Search Results for: fashion history

Posted in 1880s, 1890s, Extant garments, Fashion History, Historical Sewing, Millinery, WWI

Salvation Army Bonnet

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A rare piece of history! An original Salvation Army bonnet (images from Ebay). c. 1880s.

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The Salvation Army began in London in 1865 as a mission organization. According to the History Channel,

“The Christian Mission, in which women were given ranks equal with men, launched ‘campaigns’ into London’s most forsaken neighborhoods. Soup kitchens were the first in a long line of various projects designed to provide physical and spiritual assistance to the destitute. In the early years, many in Britain were critical of the Christian Mission and its tactics, and the members were often subjected to fines and imprisonment as breakers of the peace.”

The first Salvation Army mission opened in the United States in 1880. The Salvation Army is still in existence today and has operations in over 75 countries.

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ref: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/salvation-army-founded

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Hello!

Welcome to Maggie May Clothing™! We are glad you found us! Maggie May Clothing a professional design and sewing studio specializing in high quality historical clothing for women and children from the years 1780-1920. We collaborate with other creative organizations, nonprofits, and businesses who view historical fashion as a way to tell the stories of the past in an authentic and original way. Please feel free to have a look around! And feel free to contact us if you do not see what you are looking for!

Collection Highlights

Clientele

NBC/Sony  |  Walt Disney Pictures  |  Tim Burton Productions  |  Forty Acres and a Mule Film works  |  The Hallmark Channel | The Sante Fe Opera  |  The Oregon Shakespeare Festival  |  Quotidian Theater Company  |  Pallas Theater Collective  |  Shakespeare Theater Company  |  Georgetown Community Theater  |  The American Repertory Theater   |  Stanford University Theater  |   Papermill Playhouse | Frazier International History Museum  |  Historic Brattonsville  | Conner Prairie Interactive History Park   |  Strawbery Banke Museum  |  George Ranch Historical Park  |  Lowell Mill Historical Park  |  Washington on the Brazos Historic Park  |  Jean LaFitte NPS  | MusĂ©e Royal 22e RĂ©giment  |  Wells Museum Community- UK  |  The National Civil War Naval Museum  | Barrington Living History Farm | Historic Exchange Place and many more

Latest Posts

1830s-1850s era Historic Boy’s Clothing

The final addition to our Oliver! The Musical costume commission for the Det Ny Teater…

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A WWI Australian Nurse’s Uniform with tippet

We recently completed a WWI era nurse’s uniform with tippet made from a beautiful grayish-green…

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Oliver! The Musical Costumes: V

Our final installment of costumes for the Det NY Teater (Copenhagen, Denmark)’s upcoming production of…

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UK BUYERS: MMC will not collect VAT or customs fees on your behalf for purchases made from our website.

EU BUYERS: For packages with a value more than €150, VAT and customs will be collected on import from the buyer by the postal carrier.

About Us

Hi! Welcome to Maggie May Clothing! We are glad you found us!

Maggie May Clothing™ is a bespoke historical fashion atelier nestled in a quiet little valley where the Appalachian Mountains meet the Cumberland Plateau. Here at the studio, we believe new is not always better; clothes are meant to withstand the test of time; and exceptional craftsmanship paired with custom fit never goes out of style.

Since 1994, we have been designing and creating high quality, custom made historical fashion for the film, television, theater, and museum industry. Our designs are based on extant garments, historical personas, or historical narratives. We use only top quality, all natural fibers appropriate for the styles and eras we are replicating.

Maggie May Clothing is the dream-child of historian, designer, and founder, Susan Jarrett. Susan holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee in Visual Arts and undergraduate degrees in American History and Historical Textiles. She served as a methodology instructor for Tennessee Tech University for 10 years.

Over the years, Maggie May Clothing has grown to include a team of four freelance seamstresses and a regional network of natural dyers, weavers, and heritage artisans.

In 2018, Maggie May Clothing’s designs were featured in the New York Times. Take a peek at our other notable work.

Susan is available for workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements. She also offers historical clothing education and consulting services. Please see Services for more information.

Our Clientele Includes:

  • NBC/Sony
  • Walt Disney Pictures
  • Tim Burton Productions
  • Forty Acres and a Mule Filmworks
  • The Hallmark Channel
  • Det NY Teater
  • The Sante Fe Opera
  • The Oregon Shakespeare Festival
  • Georgetown Community Theatre
  • McCarter Theatre
  • The American Repertory Theater
  • Stanford University
  • Frazier International History Museum
  • Historic Brattonsville
  • Lowell Mill Historical Park
  • Barrington Living History Farm
  • Historic Exchange Place and many more

Studio Hours:

Monday-Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm EST

Friday 9:00 am-12:00pm EST

CLOSED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Sustainability Pledge:

Maggie May’s historical garments are created using both meticulous historical technique and modern ethical practice. We believe in well crafted, mindfully produced fashion made to last. We understand less is more and support our clients’ belief that quality and individuality are more important than quantity and trends. We support sustainable production by using all natural, domestically- sourced materials rather than imported goods. We source end stock textiles when available helping to reduce industry waste. We are plastic free and use digital invoicing and packing slips rather than paper copies. And finally, we take our dedication to local seriously by producing all of our garments right here in Southeastern Tennessee!

Susan’s Design Philosophy:

I view historical fashion as a form of storytelling. Good storytellers weave insights into the past through meticulous attention to detail and the ability to demonstrate broader connections. Historical clothing gives us distinct visual clues about an individual’s circumstances, accommodation, social standing, community, and personality. It can tell us where she/he fits into the story. It allows both the wearer and the viewer to experience the past in a tangible way. I believe the story told through historical clothing should be relevant to a modern audience but be based clearly enough on historical examples that the viewer understands the significance of an individual’s time and place within the context of the setting.

Community Give Back:

Maggie May Clothing supports Visual Arts for rural youth by assisting in the facilitation of arts education opportunities within the community. Susan Jarrett is also an Arts and Culture Advocate for rural Southeastern Tennessee and served 3 years on the board of her county’s Regional Arts Council.

Anti-Discrimination Policy:

MMC does not discriminate against ANY company or agent regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual preference. MMC does not promote or engage in ANY political or social agendas. MMC is a professional clothing design and production company dedicated to creating fine historical garments that support a well rounded, diverse, and inclusive representation of the past.

Maggie May Clothing is a member of:

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, Farm, and Agricultural Museums.

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In June of 2012, ALHFAM awarded me a fellowship to attend their national conference at Hale Farm and Village in Ohio. It was an amazing experience and I felt very fortunate to have been a part of it! So, I am giving back the best way I know how by offering this MATERIALS FEE ONLY workshop at their upcoming Southeastern regional symposium.

It should be lots of fun and I am excited to have the opportunity to teach others how to sew! I hope this is just the first of many workshops to come!

For more information about this conference please contact Pat McMillion at Historic Burritt on the Mountain.

Posted in 1790s, Exhibits, Symposiums, and Workshops

What to wear (Again!)

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.

1847metgown  romanticgown

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!)
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With that in mind, I’ve had this gorgeous c.1790s jacket and petticoat pinned on “Must sew” board for a few years now.

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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.

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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!)

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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-

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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!

Posted in 1800-1810, Commissions

200th anniversary Battle of New Orleans

The living history world has been all abuzz about the 200th anniversary Battle of New Orleans! Did you get to go? We did not, but many of our garments did! Here are some pelisses and redingotes we made for the Jean LaFitte National Park Service especially for this event!

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These regency era outer garments are made of wool and fully lined in medium weight cotton. I put hidden pockets in the front skirt just large enough to stash away a watch, some money, or even a cell phone!

This navy blue wool coat is my favorite 🙂

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 Trimmed in cotton velveteen

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I hope these coats kept the park rangers warm and toasty while looking their authentic best! See more of what we made for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans!

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10897893_595264837273016_7276571274028380871_n(photos courtesy Jean LaFitte NHP/Facebook page)

For more information on these garments or any of our special order clothing, please visit our website at www.maggiemayfashions.com or email us at info@maggiemayfashions.com

Posted in 1890s, Extant garments, Musings, Research

Research- upcoming 1890s project

I am currently doing research on the dress styles of rural American women in the 1890s. I will be designing clothing based upon garments from photographs. Here are a few favorites:

1890s_prairie  1890s_prairie_detail

Source: Fred Hultstrand History in Pictures Collection, NDIRS-NDSU, Fargo. Modifications © Jone Lewis 2001.

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Source: University of Nebraska- Lincoln http://plainshumanities.unl.edu/peattie/ep.owh.wom.0006.html

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Source: Conneticut Historical Society http://www.chs.org/finding_aides/afamcoll/photos.htm

milking-cow

Source: Old Photos http://old-photos.blogspot.com/2013/04/milking-cow.html

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Source: Ohio Historical Society

Posted in Exhibits, Symposiums, and Workshops, Extant garments

Kent State University Museum

This past summer while on an Association for Living History and Farm Museum conference in Akron, Ohio, I (along with other historical clothing professionals) was given the opportunity to get a behind the scenes tour of the Kent State University Museum’s fashion collection. While there, a presentation on collections management was given by Joanne Fenn- the registrar. We had the opportunity to chat with Jean Druesedow, and were given tips about mounting and display of historical textiles by Jim Williams- the museums exhibitions expert. Sara Hume was on hand to answer any curatorial questions, and Kevin Wolfgang let us have a hands on experience in recreating historical textiles.

ksu6Tour of tech lab with Kevin Wolfgang

Because we were a special group, we were allowed to visit the collection on a day that the museum is normally closed to the public. And we were allowed to take photographs! However, out of respect for the museum, the collection, and kindness of its curators, I will not be making those images public in their entirety. However, these clips should give you a glimpse into what we saw 🙂

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Detail of Corded corset

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Decorative flossing on late 19th century corset

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Bodice detail on Regency Era gown
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Hem Treatment on 1820s era gown

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Decorative white work on 1850s era capksu8

Sleeve detail on mid 19th century gown

For more information about the collections at Kent State University, the curators and staff, or the fashion institute, follow these links below:

http://www.kent.edu/museum/about/index.cfm

http://www.kent.edu/museum/about/people.cfm

http://www.kent.edu/artscollege/fashion/