Historical Sewing

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, Extant garments, Historical Sewing, Reproduction Fabrics

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 1820s, 1830s, 1840s, 1850s, Exhibits, Symposiums, and Workshops, Historical Sewing, Opportunities, Reproduction Fabrics

Quilted Petticoat Workshop

On Friday, February 20, 2015 I’ll be leading a quilted petticoat workshop at Historic Burritt on the Mountain in Huntsville, Alabama. This sewing class is part of the preconference workshops for the regional meeting of the Association of Living History,…

Posted in 1860s, Children's Fashions, Extant garments, Historical Sewing

Boy’s 1860s play suit

Just love the construction of this boy’s c. 1860 playsuit. Made of cotton jean, the details are as follows: 2-piece, white & blue stripe: overalls w/ concave hammered brass buttons & drop seat, short jacket w/ interior pocket, jacket: C…

Posted in 1860s, Extant garments, Fashion History, Historical Sewing, Reproduction Fabrics, Research

1860s Bodices, Blouses, and Waists

I�am currently working on a project for a museum that involves making 1860s era garibaldi blouses and I came across a discussion that caught my attention. The question was “Are blouses authentic and if so, Who should wear them?” As…

Posted in Extant garments, Historical Sewing, Reproduction Fabrics, Research

Overalls for women

I recently came across this beautiful example of a factory made garment produced specifically for the early 20th century working class.�This garment is significant because it gives us a glimpse of what women were wearing as they began to enter…

Posted in Extant garments, Historical Sewing, Research, WWI

WWI Australian nurse

An Australian nurse at No 1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital with pet kangaroo Jimony. c. 1916. Image courtesy�The Australian War Memorial’s collection. ��

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

Two 1860 era ballgown bodices

1860s Glengarry cap

Quilted Petticoat Workshop

Boy’s 1860s play suit

1860s Bodices, Blouses, and Waists

Overalls for women

WWI Australian nurse

Inside the old studio

JASNA’s Jane Austen Festival

A regency era “Liberty” gown

Australian VAD uniform

Research- upcoming 1890s project