How to Sew Your Own 1830s Bodice

[@rebekah-chriss-k4872]

Hurray for hard sewing project videos

[@amandabrooks6209]

As someone watching these to get an idea of how these dresses are constructed before I start making my own, the explanation of how they did the darts makes so much more sense to me, since in my brain it’s more “size practical”. I fluctuate wildly in weight, and since you’re not actually cutting the fabric and can always re-fold and sew in the darts as weight changes and that makes it a more practical way to just fit bodices in general to me

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Yes! I was also amazed when we saw this kind of dart construction on original gowns. It makes SO much sense and ties in perfectly with how dressmakers in the past made things to be refit and refashioned later on.

[@Bealzabub]

Oh wow, that change in angle for "more stout figure" onto the bias for that side back piece is kind of like the equivalent of things like stretch denim would be today.

[@alaskacosplay]

This is gonna help me so much when I make my own 1830s version of Ariel's pink dress from The Little Mermaid.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

splendide!

[@taraandersen3619]

Pad that shit 🤣🤣🤣 love that!

[@engelstraene3]

Thank you, this was so helpful! I'm thinking about doing a sort-of reconstruction of an absolutely stunning early 1830s summer dress I found in a local museum, and since I'm having a hard way to figure out where to start and what to keep in mind when sewing, this video was absolutely perfect for me rn!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Yay! Happy to help!

[@phoenixdavida8987]

Did you ever manage to do it???

[@engelstraene3]

@@phoenixdavida8987 Not yet, unfortunately, I think I'd like to first sew the proper undergarments so this would be a larger project...

[@bernitastone7298]

Love these videos, it’s good to see different ways compared! Very inspirational 😍

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Thank you!

[@michellecrocker2485]

Can we see a video on the construction of the chemise a la Reine or a riding habit?

[@TiciaM]

I'd love to see more of how overlap skirt and bodice were attached. I'm trying to visualize it in my head with the overlap, how that worked.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Hmmm...that's kind of tricky since we're past those videos...but it's pretty much the way it's described (not very exciting, tbh) - it's just overlapped and there is enough fabric in the back of the skirts that it doesn't look weird. However, I'll ask Lauren about writing a blog post about it with some detailed photos! I hope this helps! :)

[@TiciaM]

@@AmericanDuchess1 I understood the one with the back closure, it's the front closure, I'm trying to wrap my head around. If you can get pictures, that would be awesome!

[@TiciaM]

@@AmericanDuchess1 oh, and I forgot to say, but I'm loving these videos you've done.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

I'll pass that on to Lauren - it will be a great thing to cover in the blog! :D

[@Ray-qw9yp]

I wish I lived near you guys so I could learn from you. From NY. I’m a baby sewer interested in 1880s

[@AmericanDuchess1]

we've got videos, books, and blog posts to assist. :-)

[@Ray-qw9yp]

American Duchess I sewed a cravat before with my own pattern, and I’m sad to say I worked so hard on a Victorian skirt pattern. Only to later put a hole in the satin. Satin and my machine were not a good idea.

[@craftsbytinag]

This tutorial is very helpful I am a advanced machine sewer and am about to attempt the truly Victorian TV455dress pattern. Do you have a full tutorial on this or know of a great one to watch?

[@moonsandstars3018]

It reminds me of isabelles costumes in the movie adaptation of "the dwelling place" by Catherine cookson that was set in the 1830s and her costumes are amazing

[@AmericanDuchess1]

I haven't seen that movie - will add it to my "must watch" list. thanks!

[@moonsandstars3018]

@@AmericanDuchess1 it's free on KZbin at the moment🙂

[@kohakuaiko]

We all miss you L.

[@lisaneufeld4567]

When you sew two bias pieces together, you can also stabilise the seam with adding a straight grain piece of fabric on the inside of the seam. Not sure what is historical practice.

[@louiselill1528]

Both dresses are beautiful .I was going to ask about the sleeves lol got to ask are they comfortable they look gorgeous ?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Uhhh...yes and no. (hahaha) They're plenty roomy, but the dropped shoulders can result in limited movement. We've done a video about sleeve patterns, but this next video is going to be about their construction. :)

[@Traybuff]

I would like to see how you make the sleeves but a tutorial rather than to much talking about it. I cant find any video help on this type of sleeve from 1830s.

[@stefaniapilotto7165]

Beautiful clothes! I don't like coiffures of these periods, I prefer 1860 for women

[@AmericanDuchess1]

the hair styles in the 1830s were truly wacky!

[@54321Adela]

I cant seem to find the sleeves video :(

[@secretarit1]

I am planning on making a Mary Shelley costume for halloween and wonted to go off of her 1831 portrait by Samuel John Stump. The pattern that Abby used would be absolutely perfect, would you mind telling me where you got it?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Hi! I'm sorry this is so late! Abby used a mix of Workwoman's Guide & Jean Hunnisett for her bodice and then just did the bertha on the bodice once it was complete. Did you get your gown done for Halloween? That would be awesome!

[@secretarit1]

@@AmericanDuchess1 I have only seen this reply LIBERALLY years later 🤣Thank you so much. Yes I did get the dress made, it was so much fun. I am now making ANOTHER 1830s Halloween dress this year and am swinging back to this video for a refresher

[@lilybloome1601]

Hello! I'm currently in the process of making an 1830's strawberry dress (my first period costume) and I've been bingeing everything romantic era both here and on your blog, and I have some questions. First, the fabric is sheer, and I'm currently planning on underlining all the pieces, and I'm wondering if this would affect the construction of the bodice in any way, or if there is perhaps some historical precedent for working with a sheer fabric? I'm hoping to try to construct mine similar to Abby's, since that sounds easier for a first project. Additionally, I'm curious about the other possibilities for closing the back, as I hate hooks and eyes with burning passion. Current plan involves buttons, which I have no clue if it's historical, but I figure it's plausible. Anyway, I would love any advice you might have:)

[@AmericanDuchess1]

hi! First off - YAS! 1830s STRAWBERRY DRESS! #hereforit. Now - you can indeed just flat-line/mount the strawberry fabric to the underfabric and treat the pieces as one. You still want to line the bodice with something like linen or polished cotton, too. For the back, you can do laces as well.

[@lilybloome1601]

@@AmericanDuchess1 Thank you!

[@scarletcate3888]

How much of a coincidence is Abby’s dress to Gemma Whelan’s dress in Gentleman Jack?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

We used the same Met dress as inspiration 😊

[@scarletcate3888]

I loved the diagonal panels on the Gentleman Jack dress so much and then I saw yours had it and I was excited. I also LOVED both dress materials. The colors are gorgeous and I never knew they had those colors and paid patterns back then.

[@jennhill8708]

Why would anyone vote this down?

[@gabriellecrofts6664]

how do you sew piping?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Hi! Is your question on how to make your own piping or how to set it into the seams?

[@gabriellecrofts6664]

American Duchess both please

[@maggiefulop]

did i just find abby cox… before abby cox?

[@tmbltmbltmbl7737]

you should get rid of that sweater haha, looks like swastikas. yikes.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

ooooh dear...