How to sew an easy medieval kirtle

Hello!
I'm so glad you clicked on this video and very welcome. I had originally planned to publish this over a month ago but since having crappy network and lack of time I didn't have the opportunity until now. I really hope you will enjoy it.
Just a little warning first:
I am not an expert in historical costuming, even if I am talking in the video like I am 100% sure, I am not. So don't take everything I say too seriously. I am just a happy beginner that want's to share what I've learned and I hope some things might be interesting for you, but if there is some uncertainty, please ask, and If you want to continue learning more, I have written some links I think can be interesting for you below.
BLOGS:
cottesimple.com/tutorials/stra...
www.simplymedieval.se/category...
handcraftedhistory.blog/2016/...
www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-...
medievaltailor.com/kirtles-ov...
somnardetbegavsig.com/2019/06...
Extra thanks to Hillevi (@medeltiderskan) for helping me record some of the clips in the beginning and end of the video and running very beautifully from the geese ♥
FOLLOW ME:
Instagram - @Sewingthroughthepast
Pinterest - ElinAbrahamsson
Mail - [e-mail]
MUSIC:
Epidemic Sound

[@AbigailPoirier]

I mean...the dress is nice and all, but *look at the pretty chickens!!*

[@heatherwhitney7442]

Look at all those chickens!

[@Ja-zz2gn]

Lol it reminds me of Micarah Tewers

[@basraabdulle3526]

chickens, your talking chickens what about the girl who did perfect job on the dress. I like chickens, but now is for the dress.

[@MossyMozart]

@AbigailR84 - Yes. They look like they are healthy and happy chickens. My young nieces have chickens that they love, hug, and treat like pets. Until it is time to dispatch them, that is - then they are cold-bloodedly practical. If they were my chickens, they would have to die of old-age before being consumed. ^_^

[@rebeccawayman4219]

I was thinking about the chickens as well. I love chickens.

[@RudesMom]

Fabric was valuable. A lot of preindustrial clothing was pieced (and then patched over the years). By piecing your sleeve you made it more authentic.

[@nachtorchis]

Agree

[@RestingBitchface7]

Jill Padelford and it’s more beautiful that way, anyway.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Yes absolutely! Since fabric was handspun, handwoven and plantdyed, it was extremely valuable and expensive. Therefore, medieval people found a way to make clothes from an very small amount of fabric, and they could have been made just like mine, from less than 2 metres. Then they was used for several years, patched, mended, re-sewn and at the end made into rags.

[@johngalt969]

@@elinabrahamsson9442 Would you ever do an Ancestry DNA test? I'd love to see where the black curly hair comes from!

[@kestrels.9189]

@@elinabrahamsson9442 exactly, it wasn’t till we got into the early 1900 that fast fashion became a thing, with the development of weighted silk. It wasn’t made to last and couldn’t keep up with the fast changing styles either. So, dresses were worn, and usually lasted maybe 3 months, they were cheap to make after a while, and thus just tossed and replaced. ☺️

[@glanni]

This looks like it's the medieval costume starter item. You can simply wear it as is, or you can add different over-dresses, mantles, coats, capes, head pieces, jewelry, belts, etc. And it will always look different and fabulous. I love it, thank you for uploading 💛

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Exactly my thought! It works for everyone! both reenacts and those who do fantasy and inspired, and for both men and women 😊

[@RestingBitchface7]

Elsa Frost it’s also similar to the dresses I wear everyday. I don’t know why anyone would bother with modern fashion, because this is perfect.

[@AH-cy4md]

Yes. This is now on my to-do list of sewing projects.

[@MossyMozart]

@@RestingBitchface7 - I concurreth!

[@kitzya1354]

The piecing on the sleeve is *incredibly* historically accurate for a piece of clothing for those of lower social status - traditionally garments would be handed down to servants, or sold second hand and adjusted to the wearer, so a farmer in the 1840s might have a captain's coat from the 1750, much patched and pieced and adjusted. I have a family example from the 40s of just such work. My grandmother was given a very nice debutante-style dress of the 1920s by her employer when she got engaged, and it was pieced and adjusted by her to a more 40s style to become her wedding gown. The inserts to get the silhouette are of vastly different fabric, but placed so as to look intentional.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

yeah exactly! first I became quite upset about the piecing, but now when I'm looking at the kirtle, I'm very glad I did it. it gives it a bit more character and feels a bit more accurate in a way. Very interesting to hear about your grandmothers dress!

[@emiliesmith9917]

@serendipidus1 People were actually normal-sized, but because smaller garments aren't worn as often (think prom dresses, wedding dresses) and people save them for sentimental reasons, we as modern people look back at extant garments and think "wow, people were so much smaller back then" when in reality only the clothes that survived were.

[@leonamay8776]

@serendipidus1 I think it also depends on income, living situation etc. My great grandmother was born in an "educated" family (her brother was a professor, one became a doctor etc) and married into a land owning family, so they always had enough food and fresh produce until ww2. I inherited one of her Sunday dresses (which she wore as a middle aged woman) and it's probably a size medium. She was shorter than I am (so the length was akward for me and I shortened it to knee length) but she definitely wasn't as tiny as some of the vintage clothes I've seen would have let me assume.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

serendipidus1 but that’s usually 21 inches corseted. And the experts (those who have the extant garments to study) have said that measurement is pretty small, even for the times. Uncorseted, those 21in waists would have been closer to 24in.... which is the size of a UK size 4 these days. And the museums holding these extant garments note that the smaller dresses (most of them measuring 24in corseted) usually belonged to “misses”. Young ladies, who hadn’t had children yet. And a 24in corseted waist is a 27-28 in uncorseted waist, and that’s a size 8 UK. Certainly not even rare today, but far more likely to occur with young women today, just as those measurements did back then. Abby Cox and Bernadette Banner both have videos on historical sizing myths on their channels, and Abby also took part in a Covovid panel about exactly that as well. The people back then were less likely to be overweight, that is absolutely true. And they were a few inches shorter. But they weren’t ridiculously tiny, and especially not when talking about waist measurements. There’s also the survivorship bias of which garments have survived - the smaller ones were less likely to be worn to rags, so they’re more likely to survive. But I have met many women today that would fit into those extant garments. Even the 21in dresses. Molly Burke (KZbinr) is the size of those dresses- she’s got a natural 24in waist. And she’s short. So even today, there are more than a few women who could fit.

[@WitchOracle]

@serendipidus1 people might not shrink for their proms but it is very common for people to be larger years after their proms and weddings. If we based average measurements of everyone today off of preserved wedding dresses, we would not have an accurate sample of the entire population. The point is that the most well preserved garments were most likely worn by much younger women and teens, which doesn't lead to accurate assumptions about the general population as a whole.

[@snyparaustralis540]

"once is a mistake, twice is jazz." -Miles Davis with the short sleeve, if you copied the 'mistake' to the other sleeve, it suddenly becomes a feature, a styling choice ;-) or, as a wood-work teacher i had used to say, "it's not a mistake, it's an opportunity for redesign".

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Aw💕

[@maike__-]

Agree! I hoped she'd do that, because I saw that seam in the beginning of the video when she pulls on the sleeves a little, and thought it looked quite lovely and the way the seams worked with the hem of the sleeve was really interesting and looked intentional and I was excited to learn how it was made and then.. 😂 well it might have been a mistake at first but it was a happy accident :) I might do it on purpose once I start working on my dress ♡

[@FlagCutie]

This is amazing! My crafty friend is always telling me that a mistake is an opportunity for creativity.

[@RestingBitchface7]

Elin Abrahamsson and don’t forget that medieval women often used seam embroidery to embellish these “mistakes!” Perfect opportunity.

[@elisabethm9655]

Yes, I also thought it was a design feature at the start...

[@TootlesTart]

1. You speak beautiful English (Swenglish) 2. I can’t get enough of your videos; they’re not too long-winded 3. You don’t have to be an “expert”. People relate better to someone approachable and real and struggling and triumphant like themselves

[@polkadot8788]

It's great to see you fit it on yourself. A lot of videos use dress forms or models but I'm usually trying to pin things on myself without help.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

If I would have another person to make the kirtle on, or a dress form, I would certaninly been using it with great joy😉 but I haven't unfortunately....

[@maike__-]

It actually makes it easier for us because (from what I read in the comments) a lot of people who sew things for themselves fit stuff on themselves. So it's good to see that it is possible. Thank you for the video, it was amazing and I might feel like making one for myself once I get home from holiday and find some wool-ish fabric ♡

[@AH-cy4md]

Yes! I don’t have a dress form, and probably won’t get one anytime soon $$$$😕. It was fabulous to see you working on yourself, by yourself. 👏

[@merindymorgenson3184]

I agree! I’ve been bemoaning the lack of a dress form as I try to make a salwar-kameez set for myself and semi patterning it off a couple sets that I have that I like the fit of while simultaneously trying to make the changes that would make those outfits have fit better. My husband has learned a thing or two about my process, because as I was bemoaning my difficulties in trying to get the paper pattern right, he said, “so you’ll be making a mock-up, then.” I, who had been trying to avoid making a mockup, as I was sort of counting the previous garments as “mockups” looked at him, grimaced, and said, “guess so.” So, watching her as she fits things on herself and makes mockups is very encouraging somehow.

[@dawn8293]

I was like “what’s wrong with piecing the sleeve? Piecing is period.” And then I remembered that you are sewing by hand, and I had flashbacks to the Victorian walking skirt that I was sewing by hand for months and I pitied you.

[@harrietlucyblack6057]

The piecing on the sleeve is actually quite cute and gives it character in my opinion

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Looking back now, I'm very glad I did that solution, I also think it, as you say, gives the kirtle a bit more character, and feels very accurate 😊

[@twodogzdogue8710]

I got scared to make the dress when I saw the process with attaching the sleeves... It'd be my luck to have puckering around the sleeves & I'd hate to ruin that beautiful wool fabric! How do you know what shape to cut the torso sleeve area? I mean the part the long S sleeves attach to the body of the dress. This would be the hardest part for me. Thankyou for making your great videos, I just found your site today after reading about Jane Shore, the English mistress of Edward IV who was sentenced to walk through the city of London barefooted, in her "underwear" - when I read more about her charge of sexual immorality around 1785, turns out she was barefoot, dressed in a kirtle & carrying a taper. (not sure what that is) I got the impression that women wore dresses over the kirtle, or maybe it was women of class & money who used the kirtle as an undergarment? Does anyone know more about this as fashion changed from one period to the next - I find it all so interesting! 💐

[@KelseyDrummer]

I agree Harriet!

[@estelledesigns]

your video production quality is amazing!! and you have such a cute personality and accent!

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Hahah that's something I didn't believed I had! Thank you!😊

[@Ceronocero]

And face

[@mandmatthews13]

Literally exactly what I thought!!!! Beautiful!!!!!

[@polinaignatenkova3634]

I love how in the end showing of the garment you're running and jumping off things and rolling in the grass. It feels like a real peice of clothing instead of a costume. You brought it to life! A historical thing that people did in ye olden days! You made it alive and real. Thank you!

[@candicevee1]

I am a seamstress with 50 years experience and I love your video. You described pattern/ dressmaking in a beautifully simple way. Lovely dress....lovely girl.

[@TorchwoodPandP]

Love your upside down cat. And the S-sleeve instructions, which are really helpful. You also did a sensational job on dyeing your own fabric.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Thank you! I'm so glad you liked the sleeve instructions! I was afraid it wouldn't be clear and hard to follow 😊

[@emilyhunt8853]

8:12 That is the fluffiest cat I've ever seen :o

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Heheh she's like more hair than cat! 😎

[@l.baughman1445]

I loved the kitty crashed on the table during the hand sewing. BIG kitty (also the Executive Producer, no doubt)

[@liesha7495]

Is it a Maine Coon or a Forrest Cat? Or just a domestic cat?

[@sissyrayself7508]

@@liesha7495 it's a Norweigan Forrest Cat. Obviously

[@CavegirlMelanieHobby]

See, that's so funny that you had the sleeve piecing "problem", because in the intro, i saw that sleeve and went, "oh my gosh, that's SO beautiful! What a lovely choice! Pretttyyyyy" and just kept gushing for a solid 3 minutes. I loved it! And you know what? "Who would make a dress out of 2 meters? " poor people during this time period lol and they'd piece and piece and piece some more, then use the scraps for something else, too. You made me tear up, thinking about how I appreciate the beauty in simplicity and even poverty. Thank you!

[@jessicaknox4837]

It’s comforting to know that everybody, EVERYBODY, hates sleeves 😂 I wonder how this design would change for larger busts - any rectangle that fits over my chest will be an absolute tent everywhere else. Must experiment... Oh, and like so many others - here from Bernadette’s timely recommendation 😊

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Heheh yeah it's a global phenomenon😂 Hmm I understand... I am lucky (?) to have a smaller bust so that I can have a relatively close fit at the waist but at the same time be able to pull it over my bust. Wool is a remarkable material though, and I've seen people with much larger busts being able to achieve a really tight fit without any openings. So I think it's absolutely worth a try! Thank you for coming here! You're very welcome😊

[@spindelyshankz671]

Perhaps make the pattern to fit your chest but shape the side seams at the waist to nip in for the waist? I have this problem too and also I have fairly narrow shoulders

[@rs2304]

I was thinking about the big bust problem as well. My idea was to add some kind of simple lacing at the front, back or sides. I'm not sure how historical accurate that would be, or if it even would look nice, but I think it's worth thinking about.

[@ayjamay]

Yeah, I have an extremely large bust. I’m not a sewer, i used to sew b/c my mom did, but that was a long time ago. I don’t see how I’d be able to make this with out an opening or looking like a bag.

[@MajaBiana]

I've a big bust as well and thought just the same, but then there have to have been people with large busts back then like today, so openings in the front and/or the sides closed with buttons or lacing must have been the solution then...

[@AmosAmerica]

So impressive! Real quality here. Thoughtfully edited as well. Please stop apologizing for not being an expert. We value your process as is.

[@dungeondragon3580]

this is literally my favorite style of dress, and as someone who can not machine sew to save her life, I'm hopeful now. It turned out BEAUTIFUL

[@ashleatenny2719]

I, too, feel like the pieced sleeve would've been totally normal for a lower class girl of the time. I think your ingenuity helped to make a better garment in the end. Also your "Swenglish" is adorable.

[@Sanisgillon]

Speaking as a 12th century costume maker, this whole video brings me so much joy. You’ve got such an excellent video persona. Sub scribed!

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Aw thank you! I'm very happy you, as an 12th century reenactor, also liked itl! This kirtle is such a marvelous garment, since it also works great for that period as well.

[@LisaGrimm-LG]

Finally! The metric system! I am sooo messing up all those yards and inches)) Thank you for this video instruction, it's been suggested to me by youtube just as I was thinking about making a medieval dress))

[@MossyMozart]

@Lisa Grimm - Do not feel badly - Americas mess up yards and inches, too. We wish we could start using the metric system, like the rest of the entire globe!

[@wiseforcommonsense]

Here I am being confused with the metric system 😂 Needing to Google to see how big this is

[@karisap]

Oh my goodness, so much work went into this. Not just the dress (all hand sewn holy cow), but the video itself too. All of the camera angles and beautiful shots must have taken so much to achieve! And then to edit them all together- just wow! Respect.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Thank you!

[@SuperBenette]

I think its just wonderfull that the younger ones sew. Its very pretty, I think you are a lovely young lady full of surprizes, be blessed.

[@lisahoshowsky4251]

How did I get here? Why am I watching this? Why do I have a sudden urge to sew a medieval kirtle? But I’m all seriousness I do sew (but never for fairs or re-enactments, yet😉) and this was a super high quality video, and it had a bonus adorable cat to boot!

[@MmeLuella]

this video wasnt too long and you did not talk too much! you rock! and u swinging ur head w the veil at the end was giving me life

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

I'm so glad you thought that! Heheh veils and slowmotion are a good combination😎

[@karo1564]

And your english is excellent!!

[@randomvintagefilm273]

You are right Elin, there are so many variables when it comes to fashion. You really can't just say "A medieval dress". It varies by what decade, what country, what occasion and most importantly BUDGET!

[@raeafoley6131]

I love the medieval period!!! And I love Scandinavia. Our Dad used to sing 'Vem Can Segla' to us most nights when bringing us to bed. He actually went to Sweden and Finland. My Mum has been to Norway and when we were little we often went to Denmark!😇 And we dad all the Astrid Lindgren books!😁 I also love where you live! The surroundings and decor! Totally my taste! I know it's all totally unrelated.😝😇 I'm a recent subscriber...love your personality and approach!:😁 My Mum seems to be the only person that doesn't struggle with sleeves! And she's actually a quilter! 😜The dress turned out beautiful!😁 And the choice of music is great!😇

[@Reticulating-Splines]

As an absolute beginner, this video was wayyy easier to follow and understand than the other CosTubers. If I ever follow a video first it would be this one.

[@daisanders82]

It looks so nice. I've always loved the simpler styles of dress. Don't get me wrong, I also love big sleeves and stuff like Bliauts, but this is something I could wear around my farm doing the chores.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Thank you! Same here! I've always had a soft spot for simplicity and ordinary people's clothes, even if the silks, pearls and golds are beutiful. 😊

[@TheScentofSunflowers]

@@elinabrahamsson9442 I dyyyye at the sights of peasants dresses!!

[@d.tasker4486]

I've been so scared to venture into gored dresses and skirts but you made it so accessible! Now I'm trying to think of a medieval Halloween costume as an excuse to make this! And I'm filled with ideas on how to make a sexy modern evening gown using this pattern as a jumping point 😈

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Hahah I've never thought that way, but it would be so fun! You should definetly do that😏😎

[@sarahebart]

No! You didn't talk too much, and no, the video wasn't too long! I wanted it to just keep going all day! Thank you for sharing your adventures! Please make more... your style is perfect. I tried to make something like this without a pattern out of an old cotton Jersey knit fitted sheet.... not so great! Now after watching your video I'm inspired to try again with the bolt of natural linen fabric I already have.

[@marianmorley]

I loved the sleeve piecing detail before you revealed the reason for it. It stood out as lovely unique look. And it's what they would have done if fabric was scarce and that makes it more authentic. Love your cat and chicken too. Great video.

[@chazolina1283]

I've never seen a tutorial video that was this professional and had such a production value. Your editing is spot on. I loved this.

[@pensword14]

This was such a great video, because it made me look at my piles of fabric and half-pieced attempts at medieval dresses and think "Okay, I can do it this time!" (and I loved the various animal helpers, including the very fluffy cat.)

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

You can do it!

[@eastlynburkholder3559]

Cat help is always good

[@melaniekisler8019]

Hi! Reenactor and amateur historical costumer here! This looks absolutely amazing. I've been having trouble pinning down a good understanding of a pattern for this style dress but you explained it really well, gonna save this video so I can use it when I get to work on a dress for a viking themed wedding

[@annemariegodden]

This was a joy to watch. Your videography is beautiful and your explanation of how to make the kirtle was fabulous for a beginner like me. Thank you.

[@KnyghtErrant]

Fantastic video! I think you've managed to make what can be a very intimidating project for a first-timer very approachable and understandable. The final result was great!

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Thank you so much! That was my goal a little bit, but I'm very happy you thought I managed it! ☺️

[@Harko-]

Not only are your videos interesting and entertaining to watch, they are also cinematic masterpieces! Thanks for putting in all the effort and sharing these!

[@greenshp]

I'm a professional editor - your English is WONDERFUL. And yes, "changeable" is a great word! I was amused at your comments about finding a waist! Yes - it's difficult! I was told once by a dressmaker that most people have a waist of 2". I have one that is 4" (although I am petite) and she was cursing me when trying to get the garment right. LOL

[@riverrun88]

What a great video. Your english is wonderful - much better than many native born speakers. The instructions, for me, are easy to follow. Being a quilter, I am used to hand sewing. Your work is just amazing . Thank you so very much for sharing!

[@0JReynolds]

Loved you video! 😘. Beautiful gown and please don’t forget your scissors, they are outside on the chair 😂

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Don't worry! I took them inside after the shot was recorded 😉

[@jkgonfalon9136]

Can I make an official request to see an up close video of how you fell your seams by hand? Maybe even a short tutorial?

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

More people that have been asking that, and I think it's a good idea! BUT I am really not good at felling seams, I just do as I feel and not after a specific pattern or guideline. I can maybe consider put up a little video here on youtube or even Instagram when I'm doing that. Thank you for your request!

[@dragonmaiden50]

Reminds me of several ancient greek dresses. Basically three large rectangles, woven, sewn, and belted to drape. I also laughed when you were like "the sleeves..." Girl I feel that in my soul. Doing sleeves is like drawing hands lol

[@r8chlletters]

Pre shrink your fabric if working with any natural material you intend to wash often…also French (encased) seams are ideal for things you will wear over and over and need some additional strength. Self measuring is a real challenge so if you have a trusted friend (or a cast mannequin) measure twice (or thrice!) to get it right. This was a fun project to watch you problem solve 🤍 thank you for sharing!

[@RestingBitchface7]

This is by far the most excellent pieced dressmaking video ever. I always make mine from the remnants of an old little kirtle as my pattern to cut out new. But I am super jealous about that fabric; that shade of buttery yellow is so lovely.

[@rebeccasykes1939]

It’s so sweet that you rolled down a hill in your lovely creation! Your exuberance is catching! Please make more videos.

[@wilfred660]

It's turned out to be a Hollywood production movie.. Love your ideas . Scenery also timeless treasure.

[@darknessfierce4209]

I made this based on your video and love it. I ended up using the hem for a scarf (I measured 6" off the ground find it easier to walk and do stairs). Great sun protection and actually cooler than wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Thanks for the video, good job

[@Mishuthlu]

This is so wonderful!! I will definitely try it out!!! Bernadette Banner brought me here, and I am NOT disappointed. Please keep on posting, it's just marvellous❤

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Thank you for coming here! And I'm so thankful you seemed to like it!😊

[@samanthakessel7285]

Also to shape or "tailor" a garment, if you put it on inside out, then you can access the seams easier.

[@nicoledeloncrais5940]

Seriously Elin your swenglish is almost as charming as you are!!! You have done a fabulous job and I love your joy, your commitment and the GORGEOUS way this was filmed, Brilliant Tour de Force! Tres bien! Merci

[@jennhill8708]

My first Medieval dress was Anglo-Saxon. ATT, I couldn't afford wool & it was my FIRST dress! It was a luscious yellow linen. And, I didn't fell the seams. In linen! Oh, goodness! I need to go back & clean up the inside. Some will have to be bound w seam binding, but I love that dress. It's incredibly comfortable & looks very pretty. Perfect for Summer! Like yours! I do not wear trousers, jeans, pants. (In American usage, on the last. 😉) So comfy, pretty, & cool for Summer is perfect! You did a lovely job. Piecing is period & adds to its authenticity. We get to be, for a little while, just as frustrated as the original cast! & we get to fix it the same way she would have. Keep up the good work, Elin!

[@karatepop]

Yesss! I love the lace and the style and the details of the well-to-do Edwardians , but I have always been more interested in the clothing of the poorer classes (possibly because I am a bit of a classist with a serious mistrust of the wealthy). I was just looking into kirtles as I like the simplicity, but also that they can be built upon (hello, proper tie-on pockets). Once I no longer have a baby attached to my breast, it's hello kirtle for me!

[@elisabethm9655]

karatepop There are lots of manuscript images with glorious laced bodices for nursing your little one. This posting’s beautiful golden gown is a maiden’s kirtle, which of course had no such needs. Images of Mary with the babe often have the details pictured to show the proper practical bodice lacings ... good luck!

[@IntrospectiveHousewife]

I understand. I'm interested in the lower classes because almost all of our ancestors (of most of us) were from the lower class. Some were even serfs or slaves, and a lucky few may have been middle class (not much of a social class until the 20th century). I want to envision how the majority lived. It's more realistic. Life was very agricultural. City life was hell for the lower class. They existed though, and they got dressed every day. I think they deserve that attention at least.

[@Yasmine2973]

I wanted shout how cute your cat was(and he/she still is) but then i saw your CHICKENS! They are soooo lovley!

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Hahahah they never leave me alone😂 But luckily for them, they're super cute😍

[@gabestrobehn4698]

I love the fact you talk to us and also enjoy longer videos.. keep up the great work. You inspire me to make a dress for myself all hand sewing.. thank you

[@pineapplejester7191]

I really want to make this now. What's good about this is that it doesn't even look that out-of-the-norm when compared with modern clothing. I think if I wore something like this out in public, most people wouldn't bat an eye.

[@UlrikaMalmgren]

This was such a pleasure to watch. The good tutorial, charming style, beautiful landscapes, comfort that others struggle with sleeves, animals, inspiring music, gorgeous dress... everything was on point!

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Aw! Just what I wanted to hear! Thank you😊

[@canadiannavywife434]

So well done. Huzza. I am so happy to be watching your video. I quite enjoy your honesty and youthfulness. Your English is wonderful and you are very eloquent. I too, love to dye fabrics and have been able to research many colours...even HOT PINK, or LIME GREEN.... that were used in Medieval times. Hugs from Halifax

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

I knooow, plant dyeing is the best!

[@hannahscarbrough5048]

Piecing is Period! Even in the upper classes. You made it MORE historically accurate :)

[@sheriroberts2954]

What a joy to watch! An utterly charming lady and with lots of talent! Gorgeous!

[@lucyannethrope8359]

And oh! Great work, beautyful executed, loved it. A tip, if you want a little freedom of movement in really tight fitted, historical garments, cut the fabric bias to the thread grain and it will stretch a little without losing the tight fit, works especially good in thinner wool fabrics. Got the tip from a lovely tuareg woman in my neighbour hood.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Thank you! To cut fabric on the bias is indeed a really good way of making the fabric, or garment, more stretchy. However, fabric was extremely expensive and valuable at this time and to cut on the bias leads to a great deal of waste. We see it in hose at this time, but in the overall clothing it would have been so fabric-consuming that it didn't really occur until several centuries later.

[@lucyannethrope8359]

Elin Abrahamsson , I know about the historical part of it. It was more of a general tip. (lessen för eventuell dålig engelska, jag är skitrostig när det kommer till att skriva / mvh genomsnittlig tant)

[@rebekahleib9303]

Thank you for this tutorial, especially the bit about drafting an S-sleeve. Doing something more fitted than just a square sleeve has had me totally foxed for quite a while, and now I'm inspired to try making one. :) Bonus points for hand-sewing the entire thing, I've been there (did a Greenland gown), and hems go on F O R E V E R. I love your fun attitude, and also your kitty and chickens. :)

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

You're very welcome! I knew that I, myself had been greatly thankful if I had had that tutorial two years ago when I started... heheh thank you! I'm actually hemming a Greenland gown right now and I understand what you mean... I will tell Svea and the chickens! ;)

[@AnnekeOosterink]

Oh god, same! Sleeves are the bane of my existance. I always do the square sleeves or if I can get away with not adding sleeves in the traditional sense (puff sleeves, but easy, sleeveless overgowns!) I always take the easy way out. Now I have a good tutorial for how to measure yourself and draft a pattern from that. :D

[@emsmorningglory]

I wish I had a beautiful lake to look out over whilst sewing!

[@MsSteelphoenix]

Sleeves are the devil's work in every period. Lovely video!

[@kirstenmcintosh5899]

This video is perfect, thank you! I've been looking to recreate Eowyn's blue dress from the battle of Helms Deep, but hadn't found a pattern I was satisfied with. Yor tutorial is just what I was looking for.

[@sarahisavampire]

Kirsten McIntosh OOOOOOOOO!!!! That would be marvelous!!!!

[@annetteleggett9854]

Wonderful job on your kirtle. Don’t feel bad about the sleeves, I did a period piece once and had to redo the sleeves 5 times 😆

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

hahahah ooh I feel you!

[@celestelinks7531]

I absolutely loved the way you made it simple for us who are new to the scene to understand. Thank you very much, it was beautiful.

[@CookbooksonRepeat]

As a former theater costumer, I’m so impressed with your seeing skills!! I’m also amazed at how you can fit it on yourself and pin pieces while they are ON your body. Wow!! Nice work!

[@mariemakesstuff]

Thank you for posting such a clear demonstration of your construction process! I have been long wanting to dip my toes into medieval costuming (I have a degree in medieval studies and have done plenty of period cooking and baking, but have never done any historical sewing!) and this video makes it really accessible. Thank you!!

[@HarryP457]

This is excellent. A super easy starter pattern that can be built on. From this you could split the sleeves and add buttons, do the same to the front of the dress with buttons or lacing. Love it, thanks for posting.

[@deliatorres1054]

A veces somos incapaces de coser roturas pequeñas...y tu has cosido TODO el vestido a mano, sin máquina, 👏👏👏👏👏, realmente hermoso video, no entendi nada, porque no hablo tu idioma,pero cuando uno está frente a esta clase de videos...no hace falta entender el idioma,simplemente disfrutarlo. Te mando un fuerte abrazo desde Argentina.🇦🇷.🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️

[@lydiarowe491]

Taking us back in time to when the clothing had a romantic essence..you have captured it perfectly..making it all by hand sewing was also a challenge taking you back to when there weren't machines to do the job..have enjoyed your creative energy.⭐

[@abselby]

8:10 IT'S SO FLUFFY I'M GOING TO DIE! Lovely tutorial :)

[@katemolyneux4288]

Absolutely loved your video! You dont talk too much, your accent is wonderful! I thought I was the only weird person who trusted to fit things on myself, by myself. There is no dress makers form that comes close to my weird figure !

[@shirleyedhel6010]

I loved the video. Congratulations and thank you very much. Although Brazil does not have a medieval history, I love everything about that time. Hugs from Brazil.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

I'm so glad you did! Yes the Middle Ages is a very interesting period, both regarding the clothing but also the whole society :)

[@IonIsFalling7217]

The pieced sleeves are one of my favorite details! Beautiful! Plus don’t you dare make fun of your English. It’s incredible and I can’t even imagine making such beautiful and eloquent videos in a second language!

[@megongaga1984]

I would die for that cat! So fluffy 😍😍😍 I also can't wait to sew my own kirtle!

[@findingforests]

I didn't think a sewing video could be this epic and fun! :D It looks great!

[@Mrsadams1]

Wow. Great video! I saw your link from Instagram, and am not disappointed. Very clear instructions, very simple design, and you have a very comfortable teaching style. Beautiful location, too. I am a domestic historian and a historical seamstress/costumer, and I think you’ve done an excellent job. I can’t wait to see more :)

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

This is such a compliment to me! Thank you! I'm so glad you thought this way😊

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

This is such a compliment to me! Thank you! I'm so glad you thought this way😊

[@Dragon34th]

I like your dress & I'm speechless you've actually sewn it by hands because that's a lot of time of seating around. You're a discipline child keep it up :)

[@maryannefitzgerald9191]

This looks like the perfect place to start and just they type of dress I was looking for. It seems simple enough for someone just starting out sewing historical dresses. I love that you did the research to get it right historically. I have found that my family history dates back to the middle ages and I also have Viking ancestors. Sewing dresses that are historically correct is very important to me. I thought your presentation was lovely. I love your enthusiasm and sense of humor, it really kept me engaged and made me want to watch it till the end to see that final result. Thank you so much for sharing this little piece of your life with us!

[@mausandthimble]

This is the most EPIC sewing video I have ever seen! I got only 2 minutes in and I HAD to subscribe (and the video just got even better from there)! What an amazing cinematic and thoroughly educational tutorial! Well done and thank you, Elin Abrahamsson! I will definitely stay tuned for more sewing ADVENTURES, this truly was one! ~Darla

[@sarahmarin3203]

The editing of this video is beautiful and you have a lovely personality for the camera. I love 14th century styles and I may finally learn to sew so I can try this pattern out!

[@emilywelsh5359]

Oh my gosh. I cannot tell you how perfect this video was! I was looking for a beginner medieval dress and I love how you just measured the pattern!! I am so excited to try making one of my own, thank you for sharing this project. You are lovely!

[@judithpatrick2207]

What a spot on production..Brilliant color choice for your creation. Hand stitching I love to do when I need a little calm in the storm..Thankyou

[@meatsword988]

“There’s only some hem left. So that should be possible” *dramatic battle music starts*

[@bonniecolleenpappin8807]

Oh, I wish there was a love button! Beautiful everything, and loved the Swinglish.

[@gaychoitz1657]

Your English sounded fine to me and your video quite delightful. Thank you for sharing your time in the past with beautiful scenery and enjoyable music.

[@achanwahn]

For anyone watching, you sew the sleeves before sewing up the sides. Sew from the wrist to the bottom of the dress. I learned this the hard way. Hope it helps someone else

[@hannahgauche]

Lovely video ❤️ your English is really good! And the video was perfect length, I really enjoyed it ❤️

[@kimberblue13]

Your dress has turned out lovely. Everything you've made is so well done, and I absolutely love the shade of yellow you dyed your dress. The style really is very versatile. Here's wishing you many more happy re-enactments. Oh, and don't you worry about your "Swenglish", you're doing just fine. :)

[@mekkiepoo]

Your sleeve dilemma was actually historically accurate XD fabric wasn't cheap so having perfect panels wasn't too common. Piecing fabric scraps together is how it was usually done!

[@ec751]

wow, i mean... what an amazing piece of work, video and all. incredibly inspiring and pairs beautifully with a bubble bath. much appreciation.

[@HomeWithMyBookshelf]

I love this video! So pretty, and also useful! And I love the footage of the dress in the beautiful Swedish forest!

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Hahah me running around in a kirtle and veil in the middle of the forest was certainly a...interesting sight. Poor animals😂 Thank you though! I'm very glad you liked the video!

[@mochi5512]

The dress honestly looks similar to the ones Lucy and Susan wear in Narnia ;u;

[@Diniecita]

Oooh. New use for this pattern. I love those costumes

[@whiskyyarn2234]

I love this clip. Thanks for sharing your journey. Made me gasp at first I thought you were cutting a sleeve from one of your other pieces. Love the joy in your face seeing it come together. Well done.

[@abby520]

i’ve watched this video over so many times as i’m making my merida dress, ITS SO HELPFUL THANK YOU

[@AddriBlack]

I was excited when you posted, and then got even more excited when I saw your video got shouted out by Bernadette. This looks amazing, and I'm really looking forward to your future videos!

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Thank you for coming here and watching! You're very welcome😊

[@TreiaSaint]

This. Is. Gorgeous. You, the dress, the relatability, everything. Keep it up. I was in such a grouchy mood and just happened upon your video I’m feeling better. Thank you so much for this.

[@lizziedawson4941]

Such a great video series -- and great dress. Look forward to seeing more.

[@aurorap.7578]

I was so invested in this video the music was spot on