Farm and Garden

Posted in 1840s, Children's Fashions, Commissions, Farm and Garden, Romantic

1840s Inspired Ellie Dress for Garden Fair

This 1840s inspired Ellie Dress was custom made for Historic Exchange Place’s upcoming Garden Fair in April. This sweet little 1840s era ensemble consists of our Ellie dress, contrasting pinafore, corded petticoat, and trimmed straw bonnet. Our modified Ellie Dress…

Posted in 1850s, Children's Fashions, Commissions, Farm and Garden, Victorian-Crinoline

Mid 19th Century Girls’ Dresses for Garden Fair

We recently completed these two mid 19th century girls’ dresses for Historic Exchange Place’s upcoming Garden Fair. These dresses are cut in the fashionable 1840s-1850s style and have a few inches adjustability. Children grow like weeds! Hopefully, these two little…

I am a social historian and preservationist who uses historical clothing to interpret the stories of the past. Since childhood, I have been fascinated with folklife, history, and the “old ways of doing things.” When I was six years old, my mother (named Maggie May), made me my first historical costume- a Holly Hobby calico dress with matching sunbonnet. I wore it everyday. As I grew older, I came to understand by wearing the clothing of the past, I could obtain a deeper understanding of the folk who came before us. This fascination has followed me throughout life. I am now a University trained historian, artist, and educator. I rely on my extensive knowledge of diverse cultural heritage to design, drape, and build high quality, authentic, historical garments. I love to recreate clothing of the past to preserve histories for the future.

1840s Inspired Ellie Dress for Garden Fair

Mid 19th Century Girls’ Dresses for Garden Fair

Just a wee note to all you fantastic people out there!

Mid Century Boy’s Clothing

1880s cattle ranch baroness gown

Time for Elegance

WWI Era nurses uniform