I HATE 18th Century Fashion, so I made it work for me (and my wheelchair) ♿

[@londongael414]

"professionally trained and experienced, but there are still times when I don't know what I'm doing" 😃I can relate to that! So much. The dress may have been imperfect, but it WAS pretty - so, job done!

[@Eva-y1y]

I love hearing you say that you are continually learning. At 73, I am still learning too. In recent years I had the opportunity to help migrant women in our community learn sewing. What great fun we had.

[@AnniCarlsson]

This harbor so beatiful. Was there 2018. To sad the best resturant I ever been to closed during covid. It was next to the harbor. Also visited The Eden projekt and Lost garden of Heilgan. So lovely places. Still sad inside my memory card from Eden Projekt got lost on my way home.

[@lyndaholloway5469]

I was so tired by the end of the project I needed to go to bed. Okay It was also bed time. Loved how you keep pressing on and am willing to say it is not perfect this time. I will do better next time. Best to you.

[@zoes_story]

I absolutely love how you approach things regarding wheelchair use. As a wheelchair using dressmaker myself I enjoy seeing how other people do it. I love historical dressmaking and it's next to impossible to find anything on what Disabled people actually wore. I have seen a lot of stays done with cording rather than boning, especially regency ones, and having made boned stays and Corsets - f that noise in a wheelchair 😂 historybounding and comfort over accuracy any day

[@Lolino]

I am no longer alone when I'm tossing my mockup and pattern off my table from sheer frustration! Yay! Also, I apparently really need to visit Cornwall if I'm ever in the British Isles again, it looks lovely, and I have a bit of a thing for old ships....

[@RetroClaude]

Cornwall is like the English Riviera! All the Brits go as it's the sunniest place on the mainland and the beaches are beautiful. And yes I've been known to chop mock ups into bits when they don't work 😂

[@angelkeith4767]

Right there with ya. I have been bagging up knitting projects and stomping on them before continuing

[@habituscraeftig]

I have also had my weight turn suddenly on me a couple times over the past 5 years (both directions) for medical reasons. It is really comforting to watch you make a new sloper. I keep being resistant to making another because I fear by the time I'm done with it, I won't fit it, anymore (which has happened *twice* now). Thank you for making it feel like less of a big deal. I really, *really* needed that.

[@lizzaturnbull]

So great to see someone addressing the historical fashion/wheelchair issues! I am an EDS sufferer and use crutches/wheelchair which has put me off trying 😍

[@rmorine6394]

Adding comment #100 for your algorithm. But also, you look adorable starting at 13:46 in your "babushka" and rollers!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! 💚🪆

[@sandreawhite7534]

I’ve been sewing since 7th grade. Before that I watched my mother sew when I could just barely walk. I am completely pattern dependent. When I. saw you draping, pinning, and cutting I was impressed. That is so far above me. I think your video was wonderful and your talent is exceptional.

[@howcanikeepfromsinging]

I am thankful you prioritise captions, bc parts of this video were definitely challenging to hear without the mic. So thanks for CC on each video 👍

[@kimvivian9916]

I greatly admire your work around your physical / practical needs concerning the designing of this period garment. Adaptability is the name of the game and keep us in the game of historical dress!

[@elainebye9090]

Just want you to know I really enjoyed this video. It was liberating for me to see you ditch the first attempts in such a sweeping motion. Boy have I felt that way! I love how you persevered and won out. The dress itself is so pretty! It seemed to fit better than many ready-mades fit me!

[@Michael-if6my]

This is so amazing! I saw the dress on Instagran and thought it was amazing but the fact that it's a recycled bedsheet you made in 4 days is insane! That's so crazy cool, the amount of skill required for that boggles my mind.

[@RetroClaude]

😁 thank you! Looking back I'm not really sure how I did it!

[@AnnaCMeyer]

Lovely dress, regardless of its "accuracy". Also, the harbour reminds me of film versions of both "Persuasion" and "Mansfield Park".

[@RetroClaude]

It is probably the same one honestly although I have seen neither of those. 18th century harbours aren't very common even in Britain!

[@stoker1931jane]

👍🏻Yes, Anna C. Meyer, you are spot on👌🏻with the filming location of the 1999 😍 version of 'Mansfield Park'. This harbour in Charlestown - Cornwall was indeed used as film location, standing in for Portsmouth. Where Fanny Price's poor Family are portrayed as living right on the quayside in town. But the famous harbour scenes in, both the 1971, 😍1995💘 and the 2007 versions, of 'Persuasion' were filmed at "The Cobb" in Lyme Regis - Dorset. Just as it was described by Jane Austen in her novel. I'll be very curious how the 2022, more modern looking, version of 'Persuasion' with Richard E. Grant & Dakota Johnson, as Anne Elliot, will pan out.✌🏻

[@LucindaSutherland-w2u]

Thanks for going down this rabbit trail. It is neat to learn about film settings as well as the setting the author intended. Careful film editing can bring out historic corners and make them seem like an entire room or building, as we have discovered on the rare occasions when movies are filmed in Idaho.

[@olliejones3302]

Claude being chaotic?!? Sign me the heck up!!

[@RetroClaude]

I am chaotic by nature but usually too exhausted to let the chaos out 😂

[@olliejones3302]

@@RetroClaude me too

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

Great video for many reasons but, most importantly, you enjoyed the process and your dress is lovely! Such a joy to hear.We share the nuisance of a forward 'turning' shoulder - I have given up even aiming for a good fit and now accept 'good enough'. Thank you for your brilliant videos!

[@RetroClaude]

Good enough is fine with me too 💚

[@annereidy7981]

I thought the dress looked beautiful, really! And so happy to see my fellow country man Aiden Turner make a guest appearance, fantastic as always, thanks for such a technically difficult and beautifully absorbing video!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@sukar120]

The dress ended up so nice! You looked really lovely in it and I'm glad you're happy with it and were able to take it out :). Also your outfit in the intro? A+++++ chef's kiss

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! That was one of my first vintage makes for myself ☺️

[@lyannecb8499]

My learning goals this year have been: Learn to belive in myself enough to make a crochet blanket for a special birthday gift (finished the last stripe with this video, now to get the dog off it so I can start the border... Or just wait till it's cooler tonight...) Improve my sock making - currently the first of my April & May socks is still waiting for me to kitchener it off the needles before carefully casting on sock 2 to match the striping yarn. At work's request - make dolls clothes for preschool, with my adding in, clothes that will last - that's meant adapting the commercial knitting patterns to make the clothes more resilient as well as critically looking at fastenings etc. & measuring the dolls so I can draft patterns to sew clothes for them using remnants. I love Cornwall but haven't been there for 20 years - I think I need a holiday! The dress looks lovely, and I'm so impressed that you did it in 4 days!

[@colin101981]

Well, for all your critique, it looked great - you really suit the style even if you're not 'in love' with the period. Well done! Lovely make.

[@stevezytveld6585]

The dress is so cute. Good for you for changing tack when the first models weren't working out. Great video, as always. Cheers to learning. Could you also use painters drop-cloth canvas for linings? The Canadian dollar-store chain recently started selling them for cheep... Small suggestion for cutting on the floor: I have the beginning of osteoarthritis in both knees; so kneeling on the floor is absolutely no fun. A while ago I made a _Zafu-style meditation pillow_ to help manage the scraps I was in danger of drowning in. It makes kneeling So much easier. I found the pattern for it somewhere on the on-line (basically a circle cushion with deeply pleated sides so it can suck up allot of firm stuffing). - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@RetroClaude]

Well that sounds like an excellent use of some of my scrap fabric. As for the drop-cloths, maybe? Honestly I don't think I've ever seen one in person so I'm not sure how sturdy they would be. But I think so long as you prewash and shrink them they should be okay to try 😊

[@EngineeringKnits]

I always get excited by book discussion and suggestions, I've added the pattern drafting book to my list, it looks really great for learning how to make practical patterns. Also, seeing you dive into an area which you don't like the look of is so freeing as well - and loved the finished shots of you enjoying the dress!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! And as an engineer I'm sure you'll pick up the flat pattern drafting. It's very much like technical drawing 💚

[@KellyAK]

It's such a lovely dress! So interesting to watch your process / troubleshooting as well and to see the project evolve as you go.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I actually find the longer bodice not an issue- mostly because it’s the stays (on me) that are the longest, and they don’t dig in at the front when I’m sitting. I stick to working class styles with a bumpad instead of any sort of pannier, because they very much would not fit into my wheelchair, whereas a bumpad actually gives very lovely lower back support when sitting in my wheelchair. I just take out my normal wheelchair cushion, and just wear the bumpad, as it sits right where I need that extra bit of cushioned support anyway. I’d normally wear my petticoat over my stays, and my bodices never go below high-mid hip (and that only as a sort of peplum- I do prefer jackets over gowns). So with my particular body shape, I find 18th not only very doable in a wheelchair, but very comfortable. My only issue is how long it takes to lace up my stays, which makes them not ideal for daily wear. I’m also not getting the same lower back support from them as I would in a Victorian style corset, as the arts end at the waist in the back. The tabs that do go below the waist provide no support at all. Which is why I’m currently mocking up a set of corstays. They’re a mishmash of the 1780s RedThreaded stays and a late Victorian corset. They use a busk at front and bunny ear lacing at back to make them easier to put in, and instead of ending at the waist with tabs, the bottom is a very curvy Victorian corset shape with plenty of room for my hips, that goes low enough to provide lower back support. I want something practical for daily wear, supportive, and that will give my upper body the same conical shape as stays, so I can then wear my 18th century petticoats and jackets over the top as part of my daily wardrobe. That’s the theory, anyway. We’ll see how well it works.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I also really dislike pastels, chintz and ruffles. Which is one of the reasons why I stick with working class. And I go for plain colours that are easy to mix and match, like dark brown, natural linen colour and a couple of dark blue/green type colours. I might eventually work in a nice dark tartan petticoat too. Think Outlander season 1 Claire, with all the mix and match jackets and petticoats, but in plainer colours, and no lace on sleeves. My jacket pattern is even one that is supposed to recreate the shape of Outlander jackets. That way I get the silhouette that I like, without all the pastels, florals and ruffles that I don’t like. And these are for my wardrobe, so they don’t have to be perfectly HA, just something that appeals to me personally. And I like earthy colours with the odd jewel tone.

[@laurawilliams7782]

Mariah Pattie did a video with zippered stays - not as historically accurate but possibly far more accessible? If I ever do a corset or stays i'll probably try for fan lacing as that looks the simplest to manage day to day

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you for all the excellent advice here. I'm naturally disinclined to corsetry because of scoliosis and I've never been brave enough to tackle that particular fitting nightmare before. But your advice gives me hope and of course it's always good to remind ourselves that access is much more important than accuracy. Costuming for all 💚

[@polkadot8788]

I was just about to say that the working class styles are much more accessible. And you can just bone the jacket bodice if a separate corset isn't for you. Or wear jumps which are more soft flexible

[@RetroClaude]

@@polkadot8788 oh yes jumps of course!

[@camib2864]

This is lovely. I enjoyed your process and as someone who will eventually be mobility limited, in the foreseeable future, you gave me hope that perhaps sewing is something I won't have to give up. I also enjoyed the thought process that went into this. Is it historically accurate? Nope. Does it provide an eighteenth century silhouette? Absolutely. It is also a very cute sun dress that looks quite comfortable and wearable. More of your fanciful creations please, this was very interesting.

[@911nmg]

Lovely dress, also, that short hair looks lovely on you (as a fellow disabled I cut it for convenience and I'm loving it). Also, as a massive Poldark fan I would love to visit all those locations one day, hope you had a great time!

[@kaytiej8311]

I think you should be so proud of your creation. Inspired but not ruled; creative and not bound. That you completed this project in the time frame is monstrous; most of wouldn’t even try! Though the whole deadline thing is an interesting (?) motivator, isn’t it? Why do we do it to ourselves; over and over again? Maybe something to do with challenge and conquering adversity? I don’t know. But whatever it is, I’m thrilled that you manage results like this and we get to feel good about ourselves when we have ‘real’ moments too. Bless ya heaps, Claude. I think you are so inspiring, amazing, and just super impressively good at being you with authenticity!

[@roxannlegg750]

Omgosh...the number of toiles I have burned thru...it takes me 3 - minimum....and ive been doing historical costuming for 20 years!!! I never gets easier. Youre so good at this. But pain and exhaustion get the better of me a lot :-(

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

Thank you, I'm also not a fan of the 18th Century for a lot of the reasons you outlined, however I do love the seaming in the back, so maybe what I need to do is look at a cute history bounding dress similar to this and go with that instead.

[@timestreel4384]

Another inspiring video--love the glimpses into your artistic process! I, too, am not a huge fan of 18th century womenswear. Have you seen any of the 1920s-does-18th-century fashions? It's slightly hilarious watching silent film costumes try to reconcile positive ease and dropped waists with mock stomachers and panniers.

[@RetroClaude]

That sounds like something I should look into! I love historical 'historical' costumes 😂

[@LucindaSutherland-w2u]

Yeah, I agree with you on 18th century women's fashion. It certainly wasn't a good fit for a really hot summer, so you were very brave to even consider it.

[@vane_lao]

I'm so glad I found your channel :) it brings me a ton if joy because you craft with so much care and effort, it's really inspiring. Thanks for this content! cheers from Brazil💖

[@blktauna]

That dress suits you. Looks fun, may you wear it in happiness :) I'm a Robin Ellis era Poldark person but I appreciate the sentiment. I agree that first fabric will make a lovely Chemise a la Reine.

[@RetroClaude]

Of course I forgot it was a remake! I may be able bring myself to make a Chemise a la Reine but I think I need a break before I start anything else C18TH.

[@blktauna]

@@RetroClaude I feel you. I don’t love 18th cent. Either. I do medieval so it’s different issues 😄

[@emmaRBC]

You look adorable! I'm glad you got it finished in time ☺️

[@SusanSmith-hl3iv]

Loved your enthusiasm and presentation of this radical project for yourself. I share your joy!

[@polkadot8788]

Those eyelet devices drive me nuts too. I end up having to use an awl. Although I have cheated before and used the buttonhole setting on my sewing machine to make eyelet holes before because I'd run out of patience.

[@RetroClaude]

That is genius! I may do that next time rather than suffer through eyelet hell again 😂

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

Claude, this was great!! I know it wasn't technically perfect at all or anything but you finished it and got a really cute sun dress out of it! And you're abandonment of historical/technical accuracy was awesome!! Seriously. I think I just watch too much costube and I forget that A- I only know (read- am learning) the language of sewing/garment construction and I haven't actually made much at all (especially nothing historical), and B- pattern drafting is very much a thing and when making garments for yourself might be easier (especially when compared to the big 4 patterns or anything like that). So I might just have to take a leaf and get that beginner drafting book (or something similar or most likely/truthfully just google costube for drafting videos) and draft learning projects like simple a-line or circle skirts and maybe a rogue pair of bermuda shorts, rather than work from patterns that I get mad at and don't understand. Thank you for taking us on your learning journey with you!

[@RetroClaude]

If you'd like to learn pattern drafting I highly recommend The Closet Historian! Bianca does really great walk through videos of how to make basic patterns and how to manipulate those patterns in loads of ways. Highly recommend!

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

@@RetroClaude I think I've seen some of her stuff previously but I honestly can't remember 😅 1000% will go check her out!

[@bowerbirdstyle7661]

Turned out lovely. Hope it is comfortable.

[@ceruleanskies001]

15:11 I hadn't seen that book mentioned before. Janet Arnold is a favorite in CosTube and your insight into other books is great. You certainly stepped out of your comfort zone! I was just looking at Tudor styles earlier and you've inspired me to find ways to history bound Tudor in a future project.

[@RetroClaude]

Oooooh that would be brilliant!

[@MendyLady]

I'm just glad I'm not the only one who doesn't love the 18th century. Except its literature. I am HERE for certain women writers of the period.

[@stuckonstories]

Absolutely love long videos like this! I don't sew but I do have a couple of knitting patterns that require it so I guess that's my goal haha!

[@RetroClaude]

A fellow knitter! Yay! 💚🐑

[@lindagoesel3815]

I know this is old,but I just watched it and I love it. It is something I would wear all the time, great job. Hope it was a fun vacation. Love your content. I'm a crocheter, as I am self taught that was easier to learn than knitting, also left handed. Maybe I should get some professional training, I'm 79, think that's too old to start.😅

[@rachaelhall1164]

This dress turned out so cute. I love all the interesting history-bounding, working different aesthetic into everyday wardrobes going around - it is so inspiring. I've been on a slow mission to try and level up my making skills. One of my early lockdown projects was hand stitching a Luna Lapin stuffie (from the book of the same name), and every so often I dip back into one of the (now 3) books to make something new for her wardrobe. It is something entirely 'pointless' as I'm 30 and she just lives on my bookcase. I've been finding a real challenge in making tiny things, trying to sew with more precision than I have before, and attempting more hand finishing techniques - probably wouldn't commit to handbound button holes on anything for me, but if there only needs to be 4 and they are doll sized... Plus there has never been a better excuse to pick up the odd, pretty fat quarter.

[@RetroClaude]

I love working in miniature, it's a different challenge and a great way to practice skills. Like you say, 4 tiny hand done buttonholes are much less intimidating! And I've always wanted to make a Luna Lapin, you may have inspired me to find a copy of the book!

[@rachaelhall1164]

@@RetroClaude It's been a lot of fun - I think that the wool coat from the cover of the first book may well be one of the favourite things I've ever made

[@juliemorley22]

Fantastic, very clever all of it!

[@GwensShenanigans]

It turned out wonderful Claude! I really liked the evaluation talk and thanks for taking us along to that beautiful harbour🥰 PS. I made an 18th century gown out of the same Ikea bedsheet😄 If ever we meet up...

[@RetroClaude]

We can be IKEA dress twins!!!

[@kristinabenc67]

Really enjoyed this video! I loved how you talked through your process, especially your concluding analysis. It’s great to see how someone experienced problem solves through sewing troubles and adapts what they make to suit them. I can really see how you’ve invested in your channel through improving your camera, audio and editing quality. I’ve always loved your videos but I have to say it does make it easier to watch! Finally, I was just wondering where you got your dotted tracing paper from?

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I always knew the technical side of KZbin would take some time for me to invest in but I'm glad I did! My dot and cross paper is from an industry suppliers here on the UK called Morplan. I bought a massive roll many years ago and it's still going strong 😁

[@Toyon95]

This was a really nice example of history bounding!

[@laurawilliams7782]

This may not be feasible for you or necessary depending on the amount of eyelets you do, but there is an eyelet punch called the Big Bite Punch which stands on a table and can be operated more easily. I use it because I do not have the hand strength to use a handheld punch, and i think hammering would kill my arms. I use it for paper but it does say it works for fabric too. It is pretty heavy, but it makes eyelets possible for me. It does only do two sizes of eyelets though - 3/16" and 1/8" which may be too small for your purposes.

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you for the suggestion! I had a traumatic experience with an industrial grommet press, exhausted myself to the point of fainting alone in a strange workroom, very embarrassing. So I'm always looking for something that's in-between the two extremes 😊

[@chazhoosier2478]

I am just commenting to help Claude's algorithm.

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I really appreciate the support ☺️

[@IAmCraftingAgain]

I'm scared of sleeves, only made something with sleeves once 10 years ago. Now I draft my own patterns as bought patterns really annoy me due to fit issues, so am not sure where to start sleeve drafting.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

I am still sifting through KZbin. I stopped to say commendations on facing something you didn't like & making it work for you!🎉

[@kjtherrick4031]

Thanks for sharing your not-authentic history-bounding 18th-C-inspired "Poldark" dress-making experience and trip!

[@AlannaEMurdoch]

watching you flail about helps me when I feel like I am flailing about

[@aniying]

I love your top at the beginning of this video! What is it called?

[@LucindaSutherland-w2u]

Do you have a video of you making your duck-tape dress form?

[@sundaysewing6896]

I really enjoyed the rage moments- so relatable!

[@dawnmason9558]

Gorgeous dress it looks lovely on you. You looked beautiful that is all that matters.

[@CamthalionSpirit]

“Those fucking rivets” that’s exactly how I feel about buttons. I’d rather sew a fake button with a snap at the back. Or a slide on pants.

[@RetroClaude]

These things are sent to torture us in our own personal sewing hell 😂 fake buttons all the way!

[@jackiejames4551]

All in all, it's a nice dress.

[@mandylavida]

I love Cornwall and I love that dress!

[@coreygilles847]

It is lovely!

[@lesleyharris525]

Hi,your dress is looking lovely,did you have a good time in Cornwall? I used to live in Helston many years ago,summer in Cornwall is beautiful but it's the damp and foggy winter months that are the problem.

[@RetroClaude]

I had a lovely time thank you! Glad I went earlier in the year as I hear it's been packed this week!

[@lynn858]

Friend helping me take my measurements: Could you stay still? Me: Sorry. I realized for once I wasn’t slouching.

[@shekthecat]

Have you watched the 1970s Poldark? BBC I think? I loved it.

[@RetroClaude]

I haven't seen it! Perhaps I shall track it down and give it ago ☺️

[@miaochs7716]

The the positive ending

[@cindyrosser2471]

I never got into Polldark, too brooding for me. Also I don't care much for the 18th Century either. When I think of Cornwall, I tend to think Daphne Du Maurier & Rebecca.

[@RetroClaude]

Oh if you don't like brooding it's definitely not for you! But Daphne du Maurier is one of my favourite authors. I've just finished The King's General which I bought in the gift shop at the actual Jamaica Inn! 💚

[@andreaclough44]

@@RetroClaude du Maurier is one of my favourite authors too. I’ve just re-read Rebecca, and it’s different every time - and even better this time round. I’m currently re-reading My Cousin Rachel, which is even darker but equally gripping. Lovely dress, and I so admire your perseverance.

[@Tealeafsong]

Lovely.

[@thorunns.craftstudio]

you keep using the term "rovings" but i have never heard that term used for anything other than a type of yarn...please, what does it mean? thank you!

[@praxisfurnaturheilkunde5394]

Ja, echt toll umgesetzt!

[@RetroClaude]

Danke!

[@alexgould9244]

You're really starting to look like Vicky McClure with that hair!

[@RetroClaude]

Ssssh don't tell the OCG or we could endanger the whole of AC12 😂

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

If you ever need to do 18th century in the future, consider peasant clothing. No hoops, panniers, ruffles, fashionable pointed bodices, etc. We don’t always have to be the uppermost tiers of society!

[@Toyon95]

What kind of fabric is "calico" ?

[@RetroClaude]

Calico is undyed 1 to 1 woven cotton. It's commonly called muslin in other parts of the world but as muslin is actually a sheer/lightweight fabric traditionally of very fine quality from Bengal I find it very confusing that the cheap, course, undyed cotton commonly used for mock ups gets called that.

[@Toyon95]

@@RetroClaude Ahaa I see! Thank you.

[@LonChaneyJrfan52]

I enjoyed this, it’s also kinda nice as a mobility aid user myself to see someone adapting shapes to their own needs. I also really appreciate as someone still new to pattern drafting that you included the part where you took a step back and went hey why am I torturing myself with this tedium when I can get what I’m going with this way even if it’s not ‘historically accurate’

[@Gandellion]

Honestly I hate the 18th century too, 17th yes 19th yes, but 18th is just eugh. I think the lingerie dresses are quite pretty but a lot of it just seems to be void of aesthetics 😂 maybe it’s just really opposite to contemporary tastes

[@RetroClaude]

I'm so glad I'm not alone! I've never understood why it's so popular!

[@Gandellion]

@@RetroClaude Right!? I know plenty of people love ruffles and bows and extraness, not including us it seems! Like 17th century boys looked extravagant and suave but the 18th century just got powdery and not cute

[@Gandellion]

And those PANIERS no.. a ridiculously wide yet shallow bum is not it for me I like proportionality thnx

[@RememberRox]

You look so muck like Blake Lively!