As part of a larger commission for a museum in Pennsylvania, we constructed these two custom made late 1830s-early 1840s era gowns for their historical interpretation program. Made of 100% cotton reproduction prints, these two gown can be worn as shown or over a chemisette. Matching bonnets were also designed to complete the ensemble.
For more information about this Romantic era gown or any of our custom made garments, please visit our website at www.maggiemayfashions.com
Introducing our NEW Romantic era design- the ANNE dress!
Embodying the transitional silhouette of the late 1830s and early 1840s, the Anne dress features characteristics of both decades. The bodice features a wide open neckline with a gathered bodice that tapers into a fitted waistband. The close fitting capped sleeves open up into full gathered puffs at the elbow and end in buttoned cuffs. The skirt is approximately 130″ wide and is hemmed to the ankle. The gown’s yoke and cap sleeves are fully lined and the dress closes in the back with either hook and eyes or buttons. Both the neckline and sleeves feature self made piped trim. This gown will be just as gorgeous in silk or wool as it is shown here in our reproduction 1830s era cotton print!
For more information about our NEW ANNE dress, please visit our website at www.maggiemayfashions.com!
This custom made gown is our Charlotte gown made for a museum in Pennsylvania. It is shown over our corded petticoat and standard petticoat.
Our Charlotte gown is a transitional gown- meaning it has characteristics of 1830s era gowns but has features found in the 1840s as well. This gown was chosen by the museum’s program director because they needed a versatile early mid 19th century interpretive piece.
We will be finishing a corset, chemise, day cap, and chemisette in the near future to complete this gown in appropriate late 1830s era style.
For more information about this gown or any of our custom made garments, please visit our main website.
I found a flash sale on some fantastic fabrics. These will not be part of my online fabric collection but instead reserved for some new designs I have planned.
Here’s a sneak peek (along with my ideas for what to make with them.)
1840s era gown with crimson cluny lace
Aprons, shirts, children’s clothing. What CAN’T you make with gingham?
And who doesn’t LOVE red?
Aprons/Utilitarian garment
Work dress
1900s evening gown with black velvet trim
-or-
1880s bustle gown coupled with solid base fabric
Boy’s trousers
Regency gown
We have shirts! Men’s shirts! This style of shirt was worn from the 1840s through the end of the 19th century! Email us today for current availability!
Men’s high quality white cotton shirt with wooden buttons- $42.00 plus S&H
Men’s homespun shirt with wooden buttons- $58.00 plus S&H
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 bonnet (ML2) to complete the ensemble.
This gown, bonnet, and petticoat are headed to a museum in Canada. If you would like more information about our American South dress, petticoat, or bonnet, please visit our website at www.maggiemayfahions.com or email us at info@maggiemayfashions.com
Another conference! Another decision!
What to wear?
Last time I attended an Association for Living History, Farm, and Agricultural Museum conference, I sported a lovely 1840s gown inspired by an original in the Met.
That conference was in the summer and the Northeastern Ohio weather was lovely! However, this upcoming conference is in the winter, and Southern winters are unpredictable- so I am thinking layers!
Initially I planned on wearing my Fall Harvest dress– as it is one of my favorites and I think would fit the venue perfectly! But after having a baby this summer, my current post-baby silhouette is a little wonky. It’s so strange how your body is in constant flux during that first year after childbirth. Not to worry though, as with my first bundle of joy, my body will return to its natural shape (just not in time for the conference!)
With that in mind, I’ve had this gorgeous c.1790s jacket and petticoat pinned on “Must sew” board for a few years now.
I am thinking this conference might be the perfect excuse to FINALLY make it! It will be adjustable so I can wear it again later with few alterations. I don’t have to worry too much with fussy undergarments. It is nursing friendly and should allow for lots of freedom of movement (in case I have two little kiddos in tow!)
So, this 1790s era ensemble it is! Here’s the plan:
In lieu of a simple strapped petticoat, I am going to make a full dress to wear underneath. The dress will have elbow length sleeves so it can be worn at a later date for evening wear. I am going to make it in round gown style from 100% semi sheer cotton with all over silver thread embroidery.
The Bodice (turned jacket) will have to be drafted. (It looks to be part caraco, part shortgown, part spencer. Whoo! Lots of parts to piece together there!)
I’ve stashed away some lovely medium weight cherry red silk. I also have a watermelon linen that might be nice too. We’ll see. The trim will have to be ordered. I’m going to use silver instead of gold. Here’s some possibilities-
I’m also going to make a few garments to donate to the silent auction. With all this AND orders to fill, I better get sewing!
I cannot remember the last time I made myself a dress. Better yet, I cannot remember the last time there was an occasion to wear one to. And now with the opportunity to attend the ALHFAM 2013 conference in my lap, I’ve got reason! The Presidential dinner will be hosted in a c.1917 ballroom and period dress is requested. All dressed attendees will be asked to participate in a period fashion parade! [Whoop-Whoop!] So what to wear? Regency? Bustle? Romantic? I would LOVE to whip up something 1840s style!
I just LOVE these American gowns from the Met collection!
However, I am unsure if I will be flying to the conference or driving. If I am flying, there is the issue of baggage. Is it feasible to pack a week’s worth of modern clothing plus all the foundation garments needed for a proper 1840s era silhouette AND meet the one checked bag rule? Hmmm. Not sure about that.
So, what about using the era of the ballroom as inspiration? Last year marked the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. And Downton Abbey is all the rage right now. So maybe a gown between 1910-1925 would be fun. The conference is in the middle of June. I’m thinking something light and feminine and summery.
How can one go wrong with a”Happiness” dress?
Jeanne Lanvin (FR) is one of my favorite 1920s designers. I am contemplating taking a leap and going WAY out of my comfort zone with one of the gowns below (gown at back by Jeanne Lanvin/ gown at front unknown maker). Lanvin is known for her ultra feminine style, her delicate embroidery work, and striking color combinations.
This is a period I have not had much chance to explore and is really unchartered territory. Oh, but what an opportunity to play with the color palette!
So it’s between the Lanvin gown above and the short sleeve 1847 Met dress. What to wear? What to wear? Thinking… Sketching…. Ideas formulating…..
To be continued…