Proper women's clothing...

[rickevans]

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.

[Bigsmoke]

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

[Riley/MN]

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...

[rickevans]

Headed there (virtually) during lunch time. Thanks men.

[MedicineSoldier]

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

[greggholmes]

Here are a few.

 http://www.history.org/history/clothing ... othing.cfm
 http://www.smilingfoxforgellc.com/ladies.asp
 http://www.englishcountrydancing.org/sources.html
 http://www.americanrevolution.org/cloth ... thing.html
 http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/p/r ... s.html?m=1

[Kermit]

Beth Gilgun's book, Fitting and Proper.

[Spotted Bull]

"Costume in Detail 1730-1930" by Nancy Bradfield

[rickevans]

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.

[Loyalist Dave]

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

[rickevans]

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.