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Author Topic: Proper women's clothing...  (Read 2285 times)

Offline rickevans

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Proper women's clothing...
« on: November 02, 2012, 09:00:00 AM »
Good golly, talk about a complicated task.  I need to get my lovely young bride some proper (mid-late 18th century) attire for a couple of events. We are middle class folk, on the edge of civilization and the frontier. I am a blacksmith by trade, so we have some modest income and status.

Bed jackets, bodice, aprons, kerchiefs, stays, hose, stockings, coats, jackets, gowns, petticoats....sheesh.

Anyone got a good source of information? She will attend a couple events with me, no need to be stitch counter accurate.

Help me.
R. C. (Rick) Evans
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Online Bigsmoke

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Re: Proper women's clothing...
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2012, 11:14:23 AM »
Hi Rick,
There are several books on women's historical attire out there.  I would think of Smoke and Fire News as a possible source.  Also thinking maybe Jas Townsend might carry them.  Could be Dixie Gunworks.  Then there is also Google.  Be amazed at what these search engines can dredge up.
Don't forget, now that you have asked, once it has become a done deal, pictures are a necessity.
Have fun researching it.
John
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Offline Riley/MN

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Re: Proper women's clothing...
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2012, 11:21:19 AM »
Speakin of Jas. Townsend - They've been puttin together some pretty cool videos out on YouTube. Don't know if they cover women's attire at all, but they might be worth a look to see if they do...
~Riley
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Offline rickevans

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Re: Proper women's clothing...
« Reply #3 on: November 02, 2012, 11:23:19 AM »
Headed there (virtually) during lunch time. Thanks men.
R. C. (Rick) Evans
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Offline MedicineSoldier

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Re: Proper women's clothing...
« Reply #4 on: November 02, 2012, 09:35:57 PM »
Rick,

You asked for a source of information and i would suggest you go to the following Colonial
Williamsburg site

http://www.history.org/history/clothing/intro/index.cfm

It will explain what "Bed jackets, bodice, aprons, kerchiefs, stays, hose, stockings, coats, jackets, gowns, petticoats" are as well as how they are worn.  The interactive adventure section even compares the different dress for the social classes.  

This can provide you the information on the clothing if not where to get it.... but at least you'll know what to look for.

Medicine Soldier
I ask, Who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people, except a few public officers."
 – George Mason

Offline greggholmes

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Offline Kermit

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Re: Proper women's clothing...
« Reply #6 on: December 10, 2012, 10:45:24 PM »
Beth Gilgun's book, Fitting and Proper.
"Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly."
Mae West

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Re: Proper women's clothing...
« Reply #7 on: December 10, 2012, 11:01:33 PM »
"Costume in Detail 1730-1930" by Nancy Bradfield

Offline rickevans

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Re: Proper women's clothing...
« Reply #8 on: December 11, 2012, 08:00:15 PM »
Thanks for the leads. I used a lot of info from the Williamsburg links, and some of the others too. Got some basics and my bride was able to make up another apron and a petticoat. She is good to go. Watch for pictures after Saturday when a few of us TMA'ers head to Greenfield Village for a Holiday Nights Festival.
R. C. (Rick) Evans
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Offline Loyalist Dave

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Re: Proper women's clothing...
« Reply #9 on: January 09, 2013, 09:46:06 AM »
I sewed a full wardrobe for my daughter by using Tidings from The Eighteenth Century by Beth Gilgun.  Now for an adult woman she may need stays, which you may want her to find a person who will properly fit them to her.  

LD
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Offline rickevans

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Re: Proper women's clothing...
« Reply #10 on: January 09, 2013, 10:16:28 AM »
The lovely Mrs. Rickevans may attend the kalamazoo show with me this year. There are many opportunities to purchase fine ladies garments there, from reputable suttlers. Thanks for the help.
R. C. (Rick) Evans
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