1850s

1860s era spoon bonnet

Here are a few images of a recently completed soft bodied 1860s era high fashion spoon bonnet I completed for a customer attending a San Francisco Dickens Festival. �� My poor Styrofoam head has seen better days! It has been…

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

Silk drawn bonnet

Here is my latest custom commission- a mid 19th century partial mourning bonnet. It is made of 100% grey shot silk with handmade lavender floral trim and went to a very kind lady in Kansas. Enjoy! ��

Posted in 1850s, 1860s

The “Ins and Outs” of a Maggie May dress

A quick glimpse inside a Maggie May dress- details of an 1860s era day dress (included are the hem binding details often used in the making of original Victorian era dresses and the lining details of an 1860s era bodice).

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.

1860s era spoon bonnet

Silk drawn bonnet

The “Ins and Outs” of a Maggie May dress

Mid 19th century Bold print gown

Fear not the elastic!

1830s American dress for day wear

Victorian Era corset

In the spirit of the holidays… a giveaway!