Posted in Commissions, WWI

WWI Motor Corps Uniform- Part Deux

I recently completed a second WWI Era US Motor Corps Uniform for a private client in Texas. This uniform is made from 100% olive green drab wool and is lined in cotton. The buttons are reproductions as is the Sam Browne belt. The shirt and tie are up cycled and very similar in style to those of the period.

Curse you wrinkles in the skirt! I either need new iron or a steamroller! I pressed and pressed and steamed and steamed but they are still there! URGH!

Having made several versions of these WWI era uniforms in the past year, this one is slightly different than the first version we made for Alvin C. York State Park last year. We modified the cut of the bodice to reflect a closer fitting silhouette and widened the jacket skirting so it closes neatly in the front. The wool is a rougher weave and has slightly more texture. The buttons are reproduction brass military eagles and still have the sheen the originals would have prior to 100 years of patina!

Love the look of the shiny brass buttons! They are just as they would have during the war!

Very little modifications have been made to the skirt. It is fully lined in cotton and has two pockets at the hipline. Hem length reaches mid calf.

Even though I have already made one of these uniforms, it is still a beast! It took over 40 hours of labor to create this piece with 5 hours dedicated to just the pockets! However, all good things come with time and this is a beautiful museum quality reproduction! A big thank you to my client for her patience while I searched for just the right wool, did a little more research, and allowed me the time needed to construct this garment with care!

I have not yet made the necessary adjustments to this reproduction Sam Browne belt. When being used by women, the belt typically needs to be made smaller and the chest strap shorter!

I would love to make a version of this uniform with the jodhpurs! Any takers?

For more information about our WWI Era Motor Corps uniform or any of our custom designed historical fashion, please visit our website at www.maggiemayfashions.com

About Susan

Hi! My name is Susan and I am a historian, seamstress, teacher, mother, and wife. My passion for history has manifested itself in the art of recreating clothing from different periods of time. Growing up in the American South, I am heavily schooled in the art of recreating clothing from the 19th century. After nearly a decade of immersing myself primarily in the Victorian period, I found the need to branch out and explore other periods of time. However, it is my connection with the American South and the clothing of rural America that continues to be the driving force behind my designs.