#antique garments

[sewlastcentury]

Newest pattern in testing is from a pair of fabulous 1790s stays from the Maryland Center for History & Culture (1951.28.11) that have a 38.5” (99cm) bust.

I made a mockup and my 42” bust is about an inch too big, so they’re firmly size large and have some leeway for XL.

Bottom photos are the original garment and top photos are my mockup. ❤️

Pattern should be up on Etsy by late June 2025. 🫡

[sewlastcentury]

Current antiques patterning projects!

The 1890s bodice was remade from a much smaller 1880s one - super creative - and the 1870s sacque is gorgeously embroidered. I bought it based on the bust measurement, which is about 50” (a size 2X), but was disappointed once I got it to see that it’s simply very roomy in the bust - based on the neck and armscye, it’s more like an L/XL size. Still better than a small though!

I’ve also since finished and posted the 1830s bodice pattern, though that did end up definitively being a small. 😮‍💨 however, I’m looking forward to a museum appt next month, during which I should be able to pattern an 1830s bodice that is probably around a size L!

[sewlastcentury]

I've been bad about updating this blog with new patterns, so as of October 2024, here is everything I offer! All are patterned directly from antique garments in my collection (or collections I was given permission to work with).

Most are sizes XL, XXL, and/or 1X, and I have a couple down to S and several up to 3X.

All patterns have detailed size info in the listing, but for general labels I use this size chart.

Available on Etsy here!

I also have several free corset and brassiere patterns from antiques, 1870s-1920s (graded sizes are available for purchase).

Next pattern up, currently in testing, is this stunning ensemble....

(Should be available by December.)

Happy sewing!!

[sewlastcentury]

Open for testers! 📣 This lovely 1905-6 cotton sateen blouse waist is a 49” (124cm) bust, and the waist is free as the pleating isn’t secured except at the back (it ties shut/gets tucked into the skirt). It’s got a lace yoke, box-pleats at front and back, and gorgeous pin-tucked sleeves. ✨ Forgive me for making it yellow in the thumbnail, but I wanted to showcase the details lol. DM me if you’re interested in testing.

Available on Etsy here!

[sewlastcentury]

On a roll! This pattern is [CLOSED] for testers - the original garment is a c. 1910 brassiere (or corset cover) with a 47” (119cm) bust and 40” (101cm) high waist. It’s deceptively simple - that cross-bust entredeux lace hides two pairs of darts, and there’s also an appliquéd underarm guard. I’m definitely going to make a version for myself at some point <3

Edit: Now on Etsy here!

I received some tester photos back but none of them are actually the right size for this garment, so holding off on posting them here. (Both have large busts and comparatively small waists, so while they can wear it, it doesn't fit them as it should.)

[sewlastcentury]

The past week's work: three digitized patterns from antique garments! - The 1840s bodice is 34/36" bust - 31" waist (pattern HERE) - The 1880s is 44" bust - 32" waist (pattern HERE) - the 1920s dress is 47" bust - 48" waist (pattern HERE)

All three patterns are currently with testers for the next two weeks and after that I will be able to put them up on Etsy!

I have seven other antiques waiting for patterning (and two more on the way) - just have to decide what to work on next....

[sewlastcentury]

Update: working on patterning an antique plus-size 1920s dress in my collection!

If you recall the patterns I produced for the MFIT exhibit The Roaring Twenties and the Swinging Sixties (fyi they're free and accessible here), I had bought this dress around the same time and had intended to pattern it but never got around to it.

I'm planning to pattern at least a dozen antique larger garments (mostly bodices 1840s-1910s but some skirts, dresses, etc) and wanted a warm-up project, so FINALLY this girl is getting patterned!

She's simple to sew and has real bang for your buck on the embroidery - it's all satin stitches with thick floss. :) The sleeve style is super unique and I love the pop of color on the original in the sleeve lining, but you could also choose to colorblock this and make the belt inset a different fabric.

I'm not sure if I'll be putting this up free or for sale, so if you want to test the pattern for free, let me know :) Testers help to iron out any errors in the pattern or instructions, so it helps me too!

[victorianymph]

from my graduate collection, ‘Beyond the Visible’, inspired by 19th century female spiritualists

holly scott (@h.jms) • Instagram photos and videos