I feel like we have all been a victim of sewing a panne velvet 'renaissance' or 'medieval' simplicity pattern dress back in the day. I remember sewing one with the stretch panne going the wrong direction, it was unwearable and hilarious!
I remember forcing my mom to make me just such a costume for a high school theater production...of Romeo and Juliet. Well done, past me. Well done. (Also, well done past me for peer pressuring mom into giving me a fish (dress) instead of teaching me to fish (sew). 16 years later I have overcome my phobia of sewing through my thumb on the machine.
Rebecca. I'm 56... I've been doing Sewing since I was five. Hand sewing FIRST... THEN Machine sewing by the time i was nine. I've been doing "Historical Clothing" Since the 80's when I got into 16th. Century "Irish/Scottish/Celtic" Historical Re-Enactment. Since then I have Expanded into the 17th. and 18th. Centuries as well as "Victorian" Corsets and some cloths. I make men's AND Women's cloths and costumes for a LONG TIME INCLUDING Corsets AND Leather Working and sewing... and I STILL Make "Mistakes"! As Capt. Kirk once said... "We Learn by Doing!" And I SO AGREE! PLEASE Keep making these Vids! THEY and YOU are AWESOME! :D Also If you DON'T know about "Recreating History" and it's owner "Kass McGanns" I HIGHLY Recommend you look RH up! They are ALSO on Twitter, RUclips and Patreon. :D
You are such a positive and sustaining lady , warm and encouraging. And given that you are human and have your own moments of darkness, you are an example of how to do it. Plus, your costume journey is fascinating, hilarious and encouraging xxx
I love seeing what other people have made so far, and especially all the different looks and eras. I have started sewing about half a year ago, with the intention to make myself 1890's fashion as basically everyday-wear, I have made 5 walking skirts and a blouse so far, currently working on a second blouse. and if I can gather up the courage to, I will soon start making my first Eton jacket.
Just Yesterday I bought an inspirational small poster that has a Japanese crane on it and the words Choose to be Proud. This video has the same feel. :}
I love the stripey seaside outfits--all of them. Clearly I need to make something like that. And go down to the seaside...good thing we live so close to the sound! Makes for some very picturesque photo ops.
Thank you for this video & the reminder that no one starts fully fledged! My mama was a seamstress and she insisted on teaching me (tho I was an unwilling pupil at first), but it wasn’t until my son was wanting costumes that I actually got really into things. I like to kick myself for those early costumes- doctor Seuss, altering pre-bought Halloween costumes, taking items I found at resale shops & embellishing them- but it was those forays into the creative nature of costuming that has led me to where I am. The 2 first “big” costumes I ever made were a mummy costume for my son (I took strips of muslin, hand dyed them in tea, and then hand sewed them to skin colored thermals in the patterns that mummies were actually mummified) and then the big Simplicity Thorin Oakenshield costume. I’m still getting into costuming for myself- my son is grown, about to be off to college for music & theater, and has been taught how to create & sew his own cosplays- , but I’ve been the costumer and costume mistress for a local ballet company for 3 years now. Now it’s just finding the project & era I want to take on for myself!!
Even though it’s so late and I was a about to go to bed, I can’t resist watching this!! So amazing to see your costume journey, especially since I myself only started sewing in 2020. I hope someday my costume wardrobe may be as extensive and professional as yours!
This took me back to 2002 and researching historical garments 1280-1315. It was a lot of work back in 2002 with few resources. What took months and years back then to research, takes at the most a few days now online. Considering those early days of very limited access to relevant resources, the first outfits weren't that bad for a novice. It was nice to see the evolution of your garments ,how you got better and better at fitting them and all the mindboggling details you have the patience for.
OMG! I made that same Simplicity “Renaissance” dress out of that same panne velvet and poly jacquard. The only difference is my jacquard was gold and I used a beaded gimp trim. 😂
Thank you for this! It's so easy to feel underqualified or untalented when you've only been in this rabbit hole of historical costuming for less than 5 years, and you see all the wonderful talent others have. I have to remind myself that I am still a baby costumer, and the best is yet to come.
I just found your channel - I can’t sew, I know nothing aside from a lil bit of obscure history, and I just want you to know that I LOVE THAT PEOPLE ARENT AFRAID TO DORK OUT ABOUT STUFF ANYMORE!!! I think Will Wheaton does a monologue about how nerds are just people who are enthusiastic about something. What a fun thing to be enthusiastic about, Lady Rebecca!!!!
Rebecca, there IS President for "Interchangeable Foreparts" for Elizabethan Gowns! They could be "Laced" in place with "Eyelets" on both the Forepart and underskirt, as apposed to the "Snaps" you used. There are also Living Examples of "Tied" foreparts where matching AND also Contrasting "Ribbons" that would have been sewn onto both parts to "Tie" it into place. I'v worked very closely with several costumers for "Court" at several different Ren Faires/Festivals. ALSO if you DON'T have ANY of the "Patterns of Fashion" books by "Janet Arnold" I HIGHLY RECOMMEND them as well! :D Be Well and Safe. Joe
Love this overview of your costuming output and journey over the years. Thank you so much for going to the trouble of putting the timeline together to share.
I love this because I'm just starting to sew on a regular basis. I learned to machine sew a while ago, but life never let me actually do projects. Now on my 3rd and low end but good brand sewing machine that I don't know what to do with all the stitch options I actually making time to make projects. I think this video is great because you mention what patterns you used and you still use prepaid patterns. I'm also plus sized and seeing fashion plate on someone who is also plus size is great to see. Happy sewing.
Thank you for sharing your journey. It really was inspiring! Your video helped to underscore the fact that a person will never arrive anywhere until they make a start.
Re-watching this, getting a little teary/giggly about the "believe in yourself" speech following the fairy godmother dress. Accidentally in-character 🥲
Your costume/ outfit journey is amazing!! I love your encouragement and also can I be one of your best friends? I feel like I would ask you for sewing advice allllll the time ❤
Great video! Thank you for the pep talks at the beginning/end. I needed it. I'm making my first stays (red threaded's 1780s front lacing stays). I'm putting together my first mock up right now. It's the most technical thing I've ever done, so I'm excited and nervous. Bonus, I'm thing it on a 1941 Singer Featherweight 221 that belonged to my husband's grandmother.
I got gown envy, what an amazing dress closet! I love that first viktorian dress! I can't wait til my sewing skills gets better so I feel up to making my self some amazing dresses to wear💜💜💜 Im still procrastinating making dresses and tops, good thing I love skirts....
Nice seeing others journies. Ive been doing historical costuming for over 20 years - I started with Victorian thru our local Victoriana Society where they taught us authentic Victorian dressmaking methods. We had a TENTH of the resources back then that there is today and NO you tube videos - but we were taught by the more experienced and we then went on to teach other new comers. ALso made many gowns for others. I then branched out into GEORGIAN thru to 1970's, and fantasy garments for comic con. I learned dressmaking in the 1980's at school, and always sewed something. But historical costuming is so addictive!
Omg- I **really** love your Stage Beauty/ 17th c outfits- as well as your butterfly dress! I can remember my first two costumes- a Pocahontas-inspired dress from when I was about 12; I actually still have it, & looked at it a couple of years ago: it was **so** _tiny_ - & it was just made out of calico, so it was basic as hell.... The other was for a Halloween party- I was ‘an enchantress’- so more fantasy than historical. It was made using a simple T-shape dress, with a ‘robe’ made of three large rectangles- decorated with silver glitter-glue stars & crescents - I was ridiculously pleased with myself, despite having a mild panic attack over fabric either sticking together, or to the board I’d _eventually_ used... Oh, good times- when I essentially had no idea what the hell I was doing!
It's interesting to me, this whole sewing thing. Before I began I was so intimidated by it... well, honestly, I still am by huge projects that are a bit outside of my skill set! But once I knew more about garment construction and finishings and so on, I began to see flaws in my commercially made clothes. My very first project (some newborn knit tights) was absolutely awful! And I knew it at the time, but I still felt so proud of myself because I had made them. Now, I know that I need to change the needle and the stitch type and the tension to sew properly with knit. Now my daughter's wardrobe is full of pretty little dresses and I am confident enough to make things for me too!
So many costumes! Thank you for sharing your journey! One of these days I'll get my hands on a good wool and sew myself my first piece. It'll probably be crooked, but it'll be mine! Until then, tiny hand projects are what I've got.
Why wait for good wool? Give it a try with cheap pretend wool! Good wool implies expensive and if you’re anything like the rest of us you will end up putting it somewhere safe while you work on feeling worthy of working on it!! Or get over the fear of cutting it!! While that annoying self doubt voice says “omg this stuff is expensive what if I make a mistake?”. Ask me how I know...
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 That is....a good point. And I think what I shall do is the next time I'm at my mother's, I shall shop her closet, so I can save her from that pain, and have practice material that didn't cost me a thing, so I won't care!
“The important thing is just to start!” Rebecca speaking TRUTH! (But I don’t advise doing it like me where you start, record and post it on RUclips for everyone to see)
I mean, honestly, it's a great way to both hold yourself accountable, and to reach an audience of people who could potentially help you with projects, so I don't see why not!
I don't do any historical costuming, but I absolutely LOVE watching all of you costubers, because you give me ideas for my daughters clothes. My hand sewing and seam finishing has gotten SOO much better in the last couple years because of y'all
I NEEDED this reminder! I used to sew (a lot) but stopped for over 10 years. Have SO MANY idea for historical(ish) garments I want to make but was making the mistake of comparing my current skill and knowledge level with that of people like yourself. Even though I am a teacher and a mom, I completely forgot how important those first few, flawed, attempts are when learning. (honestly, in tears of relief...) As soon as I finish the quilt I am working on; definitely flawed but absolutely going to be completed today. (12 hours to go...) You are such a generous, kind person.
It can be really difficult not to compare yourself (I definitely still do it, too!) I hope you were able to finish your quilt, and that your upcoming projects go well!
This was great! I didn't know you had been doing this for so long. Yes, the early gowns looked like beginner costumes, but you were able to finish them and they looked pretty good, especially for a beginner. I could see the progress you made through time and they really did look gorgeous. Congrats for all of the work you did and doing all of this while working a full-time job!! It was fun to see them all.
I appreciated your encouragement that we are all beginners. I love historical dancing, so I wanted to create an outfit so that I could attend an event. With RUclips and FR, the resources are greater than ever, which is helpful to gain knowledge, but is also intimidating because there is soooo much to get right, and no excuses not to do so. With the wealth of available information, the standards for historical costuming have shot up. It is hard enough to sew one's corset and outfit, and then I realized that I have to get the hair styling right, too! That's when I had to walk away; I can't be a staymaker, a mantuamaker, and a lady's maid all by myself. A lady of previous centuries would have had experienced professionals to create her look, but you do it all. Brava and bravo to the Costubers who learn all those skills, and across so many centuries, too! You are amazing; in fact, you look like a movie studio's professional costume, make-up, and wig departments created your ensembles--but you did it all yourself. Wow!
I'm currently working on Victorian underwear to go with an 1880s Victorian bustle dress from Heather Auden's wonderful book. I've been really apprehensive about starting the actual dress but watching your videos has really inspired me!
Not me over here crying over the “be proud of yourself” in the intro after having a mental breakdown this morning over a colonial jacket sleeve. 😭 Thank you for the words of encouragement!
WOW You can sew and sew beautifully. If I had to pick my favorite gown couldn't because they are all so beautiful. I will go on to watch more of your stunning work.
Truly inspiring i shared it on my facebook page for the beginning sewers because never truer words or advice were ever freely given then its ok to make mistakes and keep going , they need to hear that from time to time. Thank you so much for making this and showing them
So much growth! Thank you for sharing, it’s reassuring and comforting to hear that poly blends and bed sheets are ok to use and have been used by costumers like you ❤️🌻
I loved this video so much, Rebecca. Seeing the progression was awesome but more than anything I was just able to sink into the luscious gorgeousness of colours and fabrics and scenery. You look elegant in everything but I especially liked the 50's look on you. Thank you for sharing all this wonderful with us :)
It was fun seeing your years of dresses & progress. It's good to have a pep talk too, starting "the thing" especially if it is a new thing is the hardest part. I find inspiration in so many things & since I'm totally into multimedia arts & crafts, I bounce all over the board in whatever I'm going to work on next or add where it's least expected.
What an impressive collection! I think you should be proud of all your work, even from the very beginning. As you say, we all have to start somewhere and go through the journey of learning and improvement. ❤️❤️❤️
It is so exciting to see all of your lovely creations. Being at the beginning of sewing clothes for myself and my daughter it is encouraging to see your progress over the years. Thank you for sharing.
A lovely video! It’s great fun watching you level up with your costumes. I look back on my first costumes for the kids and wonder what I was thinking. Then I remember that they had to fit over snow suits and my skills were growing. My last costume was for my son who was into cosplay and went as squall from final fantasy. It was more of a refitting and reimagining thrifted pieces than sewing but I’m still proud of it. He had a great time and got compliments. People need to be reminded that we all start somewhere we tend to be far too critical of ourselves!
That was so interesting, thank you! You can really see the outfits levelling up through the years, which is especially impressive as to my amateur eyes even your early outfits look amazing.
Having fun is the most important part for me. I've made a few costumes and done a few closet cosplays. Nothing fancy, for a number of reasons, but I had fun wearing them every time. In so many of those older pictures you looked like you were having fun. ♥ My 7 year old son was watching this video with me. (He watches your videos with me sometimes.) At 12:25 he said you look like Belle from Beauty and the Beast, he loves the Anna costume you made (he talked about it for several minutes), and at 15:37 excitedly said you look like Mary Poppins. There were several others he really loved too.
I love all your projects!. Yes, we can see how your costumes have gotten better and better, but really, even the early ones were already pretty good. And now they're just incredible! What fun to see all of these. The 1840s swim suit might be awkward - but you just look adorable in it! 😍
Thank you so much for this trip with you. I always love your joy and enthusiasm and that little giggle when you "'fessed up" to loving 1830s costume totally had me laughing again with you. :)
So fun! Thank you for sharing. It’s inspiring and exciting to see someone’s sewing journey. I’m at the beginning of mine and this was encouraging but not overwhelming.
I, too, have had the experience of having to come up with a design for a cosplay or costume and seeing a pattern for it come out AFTER I did all that brain work. Repeatedly.
a sewing journey starts with a thousand stitches, probably on a renfaire bodice and poet shirt, wait did I say that out loud? (humor) I"m almost tempted to pull out some of my old cotehardie's and see if they still fit. :)
It's funny, I dress in lolita j-fashion but this all feel so familiar yet so foreign to me as someone who has grown my wardrobe. I know that I don't need to add anymore fashion styles to wardrobe but its surely tempting in binge watching your videos.
It was really nice to watch your skill levels improve over the years. I’m working on my very costume ever right now (at the ripe ol age of 30), which is a 1560s ish nobelwoman’s summer gown. The first bit that I tackled was a hand sewn bum roll (I love it but I wish I had cut it bigger). I’m midway through the forepart now(also hand sewn).
You are so incredibly talented! I love watching your skill growth. Your creations fascinate me. BTW, I was in ONE UPON A MATTRESS too, and the costume I made for myself for that show looked very similar to yours! 🙂
Hi,your dresses are so pretty,it's a great help to see what you made and how much did have developed over the years, are you planning on making a video of all your muggle wear that you have made, 💖
I love your work and how you share with us. I want to make a Professor McGonagall outfit. What patterns do you suggest people use to be close to accurate?
This is something I've been telling everyone! Talent and inclination gives you a nudge, but creating amazing things comes down to rolling your sleeves up and getting to work. I have a complicated relationship with being told I'm talented in general, but with fiber arts its and computer design it annoys me especially. I started out making big, sloppy stitches in my embroidery and making a horrible mess of my knitting, but I stuck with it and now I can embroider fancy things and knit cabled lace. Knitting isn't like singing, you're not born with needles in your hands ready to go. (As a performer you know that ability can only take you so far with singing, dancing and acting and there are *far* more people out there with pretty singing voices than who make it on the stage) I watched this video with my eight year old daughter, who thinks you and your dresses are beautiful btw, to show her that abilities change and skills grow. I'm teaching her how to spin right now and she's frustrated because she's not very good. Her yarn is lumpy and bumpy, overspun in some places, and underspun in others. She doesn't believe that she'll ever get to the point of spinning fine, even yarn like me. I've only been spinning for six years! So I could show her the trivet I made using the first wool I ever spun and the stuff that I made from the first few things. I think she just thinks I'm magic or something. I also wanted to say something about UFOs. Sometimes, we just need a break from something. I will see your 1910s dinner dress and raise you two pounds of cheviot wool dyed using plant matter I grew and gathered myself that has been sitting in my studio for two years waiting to be *spun*.
Oh my good God I cannot believe how much you have made!!!!!! I am so beyond impressed! I am also feeling very inspired... Maybe a little overwhelmed by inspiration 😅😅😅 Like the little girls dress! The green bussle dress! The first dickens dress!!! Just all amazing!!!!!!!!
![Coheed and Cambria - Searching for Tomorrow [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hDsYGLbmadg/mqdefault.jpg)
I feel like we have all been a victim of sewing a panne velvet 'renaissance' or 'medieval' simplicity pattern dress back in the day. I remember sewing one with the stretch panne going the wrong direction, it was unwearable and hilarious!
I remember forcing my mom to make me just such a costume for a high school theater production...of Romeo and Juliet. Well done, past me. Well done. (Also, well done past me for peer pressuring mom into giving me a fish (dress) instead of teaching me to fish (sew).
16 years later I have overcome my phobia of sewing through my thumb on the machine.
Rebecca. I'm 56... I've been doing Sewing since I was five. Hand sewing FIRST... THEN Machine sewing by the time i was nine.
I've been doing "Historical Clothing" Since the 80's when I got into 16th. Century "Irish/Scottish/Celtic" Historical Re-Enactment.
Since then I have Expanded into the 17th. and 18th. Centuries as well as "Victorian" Corsets and some cloths.
I make men's AND Women's cloths and costumes for a LONG TIME INCLUDING Corsets AND Leather Working and sewing... and I STILL Make "Mistakes"!
As Capt. Kirk once said... "We Learn by Doing!" And I SO AGREE!
PLEASE Keep making these Vids! THEY and YOU are AWESOME! :D
Also If you DON'T know about "Recreating History" and it's owner "Kass McGanns" I HIGHLY Recommend you look RH up!
They are ALSO on Twitter, RUclips and Patreon. :D
It's so great to see your growth, and how positive you are about pretty much everything you've made. I'm so glad you shared this!
Thank you! Honestly, other than Mary Poppins, I'm pretty happy with everything! ☺️
The "Queen of Hearts" Gown Looks GREAT! :D
I hope you will continue to show the everyday wear projects. One of my favorite parts of your channel is learning how you adjust patterns.
Definitely! I have an everyday project coming out on Tuesday!
You are such a positive and sustaining lady , warm and encouraging. And given that you are human and have your own moments of darkness, you are an example of how to do it. Plus, your costume journey is fascinating, hilarious and encouraging xxx
I love seeing what other people have made so far, and especially all the different looks and eras.
I have started sewing about half a year ago, with the intention to make myself 1890's fashion as basically everyday-wear, I have made 5 walking skirts and a blouse so far, currently working on a second blouse. and if I can gather up the courage to, I will soon start making my first Eton jacket.
Ooh, I love your 1890sv wardrobe idea! Good luck on the rest of your projects!
Just Yesterday I bought an inspirational small poster that has a Japanese crane on it and the words Choose to be Proud.
This video has the same feel. :}
I love the stripey seaside outfits--all of them. Clearly I need to make something like that. And go down to the seaside...good thing we live so close to the sound! Makes for some very picturesque photo ops.
I love watching your videos and if anything, you are indulging us by allowing us to see your growth in sewing.
Thank you for this video & the reminder that no one starts fully fledged!
My mama was a seamstress and she insisted on teaching me (tho I was an unwilling pupil at first), but it wasn’t until my son was wanting costumes that I actually got really into things. I like to kick myself for those early costumes- doctor Seuss, altering pre-bought Halloween costumes, taking items I found at resale shops & embellishing them- but it was those forays into the creative nature of costuming that has led me to where I am. The 2 first “big” costumes I ever made were a mummy costume for my son (I took strips of muslin, hand dyed them in tea, and then hand sewed them to skin colored thermals in the patterns that mummies were actually mummified) and then the big Simplicity Thorin Oakenshield costume.
I’m still getting into costuming for myself- my son is grown, about to be off to college for music & theater, and has been taught how to create & sew his own cosplays- , but I’ve been the costumer and costume mistress for a local ballet company for 3 years now.
Now it’s just finding the project & era I want to take on for myself!!
Even though it’s so late and I was a about to go to bed, I can’t resist watching this!! So amazing to see your costume journey, especially since I myself only started sewing in 2020. I hope someday my costume wardrobe may be as extensive and professional as yours!
That Queen of Hearts dress is giving me ideas!!! So glad you were able to repair it!
This took me back to 2002 and researching historical garments 1280-1315. It was a lot of work back in 2002 with few resources. What took months and years back then to research, takes at the most a few days now online. Considering those early days of very limited access to relevant resources, the first outfits weren't that bad for a novice.
It was nice to see the evolution of your garments ,how you got better and better at fitting them and all the mindboggling details you have the patience for.
It's amazing how much more we know now, even compared to a few years ago, with how easy research has become! And thank you!
OMG! I made that same Simplicity “Renaissance” dress out of that same panne velvet and poly jacquard. The only difference is my jacquard was gold and I used a beaded gimp trim. 😂
Thank you for this! It's so easy to feel underqualified or untalented when you've only been in this rabbit hole of historical costuming for less than 5 years, and you see all the wonderful talent others have. I have to remind myself that I am still a baby costumer, and the best is yet to come.
I just found your channel - I can’t sew, I know nothing aside from a lil bit of obscure history, and I just want you to know that I LOVE THAT PEOPLE ARENT AFRAID TO DORK OUT ABOUT STUFF ANYMORE!!! I think Will Wheaton does a monologue about how nerds are just people who are enthusiastic about something. What a fun thing to be enthusiastic about, Lady Rebecca!!!!
Lady Rebecca, you've made some lovely costumes over the last 16 years! Your firework skirt is perfect for Disney!
Rebecca, there IS President for "Interchangeable Foreparts" for Elizabethan Gowns! They could be "Laced" in place with "Eyelets" on both the Forepart and underskirt, as apposed to the "Snaps" you used.
There are also Living Examples of "Tied" foreparts where matching AND also Contrasting "Ribbons" that would have been sewn onto both parts to "Tie" it into place.
I'v worked very closely with several costumers for "Court" at several different Ren Faires/Festivals.
ALSO if you DON'T have ANY of the "Patterns of Fashion" books by "Janet Arnold" I HIGHLY RECOMMEND them as well! :D
Be Well and Safe.
Joe
That's good to know! And yep - I love the Patterns of Fashion books!
Love this overview of your costuming output and journey over the years. Thank you so much for going to the trouble of putting the timeline together to share.
I have to say it!! You are VERY beatiful WITHOUT make up!!!❤️❤️❤️
This is so impressive - and you look so regal or cute, and beautiful in all of them!
I love this because I'm just starting to sew on a regular basis. I learned to machine sew a while ago, but life never let me actually do projects. Now on my 3rd and low end but good brand sewing machine that I don't know what to do with all the stitch options I actually making time to make projects.
I think this video is great because you mention what patterns you used and you still use prepaid patterns. I'm also plus sized and seeing fashion plate on someone who is also plus size is great to see.
Happy sewing.
Thank you for sharing your journey. It really was inspiring! Your video helped to underscore the fact that a person will never arrive anywhere until they make a start.
how could sharing you journey be self centered! I loved this video.
Re-watching this, getting a little teary/giggly about the "believe in yourself" speech following the fairy godmother dress. Accidentally in-character 🥲
Loved this! That glimpse of Merida was cruel. Now I'm going to have to make that little beauty, too.
Your costume/ outfit journey is amazing!! I love your encouragement and also can I be one of your best friends? I feel like I would ask you for sewing advice allllll the time ❤
Thank you! I try to answer questions when I can!
Great video! Thank you for the pep talks at the beginning/end. I needed it. I'm making my first stays (red threaded's 1780s front lacing stays). I'm putting together my first mock up right now. It's the most technical thing I've ever done, so I'm excited and nervous. Bonus, I'm thing it on a 1941 Singer Featherweight 221 that belonged to my husband's grandmother.
Thank you, and good luck on your stays!
Not self-centered at ALL. Your work is amazing and people seeing the baby steps is important
I got gown envy, what an amazing dress closet! I love that first viktorian dress! I can't wait til my sewing skills gets better so I feel up to making my self some amazing dresses to wear💜💜💜 Im still procrastinating making dresses and tops, good thing I love skirts....
I absolutely love your Jane Porter costume. It's just gorgeous. I remember your Costume College gala gown for 2014, it was stunning in person.
Nice seeing others journies. Ive been doing historical costuming for over 20 years - I started with Victorian thru our local Victoriana Society where they taught us authentic Victorian dressmaking methods. We had a TENTH of the resources back then that there is today and NO you tube videos - but we were taught by the more experienced and we then went on to teach other new comers. ALso made many gowns for others. I then branched out into GEORGIAN thru to 1970's, and fantasy garments for comic con. I learned dressmaking in the 1980's at school, and always sewed something. But historical costuming is so addictive!
Omg- I **really** love your Stage Beauty/ 17th c outfits- as well as your butterfly dress!
I can remember my first two costumes- a Pocahontas-inspired dress from when I was about 12; I actually still have it, & looked at it a couple of years ago: it was **so** _tiny_ - & it was just made out of calico, so it was basic as hell....
The other was for a Halloween party- I was ‘an enchantress’- so more fantasy than historical.
It was made using a simple T-shape dress, with a ‘robe’ made of three large rectangles- decorated with silver glitter-glue stars & crescents - I was ridiculously pleased with myself, despite having a mild panic attack over fabric either sticking together, or to the board I’d _eventually_ used...
Oh, good times- when I essentially had no idea what the hell I was doing!
It's interesting to me, this whole sewing thing. Before I began I was so intimidated by it... well, honestly, I still am by huge projects that are a bit outside of my skill set! But once I knew more about garment construction and finishings and so on, I began to see flaws in my commercially made clothes. My very first project (some newborn knit tights) was absolutely awful! And I knew it at the time, but I still felt so proud of myself because I had made them. Now, I know that I need to change the needle and the stitch type and the tension to sew properly with knit. Now my daughter's wardrobe is full of pretty little dresses and I am confident enough to make things for me too!
So many costumes! Thank you for sharing your journey! One of these days I'll get my hands on a good wool and sew myself my first piece. It'll probably be crooked, but it'll be mine! Until then, tiny hand projects are what I've got.
Why wait for good wool? Give it a try with cheap pretend wool! Good wool implies expensive and if you’re anything like the rest of us you will end up putting it somewhere safe while you work on feeling worthy of working on it!! Or get over the fear of cutting it!! While that annoying self doubt voice says “omg this stuff is expensive what if I make a mistake?”. Ask me how I know...
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 That is....a good point. And I think what I shall do is the next time I'm at my mother's, I shall shop her closet, so I can save her from that pain, and have practice material that didn't cost me a thing, so I won't care!
I definitely agree with Robin! Don't make your first big project with expensive materials. Do trial runs with inexpensive stuff first!
“The important thing is just to start!” Rebecca speaking TRUTH!
(But I don’t advise doing it like me where you start, record and post it on RUclips for everyone to see)
I mean, honestly, it's a great way to both hold yourself accountable, and to reach an audience of people who could potentially help you with projects, so I don't see why not!
I don't do any historical costuming, but I absolutely LOVE watching all of you costubers, because you give me ideas for my daughters clothes. My hand sewing and seam finishing has gotten SOO much better in the last couple years because of y'all
Wow, you should be soooooo proud of yourself, thanks for sharing ❤
I have this extremely satisfied feeling in my heart now! This was amazing to watch! You have made some absolutly gorgeous costumes over the years!
Thank you for always being so supportive of all your viewers and their journey! I love that about your channel in general ❤️
I NEEDED this reminder! I used to sew (a lot) but stopped for over 10 years. Have SO MANY idea for historical(ish) garments I want to make but was making the mistake of comparing my current skill and knowledge level with that of people like yourself. Even though I am a teacher and a mom, I completely forgot how important those first few, flawed, attempts are when learning. (honestly, in tears of relief...) As soon as I finish the quilt I am working on; definitely flawed but absolutely going to be completed today. (12 hours to go...) You are such a generous, kind person.
It can be really difficult not to compare yourself (I definitely still do it, too!) I hope you were able to finish your quilt, and that your upcoming projects go well!
Loved seeing all your projects and how much you've progressed over the years. Thank you for this.
This was great! I didn't know you had been doing this for so long. Yes, the early gowns looked like beginner costumes, but you were able to finish them and they looked pretty good, especially for a beginner. I could see the progress you made through time and they really did look gorgeous. Congrats for all of the work you did and doing all of this while working a full-time job!! It was fun to see them all.
I appreciated your encouragement that we are all beginners. I love historical dancing, so I wanted to create an outfit so that I could attend an event.
With RUclips and FR, the resources are greater than ever, which is helpful to gain knowledge, but is also intimidating because there is soooo much to get right, and no excuses not to do so. With the wealth of available information, the standards for historical costuming have shot up.
It is hard enough to sew one's corset and outfit, and then I realized that I have to get the hair styling right, too! That's when I had to walk away; I can't be a staymaker, a mantuamaker, and a lady's maid all by myself. A lady of previous centuries would have had experienced professionals to create her look, but you do it all.
Brava and bravo to the Costubers who learn all those skills, and across so many centuries, too! You are amazing; in fact, you look like a movie studio's professional costume, make-up, and wig departments created your ensembles--but you did it all yourself. Wow!
I hope all the elements like hair and such don't deter you. You totally do not have to look perfectly historically accurate. ☺️
As I'm currently working on my very first historical project, this video is perfectly timed. Thank you for the encouragement!
I'm currently working on Victorian underwear to go with an 1880s Victorian bustle dress from Heather Auden's wonderful book. I've been really apprehensive about starting the actual dress but watching your videos has really inspired me!
Omg how fun!!! Thank you for your encouragement! ❤️ I love that you shared this video!
I love the idea of your Queen of Hearts costume! I also loved the video…it was ‘epic’!
Not me over here crying over the “be proud of yourself” in the intro after having a mental breakdown this morning over a colonial jacket sleeve. 😭 Thank you for the words of encouragement!
Aww, you can do it! Good luck with your sleevils!
@@LadyRebeccaFashions Thank you!
This was great and inspiring. It's great to see the journey of gained skills.
Thanks for sharing ❤
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing inspiring costume journey.
WOW You can sew and sew beautifully. If I had to pick my favorite gown couldn't because they are all so beautiful. I will go on to watch more of your stunning work.
Rebecca, your sewing adventures are wonderful, you are incredibly talented. Love them all, you look stunning in them all.
Thank you 😭 this made me cry.
Good idea to document your creations.
Truly inspiring i shared it on my facebook page for the beginning sewers because never truer words or advice were ever freely given then its ok to make mistakes and keep going , they need to hear that from time to time. Thank you so much for making this and showing them
So much growth! Thank you for sharing, it’s reassuring and comforting to hear that poly blends and bed sheets are ok to use and have been used by costumers like you ❤️🌻
I loved this video so much, Rebecca. Seeing the progression was awesome but more than anything I was just able to sink into the luscious gorgeousness of colours and fabrics and scenery. You look elegant in everything but I especially liked the 50's look on you. Thank you for sharing all this wonderful with us :)
It was fun seeing your years of dresses & progress. It's good to have a pep talk too, starting "the thing" especially if it is a new thing is the hardest part. I find inspiration in so many things & since I'm totally into multimedia arts & crafts, I bounce all over the board in whatever I'm going to work on next or add where it's least expected.
Loved the walk down memory lane. So many pretty dresses.
You are very talented. I so enjoy your work. Thank you
What an impressive collection! I think you should be proud of all your work, even from the very beginning. As you say, we all have to start somewhere and go through the journey of learning and improvement. ❤️❤️❤️
It is so exciting to see all of your lovely creations. Being at the beginning of sewing clothes for myself and my daughter it is encouraging to see your progress over the years. Thank you for sharing.
Lovely sewing collection! Happy to see your progress over time
This was so much fun! Thank you for showing us your wonderful projects. I love your everyday Disney clothes.
It's so cool to see how your work has evolved over the years. All of your costumes are beautiful 😍
A lovely video! It’s great fun watching you level up with your costumes. I look back on my first costumes for the kids and wonder what I was thinking. Then I remember that they had to fit over snow suits and my skills were growing. My last costume was for my son who was into cosplay and went as squall from final fantasy. It was more of a refitting and reimagining thrifted pieces than sewing but I’m still proud of it. He had a great time and got compliments. People need to be reminded that we all start somewhere we tend to be far too critical of ourselves!
Thank you for sharing your journey!
WOW! Such an impressive portfolio -and so much FUN. Thanks for sharing.
All I can say is wow, you go girl!
The bustle dresses just look amazing on you, literally the perfect silhouette
Also:this video is really inspiring as a begginer, thank you 💕
That was so interesting, thank you! You can really see the outfits levelling up through the years, which is especially impressive as to my amateur eyes even your early outfits look amazing.
Having fun is the most important part for me. I've made a few costumes and done a few closet cosplays. Nothing fancy, for a number of reasons, but I had fun wearing them every time. In so many of those older pictures you looked like you were having fun. ♥
My 7 year old son was watching this video with me. (He watches your videos with me sometimes.) At 12:25 he said you look like Belle from Beauty and the Beast, he loves the Anna costume you made (he talked about it for several minutes), and at 15:37 excitedly said you look like Mary Poppins. There were several others he really loved too.
Aww, I love that! And yes, having fun is definitely the most important part!
16:07 omg I absolutely love that movie
I love all your projects!. Yes, we can see how your costumes have gotten better and better, but really, even the early ones were already pretty good. And now they're just incredible! What fun to see all of these. The 1840s swim suit might be awkward - but you just look adorable in it! 😍
Thank you so much for this trip with you. I always love your joy and enthusiasm and that little giggle when you "'fessed up" to loving 1830s costume totally had me laughing again with you. :)
Wonderful video!
PREACH! Loved this journey, and I am so jealous of all your work!
This was so cool thanks!! Definitely inspiring 😊
I really enjoyed this video! You really are talented and I look forward to seeing your future videos!
So fun! Thank you for sharing. It’s inspiring and exciting to see someone’s sewing journey. I’m at the beginning of mine and this was encouraging but not overwhelming.
Thank you for giving this inspiration. I’m starting later in life so it’s wonderful to see the learning curve.
I, too, have had the experience of having to come up with a design for a cosplay or costume and seeing a pattern for it come out AFTER I did all that brain work. Repeatedly.
Wow thank you so much for your gift of yourself and the encouragement.
a sewing journey starts with a thousand stitches, probably on a renfaire bodice and poet shirt, wait did I say that out loud? (humor) I"m almost tempted to pull out some of my old cotehardie's and see if they still fit. :)
It's funny, I dress in lolita j-fashion but this all feel so familiar yet so foreign to me as someone who has grown my wardrobe. I know that I don't need to add anymore fashion styles to wardrobe but its surely tempting in binge watching your videos.
It was really nice to watch your skill levels improve over the years. I’m working on my very costume ever right now (at the ripe ol age of 30), which is a 1560s ish nobelwoman’s summer gown.
The first bit that I tackled was a hand sewn bum roll (I love it but I wish I had cut it bigger). I’m midway through the forepart now(also hand sewn).
Thank you! And good luck on the rest of your gown project!
I love this video, it's so inspiring to see the whole journey
This was amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your journey--now to get off my behind and finish my Elizabeth Swan pattern remake I've started lol
6:23 looks so good though-
You have been very productive even though you have had years to compete you costumes well done
You are so incredibly talented! I love watching your skill growth. Your creations fascinate me.
BTW, I was in ONE UPON A MATTRESS too, and the costume I made for myself for that show looked very similar to yours! 🙂
i really liked this video... it was great to see all the costumes and time periods I feel inspired.
Hi,your dresses are so pretty,it's a great help to see what you made and how much did have developed over the years, are you planning on making a video of all your muggle wear that you have made, 💖
I hadn't thought about it, to be honest, but a me-made wardrobe video might be fun!
You’re awesome! Thank you so much for this video!
I love your work and how you share with us. I want to make a Professor McGonagall outfit. What patterns do you suggest people use to be close to accurate?
Thanks! But sorry, I'm not sure, because I've never looked into her costumes.
This is something I've been telling everyone! Talent and inclination gives you a nudge, but creating amazing things comes down to rolling your sleeves up and getting to work. I have a complicated relationship with being told I'm talented in general, but with fiber arts its and computer design it annoys me especially. I started out making big, sloppy stitches in my embroidery and making a horrible mess of my knitting, but I stuck with it and now I can embroider fancy things and knit cabled lace. Knitting isn't like singing, you're not born with needles in your hands ready to go. (As a performer you know that ability can only take you so far with singing, dancing and acting and there are *far* more people out there with pretty singing voices than who make it on the stage)
I watched this video with my eight year old daughter, who thinks you and your dresses are beautiful btw, to show her that abilities change and skills grow. I'm teaching her how to spin right now and she's frustrated because she's not very good. Her yarn is lumpy and bumpy, overspun in some places, and underspun in others. She doesn't believe that she'll ever get to the point of spinning fine, even yarn like me. I've only been spinning for six years! So I could show her the trivet I made using the first wool I ever spun and the stuff that I made from the first few things. I think she just thinks I'm magic or something.
I also wanted to say something about UFOs. Sometimes, we just need a break from something. I will see your 1910s dinner dress and raise you two pounds of cheviot wool dyed using plant matter I grew and gathered myself that has been sitting in my studio for two years waiting to be *spun*.
So inspirational thankyou
Oh my good God I cannot believe how much you have made!!!!!! I am so beyond impressed! I am also feeling very inspired... Maybe a little overwhelmed by inspiration 😅😅😅
Like the little girls dress! The green bussle dress! The first dickens dress!!! Just all amazing!!!!!!!!