1860s

Posted in 1780s, 1790s, 1800-1810, 1820s, 1830s, 1840s, 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, 1880s, 1890s, Atelier, Book Reviews, Children's Fashions, Commissions, Corsets and Underthings, Costume Design, Exhibits, Symposiums, and Workshops, Extant garments, Fashion History, Historical Sewing, Millinery, Opportunities, Reproduction Fabrics, Research, WWI

New policies for 2016

Wow! We’ve had an amazing year! I feel like I say that at the end of every year, but 2015 really turned out to be one of our busiest of all time! I estimate over the course of the past…

Posted in 1860s, 1870s, Children's Fashions, Extant garments

This mid 19th century era boy’s suit is in the collection of The American Textile Museum. It is a fabulous example of what boys past the breeching age were wearing in the American South. Notice how the shirt buttons to…

Posted in 1840s, 1850s, 1860s, Commissions

Mid 19th century Bold print gown

This gown was created for client in a neighboring Southern state and was based upon an image of her great great grandmother. The original gown is made from a bold stripe on a dark background. (The client requested I do…

Posted in 1860s, Reproduction Fabrics

Ballad of the homespun dress

This circa 1862�song originates from North Carolina and was written by�Carrie Bell Sinclair. It demonstrates the patriotism found on the home front of the American South during the American Civil War. It is currently in the collection at North Carolina…

Posted in 1860s, Extant garments, Historical Sewing, Reproduction Fabrics

Two 1860 era ballgown bodices

The 1860 era diminutive silk ballgown bodice was for sale on Ebay in July 2015 with a list price of $99.00. This ballgown bodice features swirl glass buttons and silk velvet ribbon. It is lined in muslin and is a…

Posted in 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, Extant garments, Fashion History, Historical Sewing, Millinery

1860s Glengarry cap

While browsing Ebay, I can across this gorgeous ORIGINAL 1860s era glengarry cap. Made of straw, this style cap was the highest of fashion and most likely came from Europe. Take a look at the intricate detailing of the beadwork…

Posted in 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, 1880s, Commissions, Millinery

Victorian Era bonnet

This light weight half bonnet is a great choice for ladies not wanting to wear a full bonnet. Our�Victorian era straw bonnet is open at the back and allows room for showing off curls, braids, and other lavish hairstyles. It…

Posted in 1840s, 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, Commissions, Millinery

Mid 19th century day dress

This gown is our American South dress and is a popular choice for every day wear for the 1840s-1870s. It is shown over our standard petticoat and features wooden buttons down the center front. We created a matching straw half…

I am the lead designer and founder of Maggie May Clothing! Since childhood, I have been fascinated with folklife, history, and the “old ways of doing things.” When I was six years, my mother, Maggie May, made me my first historical costume (a Holly Hobby calico dress with matching sunbonnet)! As I grew older, I realized by donning the clothing of the past, I could obtain a deeper understanding of those who came before us. This fascination has followed me through life. I am now a formally trained historian and artist. I rely on my understanding of the past coupled with creative problem solving skills to design, drape, and create historical garments. When I am not working in my studio, I am tending my 12 acre hobby farm, playing dress up with my own children, or kayaking in the mountains.

New policies for 2016

Southern Boy’s suit

Mid 19th century Bold print gown

Ballad of the homespun dress

Two 1860 era ballgown bodices

1860s Glengarry cap

Victorian Era bonnet

Mid 19th century day dress

Queen Victoria’s 200th Birthday Tea

British WWI Red Cross uniform

How Do We Build Resiliency for the Future?

Mid 19th century straw bonnet

Staying toasty warm this winter season