Hello friends and welcome back to Martha Washington Wednesdays. This post will take a closer look at a 1776 Italian Gown I created for my recent What Martha Washington Might Have Worn presentation. The History Italian gowns were extremely popular in the latter part of the 18th century. They are similar to an English gown or robe à l’anglaise. Both gowns often look quite similar when viewed from the front. The biggest difference is how the back of the dress is constructed. An ... View the Post
Robe à la Française Or Sacque Back Gown
Hello friends and welcome back to Martha Washington Wednesdays. This post will take a closer look at a Robe à la Française Or Sacque Back Gown I created for my recent What Martha Washington Might Have Worn presentation. Robe à la Française Or Sacque Back Gown The robe à la française is also known as a sack or sacque back gown. The back of the dress features box pleats, often referred to as Watteau pleats, that fall from the shoulders to the floor with a slight train. Photo ... View the Post
What Martha Washington Might Have Worn
Last week, on National First Ladies Day, I gave a presentation titled What Martha Washington Might Have Worn. It was a rousing success and several people have asked if I could post the slides and video here on my website for future educational purposes. What Martha Washington Might Have Worn Many of you have been following along on this journey with me as I have traveled to Mount Vernon and shared my sewing updates on Instagram. I gave this first presentation at the Missouri ... View the Post
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Pink Dress
This past week I traveled to Missouri to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival. While there the Society of the Ingalls Family also had their inaugural meeting. It was the perfect place to wear a garment I had recreated: Laura Ingalls Wilder's Pink Dress. Laura Ingalls Wilder's Pink Dress At Laura and Almanzo Wilder's home, Rocky Ridge, located in Mansfield, Missouri, a sweet photo takes pride of place on the mantel in the parlor. I encourage you to please visit the museum to take the full ... View the Post
18th Century Panniers
Welcome to another installment of Martha Mondays as I prepare for my upcoming presentation What Martha Washington Might Have Worn. This is an ongoing historical fashion project in celebration of the 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial) of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 2026). Today I will be sharing 18th Century Panniers. The French word pannier translates to basket maker. Specifically the side-slung baskets carried by pack animals such as donkeys. In the 18th century ... View the Post
Mount Vernon in the Winter
Today is President's Day and I could think of no better post to share with you that my recent visit to Mount Vernon in the Winter. In late January most of the country fell under a blanket of extremely cold weather. I had planned a research trip to Virginia that occurred during this time. Putting on all our cold weather gear Mr. Decor and I set out to see the home of George and Martha Washington. Mount Vernon in the Winter Members of the Washington family first acquired ... View the Post
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