for 18th century but I do tend to ride a weird line between wanting to present...more masc than standard, but not *super manly*.
Great Video! ...even though I think regency dresses look like night gowns 😅
It's the 19th-century version of pandemic lounge wear lol
i sewed a plain regency dress before. can't remember the era. sister didn't like it said it made be look pregnet. major objectiions from family there
Three years late but I just wanted to add that the laughing moon pattern, although very pretty, really didn't work for me. I don't know why but the angle between the shirt panels made it so that you could basically look straight into the dress and see, well, everything. I also had similar problems with the bust, it gaped a lot. Pretty sure it's a me problem ( I have tried three different times to make a regency gown and the bust always comes out weird) but I do think it can potentially require at least some fitting. However, this is such a good video! I just found your channel and now I'm binging.
Hi - I've just bought tickets to the masked ball at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath this September and I've never made a historical dress before so this video is really helpful! I need to make evening gowns for me and my mum. I have a few questions... Is the Laughing Moon 126 pattern suitable for making a ball gown? Also, would it be historically accurate to use the long-sleeved version for an evening dress and/or wear a matching spencer with it? Many thanks 😊
Most of the long sleeved “nice” dresses I’ve seen have been labeled “dinner dresses” but in a fancy fabric I don’t see why you couldn’t wear a long sleeved gown. The 126 has a short sleeve option or elbow-length sleeves were very popular in the early regency and you can slice the sleeve pattern at elbow length. 126 can make a ball gown that’s suitable for early regency (1790s-1810). And you can totally make a cute sleeveless spencer to go with it. I think Fig Leaf patterns has a couple cute Spencers based on original garments.
I have very square, broad shoulders, really big breasts and a smallish waist, I don’t think I will be making Regency style dresses anytime soon.
On the other hand, I look freakin’ great in northwestern Europe/Scandinavian Iron Age fashions. I can always sneak in a shaped seam here and there.
You make me laugh...my muskets are formidable
I've decided to start historical sewing and I'm currently debating whether to go regency (because of its relative simplicity) or to start on a project I've been dreaming about since I was in elementary school (for context, I turn 22 on Saturday!). Even tho this video was absolutely fabulous, I'm still not sure!! Argh! Has anyone started with working class Victorian styles? What was your experience like? Do you wish you went regency first?
It's funny you mention this because my first costume was a Victorian work dress... and it took me 8 years to finish lol (I made a video about it, too: ruclips.net/video/L_Z3UeVx-JI/видео.html). I think you could be successful in either direction so long as you have a good plan and feel confident in your research (I didn't and wasn't at first). Good luck!
@@DixieDIY thanks! I think that was the first video of yours I watched :))
Worrying about how it would look on me is the exact reason I haven’t tried to make a regency gown yet😅
This video was really useful so thank you!
What (fairly cheap) material would you suggest for an evening gown without it looking like a Halloween costume or bland? Would a soft cotton be alright for a realistic evening gown as I can’t invest in silks?
Plain white, very lightweight and sheer cotton fabrics were very popular for fancy gowns during this period. Search for cotton voile or lawn or batiste. The finer the weave, the better.
Hi. A lot of your links in your description don't work. Just an FYI for you. Your link to Amazon for the book won't work when I copy and past it and the ones for specific patterns with Laughing Moon must have been updated since you posted them as they don't work anymore :-( Nice video!
I'm early 😳
1920s fashion isn’t shapeless! 🙂Just very little emphasis on curves, more emphasis on straight lines. Agree with you that regency is the way to go for ppl new to costuming.
I agree, but sadly it seems most other people don't see the 20s that way. It's a great decade for fashion that I'd like to explore more some day.
It's so frustrating that people say the best place for beginners is the regency era because the empire waistline is the literal *worst* cut for dresses for me. I'll end up with a shelf for a chest due to my cup size and the closer to the underbust that empire cut is, the more pregnant I look because I see so many fashion plates where the dress is clinging to the body. Even if I pick cotton, the chest is still an issue.
I totally hear you, and I know I'm not busty but I know of many costumers with large busts (many also plus size) who look beautiful in Regency. And the shelf-bust thing... actually was the fashion so you're on the right track. If you feel uncomfortable in that style (I'm small chested but I felt like I looked pregnant in regency dresses at first, too) maybe try an earlier 1790s look which has a slightly lower, more naturally rounded bust-shape and fuller skirts as the style transitioned away from the classic 18th century look. Gallery of Fashion has a lot of good looks: world4.eu/gallery-fashion/
What website are all those bonnets on?
Do you mean the straw ones you can buy? They're from austentation.com
what is another easy era to sew?
If you're already familiar with sewing, I'd say the late 1910s and 1920s (most everything can be sewn by machine and construction techniques are pretty modern). The easiest time period otherwise would be early middle ages because there isn't much complicated fitting with those garments.
Your channel recently came across my RUclips feed. Your videos are informative and your creations are wonderful; however, I would like to make an exception when you refer to the clothing as "costume". You are not creating a "costume" as which you will find in theatre but clothing that was once worn every day and in fashion. I prefer the term "period attire". May I point out that the clothing you are currently wearing will be considered "costume" at some point in the future. This is just my thought on the matter. Thank you.
Umm, excuse me! The SCA is really into those “early costumes” and we do a LOT of research.
No shame on SCA! I just find that people who like medieval gravitate toward SCA but people who like more general historical fashion are really drawn to the floofy stuff (like big bustles gowns and robes a la francaises)
@@DixieDIY thats fair. I like both so maybe Im rare??
Maybe. Thats fair too. I just got a bit defensive about it.
cries in man who wants to dress like Mr Darcy but is afab and curvy
Hey, I can't say regency menswear is as easy as regency womenswear because it involves tailoring, but (and I'm not sure what level sewing you're at) both laughing moon and black snail have menswear patterns for the late 18th/early 19th century and both have decent size ranges:
www.laughingmoonmercantile.com/product-page/123-download-men-s-regency-slip-vest-vest-1806-1830 (the version with the vertical seam could be adjusted easily for a curvy torso)
www.laughingmoonmercantile.com/product-page/127-download-men-s-narrow-fall-breeches
blacksnailpatterns.com/shop/27247909/pdf-men-1700-1820
blacksnailpatterns.com/shop/26928467/pdf-men-1820-1860
This is a good intro book for tailoring (many modern techniques have roots in historical sewing): www.amazon.com/Tailoring-Classic-Sewing-Perfect-Jacket/dp/1589236092/
This is a good site for tailoring supplies: bblackandsons.com/index.php as is Burnley & Trowbridge for wools and linens.
This is a modern sewing book for curvy bodies but so many of the fitting tips and tricks can be applied to historical clothes, especially for trouser-fitting: www.amazon.com/Ahead-Curve-Amazing-Clothes-Curves/dp/1787136302 (this is a great book no matter what your size or gender!)
Check out the 18th century or 19th century sewing facebook groups. And the r/historicalcostuming subreddit features more menswear than I've seen on facebook or instagram.
There are several trans costumers out there, especially on Reddit. On RUclips, Be Queer Make Stuff's channel has a lot of late 18th-century videos.
Good luck!