This was my first real foray into historical costuming. I decided to go with the 1780s because there is a lot of research and information on clothing during that decade and because I liked the look of the Redthreaded 1780s front closure stays. Hence, the project began! 

Firstly, I created my shift. It is the foundation of foundations. It should have been simple, but I ran into a little bit of mathematical trouble, but that was easily fixed. It is made from a white linen. I go into a bit more detail here on my YouTube channel. 

Next, we talk about the stays. Stays are the historical precursor to the corset. They create a more conical silhouette compared to Victorian corsets, as was the ideal of the time. I used a rather thick mystery fabric (likely a polyester or poly-cotton blend) with no stretch for the lining and a lovely purple linen, as well as synthetic whalebone for the boning. While the size of pattern I purchased was a little small (this was before Redthreaded's multi size packs) it turned out nice and quite wearable. I did ignore the instructions as I was making this all by hand instead of with the instructed sewing machine. I also have a video about the creation of these stays here.

The two petticoats were simple to make, no pattern, just some rectangles that I gathered and pleated down to fit. 18th century petticoats are super easy to make. 

The gown itself was a bit more complicated. I used Black Snail Patterns' #0519 Robe a l'Anglaise. The instructions were a little confusing, but I think the gown turned out pretty alright. The bodice is quite nice, but the skirt section of the gown has some strange parts (don't cut the slits in the skirt portion. It didn't look right. I would not recommend doing that. 

I finished this project off with the creation of a 1780s style cap as found in the American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking. The cap took me far longer than I am willing to admit because I kept procrastinating. 

Upon final creation, I got dressed up in my full 1780s ensemble and took myself to my school dining hall for a modern cheeseburger. 

Overall, this was a challenging project, but I feel I learned a lot of skills that I can better aply to future endevours. Everything is wearable and while I would probably change some things, I am happy with the result I have.