BONUS POST Dressing like a 1860’s Woman: The Order of Clothing

3 Comments June 28, 2021 aimeevictorianarmoire

2021 Edit

*While this post is over 10 years old, it is still a great visual source for the proper layers to an 1860’s ensemble. Enjoy a young mid-20’s Aimee! :-)*

There can be a bit of confusion of all the various items one should wear when dressing as a 1860’s lady, and in what order all of these items belong. I have created a picture tutorial of what I humbly think (based on research and practicality) the order of events should be when dressing. Hope this helps!
Step One:
Put on stockings and garters.

Step Two:
Put on chemise and corset. Lace up corset as tight as you can but make sure you still feel comfortable and can breathe normally.

Step Three:
Do your hair. I find that this is the best point to create one’s hairstyle. This way you have the basic foundation of clothing on, yet you can still move fairly easily.

Altering and Drafting Historical Patterns Video

2 Comments October 3, 2019 aimeevictorianarmoire

The next installment in my historical sewing video series is here!…and long over due!

Today it is all about pattern drafting. Join me as I show you how to take a simple grid pattern or pre-made paper pattern and alter it to fit your desired shape and look.

Close up of pattern grid used:

Images of my 1870’s Plaid and Brown Day gown which the bodice pattern was used….and altered! 😉

A Little Chat on the Historical Designing Process

2 Comments June 12, 2019 aimeevictorianarmoire

“Aimee, how did you make that?”

“Did you just follow instructions?”

“Wish I could figure out how to design a gown like that!”

Well, I’ve been listening and have decided to share the process I go through when I design a historical gown. From original inspiration to my next steps, you will learn about what books and patterns I go to first for help along the way!

Let’s get going!

Have another topic you would like me to chat about? Dying to know some of my construction or designing secrets?

Spring Projects of 2019

Leave a comment April 20, 2019 aimeevictorianarmoire

Hello Friends!!

My goodness but it has been a long time since I’ve last posted. Please know that this is no indication that I am planning on closing or shutting down my blog….not at all! It is simply a reflection of going with the flow of life and my creative juices. But here on this slightly rainy and grey Saturday, I felt like writing and sharing a little of what I am into and planning this spring!

So lets start with some sewing…my favorite thing to talk about! 🙂 I have discovered a secret love of bustle gowns and completed my first just a few months ago! I most definitely feel a little late to the 1880’s party, but oh boy am I here to stay!! I relied heavily on Prior Attire’s Victorian Dressmaking book (link HERE) and have to say I am very pleased with my first attempt.

Peekaboo!! I’m back!

4 Comments April 24, 2018 aimeevictorianarmoire

Hi everyone!!

My goodness but it has been quite a while since I have posted anything here on my blog! It has been for good reason, and I’ll explain that a little later on, but boy, is it wonderful to be back!!! Not to mention that the warmer weather is finally, and I mean FINALLY, starting to show up! I don’t know if any of you have been suffering for want of warmth like us in the northeast, but it has been a most painfully long, cold spring so far. I have found that the older I get the more the drab, rainy, and cloudy spring days get to me…but I guess I’ll worry about that depressing future another day!

So where have I been? I looked the other day and saw that I haven’t posted since December! Yikes!?!? I by no means intended to take such a long break from blogging…it just sort of happened. I, like many of us, got caught up in the busyness of the holidays and the start of the new year. A wonderful influx of custom orders with limited sewing time compounded the issue. And then there was the fact that I had a little baby girl who struggled sleeping at night. Between night feedings, midnight crying sessions, and one whopper of a cold for the whole family, I spent my days just trying to function. There were times when I tried to sit down in front of the computer and write, but the words just got stuck. I realized that I had to be relaxed and rested to write otherwise I was just staring at the computer screen watching the precious minutes of a nap tick away with nothing to show for it. So I just let the block stay as it wanted and focused on enjoying mommy-hood and sewing for my daughter as well as my business. Two things that really kept me sane and provided a much needed creative outlet.

Well, as of a week ago we have successfully weened off of night feeds (a little late for many babies, but right and proper for my now ten month old little nugget) and a full night sleep has been added back into my day. I’m still enjoying the novelty of not having to get up every three hours…its wonderful! 🙂 And as a result I have found the rest greatly increased my desire to write and create blog posts again.

So I’m back with a goal of trying to post four times a month. A goal mind you. 🙂 I have found that with many creative aspects of my life, to just relax and embrace the dry times as much as I do the days when creativity oozes out of my fingertips!

So thank you for your patience and your continued support and readership!

Have a wonderful day my friends!

~Aimee

Creating a 1750’s Gown…For Me!

6 Comments December 6, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

There comes a time when all business sewing needs to take a pause, and personal sewing needs to take over.

You see, I don’t often sew for myself.

I think the last time I created a gown just for me was at least a year ago. Most of the time, whenever I sew it is either for a client or to sell on my shop. But with a little more free time on my hands (thanks to longer naps by my little one), I wanted to try something new and different. …something for me! 🙂

After thinking about what I wished to create, I decided on an outfit to wear at next year’s French and Indian War Reenactment…in July. The tricky part about making a gown to wear in the summer while it is still winter is the fear that I am going to sweat like crazy! More about that later!

So, as always, whenever I begin a brand new decade or project apart from the norm, I begin with an inspiration board. This is where I gather images of actual gowns, paintings, or pieces of a gown I want to try and incorporate. The problem with this particular gown is I wanted to include WAAAAY to many aspects and techniques, so I had to really cut down.

Here is the inspiration board of this particular project:

Creating an 1850’s Bloomer Gown

7 Comments October 31, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

A few weeks ago, The New York State Museum reached out to me to acquire a Bloomer Gown I had created to display in their upcoming exhibit Votes for Women: Celebrating New York’s Suffrage Centennial which runs from November 4, 2017- May 13, 2018 in Albany, New York.

I was thrilled and honored to be apart of such a wonderful exhibit and celebration that I thought I would share a some details of not only the gown I made, but also the women who made the outfit popular.

To start with the Bloomer gown, as we know it, was not first worn by Amelia Bloomer but actually by Elizabeth Smith Miller of Geneva, New York. Elizabeth Miller, who advocated for dress reform using the Turkish style of pants, quickly caught the attention and support of Bloomer. With her newspaper, The Lily, which focused on women’s issues, Amelia popularized the look to the point where her name became associated with the gown.

September Favorites

Leave a comment September 8, 2017 aimeevictorianarmoire

FALL IS HERE!!!! I am so excited and can’t wait to embark on all my favorite autumnal activities! From apple picking to watching football, I plan to enjoy each and every deliciously cool day!

And with the start of a new season and a new month, it is time for another favorites post…and boy, do I love what I have to share today!

So lets not wait another minute and get right into it!

Scarlet Red 1865 Day Gown

Stunning, vibrant, and delicately trimmed, everything about this gown is stunning! I especially love the ribbon and medallion on the skirt.

The Wardrobe Shop

A week ago, I was contacted by the Wardrobe Shop. They are a lovely online shop and blog that specializes in vintage clothing from the early 20th century! Definitely worth a look. One of my favorite pieces is the pearl handbag!! Very elegant!!

Click links below to check them out!

Wardrobe Shop

Vintage Inspired Pearl Handbag

Cardigans from Loft

I am obsessed with cardigans this season! One of my favorites is this wrapped version from Loft. Not only do I love the color, but I love how it closes in such an elegant way!

Loft Wrap Cardigan

Two Weeks in Love

So I know I have mentioned this movie before, but it has become one of my favorites! A sweet coming of age story that is only made better by a young and feisty Debbie Reynolds!

Essie Nail Polish

I love all things green right now and this nail polish fits the bill! Not only is it a fabulous color for your nails, but I love the name!!! Click link below image to purchase.