I Made an Edwardian Dress with a Corset Skirt | Edwardian on the Cheap

[@kikidevine694]

You have to remember that scoliosis has been around forever so Edwardian, victorian, etc. women have had to deal with body image anxiety and fitted clothing. Don't sweat it, you are amazing

[@gothempress]

Repeat after me: *There is nothing wrong with my body - there are only fitting problems with the clothes.* I have a flat rib cage on one side and full on the other, my torso is very short, my legs are long, hips are imbalance and my shoulder slope to one side. NOT ONE BIT of that matters when I put on clothing that fits me properly. In clothing such as this, I look elegant, and you looked elegant in your dress. Bernadette Banner has scoliosis and SHE looks elegant in her dresses. I understand feeling insecure about a body, it's a difficult subject to turn around the other way. Please do try to be kind to yourself. The words you say to yourself matter greatly, dear friend.

[@haakdraakje]

Indeed, your own words and thoughts matter. Let’s be kind to ourselves!

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

Claude I think this was fantastic and a remarkable lesson in efficiency, especially when tackling something new. I know it's not "perfect" or as ideal as you would have liked it to be but, with all the constraints you were under, I think it's so much better than you're giving yourself credit for 💖

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you, as always I'm my own harshest critic 💚

[@colin101981]

I think you're being too hard on yourself Claude - the finished garment may not look like the one in your imagination, but it's a lovely ensemble, and quite worthy of any public event. What I really value is the way you share your process' and thinking. It really helps us lesser mortals improve our skills. To see how you approach difficulties and overcome them really does help. Best wishes.

[@RetroClaude]

Alas, I am always too hard on myself. Thank you for your kind words, they help me see the positive side 💚

[@ladyflimflam]

Historically accurate is making due with what you have. Ordinary women didn’t look like they had just stepped out of a fashion plate and the clothing and trim was reused. This is beautiful and practical.

[@blktauna]

That fitting on the skirt is very flattering for you. I also like the trimming you did at the neck and cuffs. I get what you mean about the blousing on the bodice but really this looks perfectly fine to me but I'm a Medievalist so I'm not in full tune with Edwardian looks ;D

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you 💚

[@elitabaldridge6967]

I was just thinking about putting together a corselet skirt, because I've decided that the Empire waist on absolutely everything is ridiculously flattering on my long waisted torso, so that was very helpful and timely seeing how you put it together. I will definitely not skimp on the boning like I was going to; it was amazing how that little bit of structure made all the difference.

[@RetroClaude]

Oh yes the boning made such a difference!

[@Skuggkatten]

You ladies are aware that in the old days - if you had something to smooth or avert attention from - you padded on the inside? And the swayback is unbelievably common so a pinch in the small of the back on most patterns, does marvels. 👍🏻♥️

[@claire2088]

the fit on that skirt around the waist is so great! I love the attitude sitting relaxed (rather than a proper Edwardian lade) it's like you put on the dress cause you wanted to and you'll sit how you want, screw the proper Edwardian ideals 😂😂

[@RetroClaude]

Screw the Edwardians! I'm tired and I'll slouch if I want to! 😂

[@janisi9262]

It's historically adequate and quite cute! Your comfort and general well-being are more important than "accurate" whose-y whats-its (I have no idea how to spell that.) I have some very similar viscose fabric in dark blue, grey, black, lavender, and light blue... because it feels SO NICE and I made some questionable decisions. This video is making me want to find an excuse to use them! (Though I've been trying to come up with a skirt design for the dark blue for about two weeks, now, and have, thus far, failed.) I really like the addition of the lace and velvet. They give a great deal of added dimension to an otherwise very plain colour.

[@colleenwnek3404]

Lovely! The dress is so flattering. I wonder if there's one person on the planet not frustrated with their body. We all have different levels of issues. I'm a knitter and I'm realizing more and more how short my torso is, like freakishly short. But yay for us who can fashion garments just for our unique selves!

[@redblaquegolden]

Ooooo that's the same thing i do for flatlining, by using the overlocker! I it helps me so much. Also this is just... so cool! I love how this turned out and i love seeing the process. It makes me feel better for all the times i get frustrated with things. It makes me feel less like a failure. Thank you, Claude!

[@RetroClaude]

Oh yes, to sew is to be frustrated! It's by no means just you 💚

[@knittedbywhitney]

You did a great job Claude! I hope you had fun at your event

[@sukar120]

Even though you had a time- and materials- crunch to work with, I think this dress turned out wonderfully! And even though it might not be accurate at all, I really loved how that lacy blouse looked :)

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! It gave me very late 60s vibes strangely. There was something a bit Mod about it!

[@jeanlinder1310]

You absolutely did a good job! I like seeing how you think through the problems you encounter and are very honest about what worked, what didn't, and why. Certainly helps me learn!

[@beattie2698]

I really like it and it looks great. We’re our own worst critics aren’t we. I’m never happy with the fit of anything I make. I loved watching the progress of the making of your dress - you’re so talented.

[@cadileigh9948]

I do like that you are a professional who understands pragmatism. If Edwardians had the same constraints and textiles would they not have emulated you.

[@RetroClaude]

I like to think so! I like to say people in the past were BUSY, no labour saving devices at all so they were constantly looking for the most efficient method.

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

@@RetroClaude also they needed to wear clothes and scraps were worthwhile keeping and using even if they may not have been what everyone else was using for that style outfit at the time!

[@RetroClaude]

@@asilverfoxintasmania9940 very true! I totally forgot that me being cheap could have been passed off as 'historical accuracy' 😅

[@LucindaSutherland-w2u]

You had fun! That isn't said very often by people who were sewing velvet! I am impressed. You made a dress that works for YOU, is appropriate for the era (without being an exact copy), and that doesn't scream "I must have all the attention!" You also did it while completing a contracted job and while dealing with health challenges. You are amazing and look beautiful.

[@seaweednz]

I love this dress on you! Yes, there are some very minor fit issues, but I only see them once you've pointed them out, and of course you are very much aware of the flaws because you've worked so closely with it. I absolutely think you should make another one where you've learnt from the issues you had with fit, because it actually seems like a pretty good casual history bounding dress.

[@TheLballou]

Claude, thank you so much for sharing your process, So many sewing videos (especially the instructional ones) make it appear that garments go together, zip, just like that! I have been doing home sewing for 60 years, and can't tell you haw many fails, tears and dare I say, temper tantrums I have experienced in my time. Yet, sewing is not just my hobby, it is a part of who I am, and I cannot imagine life without it. Thank you for your honesty and skill!

[@blossompetal784]

I think you did so well. Hanging in there despite all the difficulties.i am disabled and sometimes it's so hard to keep going when everything seems against you. You should be proud. Your dress looks lovely.

[@RockinTheBassGuitar]

I'm glad to see you're back to sewing! Here's wishing you good health so you can live life to the fullest.

[@vb7794]

Whoa I love it, the color, the shape !

[@rmorine6394]

Lots to learn from watching you do this project! From being flexible, staying focused on the goal, and patient in the face of challenges, to making the best use of what you have to make something beautiful that pleases you. Also, it occurred to me as you talked about your personal fitting needs, that people in other times had those same needs, and probably conquered them just as you did, with skill and determination to make beautiful garments that perfectly suited them. Nicely done!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you, and an excellent point about people in the past. We've always had to problem solve 💚

[@linr8260]

I see what you mean about the bodice shape, but honestly it still looks great. The velvet and lace collar is beautiful and really gives the right Vibe, and the fitted shape of that skirt is stunning! I hope you get time to add those gussets to enjoy it even more.

[@greatexp59]

Stunning dress! I was amazed at how you overcame difficulties to create such a lovely outfit!

[@elisestewart5416]

Fabulous dress and I love the addition of the black velvet and lace. It really adds to the dress. Well done for achieving so much with all the challenges.

[@ushere5791]

wow!! for what it is, it's perfectly lovely! i think the skirt length is perfect--people who go to dance events need their skirts that short. i hope you make this design again when you have more time and money. it really is lovely!!

[@Antiikkikauppa]

I love the skirt, and I think the blousing looks actually quite flattering on you. The whole dress reminds me of late victorian artistic dresses, though I guess many fashion plates from the edwardian era have the vibe. Great work, especially when considering the time limit! 🌹

[@LatelyFashionable]

I think it's lovely! I really like the embellishment on the bodice.

[@jessmakesstuff]

This is exactly the inspiration I needed today. I’m going on holiday in three weeks and really want a 1930’s summer dress to wear, and I think the construction methods (and historical *adequacy*) you used are just what I need to keep in mind. Thank you!

[@stevezytveld6585]

Absolutely beautiful work. Fitting a bodice around one's midriff is difficult enough, much less doing one from scratch, on the fly, on a deadline. Well done. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you!

[@laurawilliams7782]

Looks great to me

[@EngineeringKnits]

The extra interest added by the velvet and lace adds such a nice contrast to the dress! I know you're not 100% happy with the outcome, but it is a very flattering skirt and bodice, and it is very inspiring to see someone make a whole costume with limited time and money. I am usually overwhelmed with a new era, but seeing this with the underpinnings is a great way to see how to make projects work for everyone's individual contraints.

[@RetroClaude]

I know 'accuracy' is a lot of folks priority and that's okay. I say good for them! I'll be over here cheating and finding ways to make this hobby more accessible. Whether that's in terms of cost, or energy or physically. There's room for us all ☺️

[@miaochs7716]

You are young. You learn, as you age, your energy positive or negative becomes your status and that’s what people remember of you in the end. Be positive in spirit and that’s what you will be remembered as of. I believe what goes around truly does go around. Except by negative nellies who also live in this world and live in their negative hells. you are great-remember that. Best of luck

[@haakdraakje]

This is stunning! And this on time and budget restrains, managing the scoliosis fitting issues and machine failure. Give yourself credit here!

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

One if KZbins favorite recommends Best wishes to you

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

The dress looks gorgeous on you! Very sleek and flattering.

[@VKing-di9lo]

I hadn’t realised what your health problem was and today I realised! I have the same, though I am much older and my curves obviously not so severe thank goodness. You have given me such good tips on how to cope with this disability. Thank you. I feel for you though as my granddaughter was so severely affected that she had surgery. Hers became apparent very rapidly when she was around 15, so as soon as she stopped growing, they did the surgery. She has had rods inserted either side of her spine and the result was amazing. I think you manage amazingly well and how you make and adapt your patterns is impressive.

[@bonniecolleenpappin8807]

That is cute! Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@lynnbattersby-vogt3594]

I am so glad you persevered and the end result is great

[@Marialla.]

Wonderful dress! Looks great! I would be proud to wear this. Your skill and dedication are showing. :)

[@Ellaodi]

This is AMAZING! AND THE CORSELET SKIRT IS BADASS.

[@blufaerie]

Your hard work paid off. The dress looks amazing!

[@StephenThorley]

Beautiful dress and you look great in it. I love hearing about all the little gotcha's and how you solved them

[@Loki-and-Thor]

I am so glad that I found your channel! I’m thoroughly looking forward to catching up with all that I have missed.

[@Diamonsarr]

I love the way it looks so much! I think it is very flattering on you. The ruffled corset cover probably would work with that shirt design. But I still like it the way it is without one. It's a modern day fashion statement!

[@gleann_cuilinn]

the dress turned out super lovely and flattering!

[@katelane8702]

I think this dress is darling, and i love the texture that the velvet and lace add

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

The poundland outfit was still super cute though! I think everything you were working with I think you have made a great dress.

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

also as a fellow scoliosis sufferer I hear you on the lopsided bit. I have had people tell me my tight fitting kirtles have a wonky back seam until I tell them to trace it with their finger and they realise that it follows my spine like the style is supposed to!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! And yes I've been there, the "you know your dress is wonky right?" Don't blame the dress it's me!

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

very flattering! A well fitted dress makes any body look beautiful ❤

[@tovekjellerd6552]

Wow! The waits-hip-fitting is something! Me not being a great fan of the Edwardian fashion era, I really take my hat off for your skills. Remarkable Claude.

[@barbaraleaweaver-mercado1820]

This is nice, but I watched the fifties dress from two years ago because you do such an excellent job of presentation of the process. I admire your sewing so much as it is very instructive to me. Thank you for your hardwork. I also have an s curve spine which also causes chronic pain. I do follow your suggestions for pain management.

[@alisonwelch8465]

I think it's great. And if you hadn't mentioned your back, I wouldn't have noticed at all! Comfortable and fluid. Lovely fabric too. x

[@fannydriscoll]

It is really pretty and looks great!!!!

[@cheskydivision]

I really love the style of this dress I especially like the skirt.

[@indiabilly]

I think you did a lot better than ok! I really like the shape of the bodice over the fitted skirt and the velvet detail

[@geriattrique7141]

This turned out lovely and the fit looks fantastic!

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Thanks for sharing this video. I enjoyed it immensely. I'm finally going to work on the stripe knit top tonight. Been flooded with paid sewing work that has been pushing my pain tolerance to the limit. The upside is that my having to save up for personal projects will be shorter. My way to deal with the same fit issues you have is allow a bit more ease. My body measurements fluctuates quite a bit and this is normal for me. I will also try stretch woven fabric in the future and see how that works out for period clothes.

[@Tuilelen]

I understand your point about the bodice, where it's somewhat gathered, when you pointed it out. But I think that the overall effect of the dress is excellent! The skirt part in particular came out perfectly, in my eyes. I also love watching your videos because all the obstacles that come up and your reactions to them are so relatable to me and my projects hahaha. Great job, beautiful product!

[@isabellaferretti7279]

I think you look absolutely lovely, it's a stylish dress and really suits you 😍

[@m.maclellan7147]

Loved the velvet & black lace addition. Really added to the piece ! I am amazed at how well it did come out, considering your short time to work on it.

[@tlowenbraun]

I’m really impressed with your result. Thank you for this video!

[@DAYBROK3]

it turned out really quite nice, you do great work.

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

This silhouette and colour choice work very well on you, and your determination to make it work spite of a tricky body shape and limited resources is inspiring and interesting. Keep on keeping on.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

This is definitely going on my list of future projects! I can see this being a go to daily summer dress for me, and it’s so flattering!

[@VKing-di9lo]

It looks lovely and fits you so well.

[@Sew_Learning]

I really like this dress. I think the style and colour suit you and bonus, it’s comfy. I like the lace & velvet detail, which does give the Vibe of that era. Take care and stay safe. Sending best wishes from Down Under 💖💕🌸💐🌺🇦🇺😎

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you 💚

[@magicalotter9302]

😂😂😂when you said you cut on the sewing line😂i was floored. So relatable ❤😂

[@emmaRBC]

I've got some decent fabric from Pound Fabrics ☺️ I always enjoy watching you sew so this was great as always!

[@RetroClaude]

I've had many a decent fabric from them too. The stretch lace was my only miss so far but that's on me really 😅

[@moonbasket]

Looks amazing! I know you can see your spinal curve, but even after you pointed it out, the only things I could see were the puckers in the fabric. Your spine looked normal. Honestly, from what I've seen of other people's work, getting a fitted garment not to pucker is difficult no matter how your body is shaped and you did amazing work. I love the color you chose and agree with the bodice being a bit off, but definitely good enough. I think some bust padding would probably be the easiest way to make the bodice look better.

[@belledobson2007]

You do d more than ok, it’s a beautiful outfit that I would be proud to wear

[@nonakabyrd5759]

I loved it! You did better than ok. You can make additional adjustments latter. It reads Edwardian!

[@kckazcoll1]

I'm so glad you call the fabric calico :) It's so confusing when I hear that fabric called muslin. Thanks for this video

[@lynn858]

I think you’ve inspired me to try making a high waisted skirt with boning. Now that I see it, this seems like an incredibly logical way to make the body I have do the aesthetic I’d like it to. I will not be doing it in a deadline e though. There’s the risk of abandoning the project without one, but I suspect I’m more likely to succeed if i have a second set of hands to adjust the fitting. Thank you for sharing such a trying project. I really appreciate the insight.

[@ellahopkinson]

I have that fabric! I love that shop, there and charity shops is where I get all my fabric :) also you're dress is divine 😍

[@Ventura0404]

You,You did very well

[@coreygilles847]

I think having a dress that works for you (especially when you have mobility issues) is better than “historically accurate”

[@bigc8127]

I love it!Looks great!

[@nicoleandtime]

I think this is magnificent.

[@ozzyanddad]

that came out amazing!

[@poetmaggie1]

Some place before 524 in the video you gave me an insight to fitting. I am sorry you could not show more of the fitting process. I am not interested in historial accuracy just the look. I learned pattern drafting and I finally am trying to leave commercial patterns behind.

[@lisascenic]

I think you made an admirable ensemble, considering all your constraints. May I ask where you found the schematic for the bodice? I’ve got an upcoming Edwardian event that I’m in deep denial about.

[@CaroMary07]

I have 10 metre length of that fabric in my stash, nice to see how it moves in a garment

[@brookehedemark4520]

Fantastic!

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Lovely thumbnail

[@kaizma88]

I always enjoy watching you make your projects! Isn't the Bernina brand new? I'd be very unhappy to buy one and have a major issue with it.

[@RetroClaude]

This is my old Bernina, this dress was made last October. I struggled on for a bit before deciding in January I need a new machine and that's what I show in the unboxing video. Sorry for the confusion. I'm still massively mixed up with my posting schedule thanks to Covid 💚

[@kaizma88]

@@RetroClaude Well, that's a relief. Very happy that it wasn't the new machine. 😁

[@zarapine4072]

Very nice

[@magnoliaweathershield443]

What is the song with the lyric “ now the key’s in the mailbox, just as before, but nobody’s waiting for me anymore”? I love your music choices. Thank you for the great video.

[@RetroClaude]

It's called A Cottage For Sale. There are several versions available on Archive org

[@rowanbean7197]

My problem with the rigilene boning is that after a while it tends to dig in at either curvy spots or the top/bottom of the boning & I find that uncomfortable. It happens to me both on things I've made (so user error is likely) but also on commercially made clothing - do you have any tips for using it so it would be comfortable? I default to spring steel because once the ends are capped, at least they conform well to my body & don't stab me.

[@RetroClaude]

I tend to candle the ends of my rigilene (literally melt them with fire) and I find that caps the ends quite well but I've never worn a garment with rigilene long enough to experience any digging in so I don't have any advice in that regard sorry 💚

[@rowanbean7197]

@@RetroClaude Some of my worst offenders are those "long-line" bras that have it on the sides for just a few inches. Maybe I just have terrible posture lol. Thanks for the tip!

[@neldahinojosa4890]

I would wear this.

[@Ventura0404]

You did well be happy yes I have scoliosis. And yes, I have an S bend I don’t. Let it stop me on anything.

[@poetmaggie1]

My vintage 337 Singer is not back up for my vintage 99 singer hand crank, lol.

[@camille.c]

Viscose is still cellulose fibre and miles better than poly!! also i'm gonna echo what others have said - there's nothing wrong with our bodies, only the inherent problems associated with getting 2D pieces to fit a 3D body. Humans are all oddly shaped as is. You will enjoy wearing your creations so much more if they're comfortable (and finished!) Screw anyone who gets nitpicky, _if it fits the ~vibe~ and makes you happy then I say it's well done._ If you want to make changes to the bodice - I don't know how this would affect the Edwardian-ness, but possibly taking it up in the shoulders might help? Or taking in a bit at CB to 'pull' everything more upwards and to the sides. (also also,. personally i have a janky scoliotic back as well, with one protruding shoulder-blade, narrow and sloped shoulders, and a ribcage bony enough that Nothing Fits. watching you work around your physical constraints and project issues always helps motivate me! i think a lot of us find that encouragement helps us be kinder to ourselves, and you should be too.)

[@annesullivan1171]

I like it 💕

[@alfiesflower8218]

Hello, I think you have done a really good job. Well done you💞💞💞keep safe me lovely 💞💞💞

[@jk2642]

What book do you have in the beginning? Can you link it??Thanks!!

[@RetroClaude]

I forgot sorry! I've updated the description but here's a non-sponsor link: www.amazon.co.uk/Cut-Womens-Clothes-Norah-Waugh/dp/0571085946

[@lynn858]

Is the circuit board issue on the, Bernina? going to be fixable?

[@RetroClaude]

It is likely to be fixable. This was my old Bernina, before I upgraded to one with more accessible features. I decided to go with the new one rather than fix it because to fix, and upgrade my old Bernina to be better for my needs was almost the same price as a new one!

[@speedfinder1]

Please be a little kinder to yourself. The dress captures the very embodiment of the Edwardian Era in our eyes and we think you have made a very good job of it, with or without the financial constraints. In our eyes at least, it is EXACTLY the thing a home dress maker would have made for herself in the period. Well done you! 💔

[@Ventura0404]

I have the same problem quit knocking yourself. You’re the only one that really notices crooked back and if people don’t like the way your back shaped tell them to kiss off.

[@mandylavida]

I sew (!) need a corset...