Comments on: Duplicating Antique Garments – Do you really want it THAT historically accurate?

By: Perfectionism in Historical Costuming – Historical Sewing

Perfectionism in Historical Costuming – Historical Sewing — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 23:30:55 +0000

[…] Plain and simple: I am not, primarily, a researcher, a scholar, or one who is trying to find out “exactly” how our ancestors made their clothing. I study originals enough to then use my talent of engineering to teach others how to do it. I don’t want to teach at the level of perfectionism. Because most people today don’t want to or don’t have time to make things exactly like they did.) […]

By: The Biggest Mistake Costumers Make – Historical Sewing

The Biggest Mistake Costumers Make – Historical Sewing — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 22:46:38 +0000

[…] But you’ll see photographs with clothing that isn’t fitted very well. It’s actually kind of loose and poorly made. [I don’t think this is the look that most historical costumers are trying to re-create.] […]

By: Gemma

Gemma — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 18:41:57 +0000

I took a course where we made an exact replica of an antique bustle –
matching stitch lengths, seam allowance widths, cotton covered steel hoops and horsehair stuffed pad. Actually the only bit that was really difficult was when we tried to change from the technique used in the original for a neater result!
I loved the entire process, I want to make more things to that standard of accuracy – maybe it’s because I’m a mathematician! I love seeing the creativity that others being too the hobby, and I think it’s great that there are different ways of approaching it that are equally valid and work for different personalities 🙂

By: Constance

Constance — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 15:11:56 +0000

Hi there, I’m so with you on that. Actually,most often we cannot even recreate the original patterns because of sheer practicability. I mean, who has a lady’s maid to dress them nowadays? One of your photos shows a bodice with a back closure. How would you get dressed in that on your own? 😉
The fun way in recreating the past is that we have modern techniques and amenities to help us make all that a lot easier for us.

By: Varika

Varika — Wed, 11 May 2016 18:31:57 +0000

In reply to Ellie. Personally, I think recreating a specific garment down to the seam lines is great for learning how it was done at the time, but also that there's nothing wrong with using the term "recreate" on a costume drawn from the inspiration of a specific garment when you're using the period methods to create a unique garment, either. You're recreating a period garment, after all, just not THAT SPECIFIC period garment.

By: Val LaBore

Val LaBore — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 23:21:15 +0000

I’ve had fun a couple times trying to copy a fashion print and although I know it’s something that was drawn and not an actual dress, it is a fun challenge to try and do it, especially when the trims are very unique. I’m getting tired of cookie-cutter dresses and want more frosting on my cake.
But I agree, it won’t ever be exactly the same, and I’m quite happy being able to machine sew most of it.
Val

By: Cathy L

Cathy L — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 13:33:42 +0000

What I have done is recreate the “look” of the garment trying to be as historically accurate as possible, eg using patterns for the correct time period, but modern techniques. So far I’ve completed one project and I’m 1/2 way through a 2nd. In both, I’ve started with a painting – the original garment probably existed but there is no record of it. My goal is to make a garment that looks as close as I can to the image in the painting. BUT I also realize that artists may fudge things to create a better “look” so there is some personal interpretation going on. Figuring out what the back would look like when you only have the front or the look of an outfit when you can only see from the waist up can be challenging.

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 05:07:50 +0000

I have an extent garment I found in an antique store that I’ve been wanting to copy but haven’t tried it yet. Thanks for your insight! How do you date them?