Pattern from A.D. Rude, 1900. This is a list of online books from the 19th century that have pattern drafting instructions; I've organized them into womenswear, shoemaking, and menswear sections. I have generally elected not to include books that teach sewing techniques only, or books that require unique tools. Note that with just a few … Continue reading Online Resources: 19th-century Tailor’s and Dressmaker’s Books & Patterns
1840s trifecta
I've made three 1840s dresses in the past two years, and posted about...none of them.* Remedying that now! I wore all three this past summer, so it was a good chance to consider progress. The "cabbage rose" dress (above left): I made this in October 2022, wore it to a holiday event that year, and … Continue reading 1840s trifecta
1820s work dress
It's been a while since I posted about sewing projects, so I'm back with a short one - proof of existence? I needed an outfit for interpretation work and the itch struck for 1820s - something simple, clean, and professional. I was aiming for mid-1820s style, with a raised waist but a larger skirt. I … Continue reading 1820s work dress
Free 1871 corset pattern
In the course of my research, I came across a pattern for "Poplin Corsets for Stout Ladies" in an 1871 issue of Harper's Bazar. The pattern is about a 29.5" (74cm) waist - which stretches to about 31" (79cm) when worn - and is very, very curvy! I've digitized and cleaned up the pattern, converting … Continue reading Free 1871 corset pattern
Plus-size patterns…from antique garments!
I recently began working on a project to pattern and digitize larger antique garments. Every once in a while I find something in my price range on eBay or Etsy, and now you get to benefit! In 2021 I produced several patterns for the MFIT exhibit The Roaring Twenties and the Swinging Sixties (which are free … Continue reading Plus-size patterns…from antique garments!
Free 1920s camisole pattern – 1X/2X (24.5)
This is a simple camisole pattern (or brassiere/binder pattern, if you wear it tight) suitable for the mid-to-late 1920s. It is patterned from an antique garment in my collection with a 47.5” bust that was probably home-made. This pattern is free for personal use (not commercial) as long as you credit me or link back … Continue reading Free 1920s camisole pattern – 1X/2X (24.5)
Recent projects (1490s-1890s)
I was updating my dress list and realized that I'd never bothered to post about a lot of my recent projects. Oops. I don't tend to post about smaller projects or ones that I didn't consider interestingly challenging, and as I get more familiar with sewing techniques and eras, there are fewer ensembles I consider … Continue reading Recent projects (1490s-1890s)
Free 1890s corset pattern – plus size!
I added an 1890s corset to my personal collection a few months back, bought from a dealer in Europe. The reason I couldn't pass it up was that it has a 33" waist! It's in pristine condition, and I sent it off to Michelle at Clockwork Faerie, who does amazing work drafting, digitizing, and sewing … Continue reading Free 1890s corset pattern – plus size!
Images of stout women, 1850-1930
As I work on my dissertation about fat fashion history, I've been collecting antique photographs of women who were larger than the ideal (as well as a few disabled women, but that's another post). Time to share some of my favorites with you all! The entire album can be accessed here, though I'm working on … Continue reading Images of stout women, 1850-1930
1630s Purple Velvet Ensemble
Finally - a new project! I've wanted to try 1630s for a while (ever since I completed my 1660s project and enjoyed it so much) and I finally stocked up on some fabric and the Seventeenth Century Women's Dress Patterns book. I'm aiming to use the cream slashed-satin bodice in the V&A collection as a … Continue reading 1630s Purple Velvet Ensemble
Sew Last Century 
