18th Century Slow Stitching

Hello, my friends! I have been staying at home and working on some 18th Century Slow Stitching. My goal is to create an entire 18th-century outfit using historically accurate sewing techniques. This means everything is done by hand.

18th Century Slow Stitching

As a visual person, I selected the artwork, Plucking The Turkey, to help guide the finished look I am seeking. The oil painting was first exhibited by Henry Walton in 1776. Walton was an Englishman who primarily painted portraits. He is known for his genre works which present scenes or events from everyday life. The paintings are often set in markets, inns, or domestic settings.

While many costumers enjoy creating elaborate court gowns associated with royalty and the very wealthy I tend to be drawn to what the everyday person wore. It becomes a bit of a rabbit hole for me researching the details.

I have done this before when I traveled to France to study the 18th-century clothing worn by Provencal ladies.

Burnley and Trowbridge

Back in March Burnley and Trowbridge Co. began a Sew Along series. Their goal was simple. To present step by step videos on Youtube to assist everyone in creating an entire 18th-century ensemble.  If you aren’t familiar with B & T the proprietors, James and Angela Burnley, specialize in fabrics, shoes, and supplies for 17th, 18th, and early 19th century reenactors. Their textiles and accessories have been worn in numerous theatrical, television, and cinematic productions.

I met Mrs. Burnley at Costume College last July and she is a truly delightful individual. I promise it has NOTHING to do with the fact that she has two darling dachshunds!

A Pair Of Pockets

The first three videos in the series instructed how to make an 18th-century pocket. A pocket, was, in essence, a woman purse. Which was why Lucy Locket was so distressed when she lost hers. A pocket can be worn singularly or as a pair tied around the waist and hidden under the skirt. Access is gained along an upper side slit in the exterior petticoat (skirt).

I love the videos as B & T share so much fascinating history.

Pockets at this time were generally made from scraps of silk or linen and later cotton. I first made a pair of pockets in linen.

My main goal was to try to use supplies I already had in my stash. I only needed to purchase linen thread and needles which I found on the B & T website. My binding around the pocket access is a bit smaller on one side but overall I am quite pleased with my hand stitching.

I made my waist tie a bit wider as I have had problems in the past of thinner ties digging into my waist.

Next was a cotton pocket. The fabric was a small scrap of Trailing Blossoms . It is a reproduction print from Colonial Williamsburg. The gorgeous linen thread and lovely cotton twill tape again came from B & T.

I tried my hand at a bit of fancy stitching. It was quite common for ladies to practice their embroidery skills on a pocket as it would not be seen by the general public.

The pocket is not perfect but it does make me smile.

Apron Strings

The next set of videos in the series was on how to make a petticoat. The petticoat has not actually been completed yet. I went a bit out of sequence and made the apron and then the chemise.

I instantly knew what fabric I would make my apron from. It is a lovely antique textile I had found in France two years ago. It looks quite close to the patterned apron worn in the painting.

The linen tape used for the ties is again a B & T find. With the amount of effort that goes into creating the Burnley and Trowbridge instructional videos, I want to thank them by supporting their shop as much as I can.

During the slow stitching process, my fabulous sewing assistant never leaves my side.

Currently, I am working on the bedgown (simple wrap coat). I tried my hand at recreating the polka dot fabric myself. Oh my is indigo messy! A week later and I STILL have bluish/purple fingers.

Petting The Dachshund

My goal is to have the ENTIRE project completed by CoCo Vid (Costumers Guild West At-Home Retreat). It will be a series of instruction online videos by various talented teachers. The event will be held over the weekend of  July 29th through August 2nd. This is a tremendous effort as the in-person Costume College was postponed until 2021.

I am going to attempt to recreate the painting. But I promise you no actual turkeys will be harmed in the process. I have found a suitable model willing to fill in.

Our attempt at Plucking The Turkey will be titled Petting The Dachshund.

Gracie wholeheartedly supports any and all efforts.

Laura

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