I made a Couture Edwardian Skirt on a tight deadline cause I'm a bit of an idiot. // sewing vlog

[@AbbyCox]

Thank you to Native for sponsoring this video! Save 33% on your first Native Deodorant Pack-normally $36, you’ll get it for $24! Click here bit.ly/nativeabbycox3 and use my code ABBYCOX3 Here's the link to Margaret Blair's System of Sewing and Garment Drafting (1904) archive.org/details/margaretjblairss00blai/page/n13/mode/2up Here are other videos to watch if you're interested in basic Victorian skirt construction, petticoats, and underpetticoats: 1897 skirt: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmKxo5ihmamJjZI Petticoats: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGHShauwnZhjmsU Ohhh Corsets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3yadniKjbKpqtk

[@tanjahorvatserbiaoldslavsh4685]

You and you're friends are so fun and hilarious. Your dogs are very cute fun furry babies.

[@RachelAnnPotter]

Yay, I was in need of more native deodorant 😁

[@ephinyus]

I am new to sewing, and having a horrible time trying to find decent plus size patterns... 3x specifically. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@RachelAnnPotter]

@@ephinyus I take patterns (12-22 sizing usually on the package) and use drafting paper to adjust. I have made three attempts at bodice front pattern pieces to properly fit my boobs. Have some random fabric to play with (I use old table cloths and sheets quite a lot).

[@ephinyus]

@@RachelAnnPotter I will definitely keep that in mind. Thank you! The problem is, I've never tried using a pattern before, since I can't find anything in my size, so I have no idea how to adjust anything lol

[@rburns8083]

The opening for this video actually caught my husband's attention enough to watch a sewing vlog with me. I feel like Abby deserves an award for that.

[@mirandabeaudry7936]

That is amazing!! Did he have any specific questions? Lol

[@emmareisenberg8107]

That is so cute!!!!

[@rburns8083]

@@mirandabeaudry7936 Nah.. he could care less about sewing, but Abby's humor doesn't require an interest in sewing to be appreciated.

[@Elizabeth-rq1vi]

My hubs actually paused & looked at it for a tiny bit & it was playing as we got ready to leave. I just showed him the finished skirt & he was impressed how well it looked. I did tell him Abby’s credentials-which are impressive, especially to a theatre dude.

[@gabrielec.1877]

@@rburns8083 mm myyyûn

[@EsmereldaPea]

"The Edwardians, being the extra bitches that they are . . ." Oh Abby you bring me such joy!

[@HJKelley47]

Just think 20-30 yrs from now, that is what they will be calling us!

[@muckspoutmillinery8008]

Hour 1 of sewing: EVERYTHING must be PERFECT Hour 5 of sewing: Eh it won’t matter if I make little mistakes Hour 10 of sewing: Why did I do this, nothing matters Hour 24 and on: i DON’T CARE IF ITS JANKY I WANT IT DONE

[@picmajik]

Sounds too familiar to me

[@splendidcolors]

Describes most of my art projects TBH (unless it's for a paying client)

[@PuddleJumper42]

As a cosplayer, Abby desperately trying to hand sew difficult fabric on a tiny table in a badly lit hotel room was too relatable.

[@juliemiller9258]

But, it gave it an old time sweat shop vibe

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I felt that so deeply. My cutting table is very narrow, but because I’m a wheelchair user, I can’t get on the floor to cut things out. Which makes cutting large pieces…. Difficult. I’m an in the air sewist, so I think I’d also have a lot of trouble trying to sew on a table, keeping everything flat. Trying to hand sew anything while it’s flat on a table is just very difficult and slow. And the outcome, given those difficulties? Man, Abby is my sewing hero!

[@alisha8705]

Why are they so badly lit? Don't they know we are on vacation?!

[@MossyMozart]

@PuddleJumper42 - It sounds like Abby may have cracked open the hotel minibar....

[@Triumphantmama]

CONCIERGE! I would have called the front desk and asked for help. You never know what the business Center might have had.

[@tjs114]

I haven't actively participated in the clothing recreation world in about 30 years, but I remember a good friend nearly drive herself to tears planning and practicing to make a dress like this until she learned a trick from her grandmother who was a seamstress for a fashion house in Paris during the Edwardian era. I vividly remember this because Mary shared the letter her grandmother wrote during a workshop hosted by PEERS. Apparently the house she worked for would lightly starch all of their netting and lace before sewing it together. After assembly, they'd use a horsehair brush to remove all of the starch, allowing the work to 'relax' back into its natural form. I know Mary took that idea and ran with it and it worked. She did cheat and use a spray starch, but I imagine her grandmother would approve because those fashion houses were, in her grandmother's opinion, far more concerned with making dresses fast than making them to last. I imagine that would be an answer to the self-destructing hems you have issue with as well.

[@alexismontez4230]

Starch (and gelatine) are both still used for wrangling wiggly fabrics like chiffon and thin satins

[@curiouslywoven9737]

We use light starch in bobbin lace making as well - especially with very fine pieces before removing them from the pillow. It helps them hold form and is easily washed out with a gentle soak in water before pinning flat to dry

[@gregmunro1137]

Personally, If I’m Quilting difficult pieces, I will apply starch first and I have done it when dealing with smaller parts in assembling clothing. It really does allow you to get the perfect seam and because you can get a good finger hold on the fabric and not worry about sewing through your finger tip or getting the bone smashed on the screw that holds the foot in.

[@teresaellis7062]

I will have to remember these tips for when I work with fiddly fabric. I usually avoid it because of previous struggles. I will give starch a try when I am working with old denim. It tends to stretch and shift and made a mess of my recent project.

[@alexismontez4230]

@@gregmunro1137 for machine sewing fiddly things, an awl/stiletto really helps with maneuvering fabric without risking your fingers. A bamboo or metal skewer would work too. You kind of trap the fabric between the awl point and the throat plate, so the fabric moves together with the awl point.

[@skirtedgalleons]

Wow, that's f-ing gorgeous so far. The safety pin trick is great. I've had pins just fall out of certain fabrics, like they were jumping out of spite. Somehow this entire video made me realize that we costumers are BOTH the wealthy lady who ordered the fancy dress AND the Worth seamstress rushing to get the dress done. Also, please ALWAYS have a whole passel of dogs yapping as y'all fit expensive dresses. It makes me unironically happy every single time.

[@lajoyous1568]

"Because I'm Nichole's neighbor"... is the best reason/excuse ever. Loved this and it's beautiful 😍

[@Chibihugs]

Is the deadline ridiculously tight and the project complicated...possibly! Is this style of net and silk gorgeousness worth all the bother... Oh hell yes! Is there one marvelous costuber bold enough to take this madness on and bring us along! There is and she is a treasure!

[@Hair8Metal8Karen]

Why did I read this in the "we're 106 miles from Chicago" bit from Blues Brothers

[@karowolkenschaufler7659]

"here we see a wild abby in it's natural habitat. pay attention to how it leans over. and also to how it decides to be a stubborn victorian lady about a detail on an edwardian skirt. wild abbies are rare. we are really lucky to see one."

[@annbrookens945]

I absolutely LOVE that Abby, Chrissy, and Nicole live so close to each other! So many of us have NO ONE nearby who share our interests, so it is encouraging to see your friendship!

[@aliceg5327]

The frustrated rage at the impracticality of the gause is SUCH a mood. I love it.

[@mirandarensberger6919]

But Abby, how do you really feel about gauze binding? (Admittedly, it is the dumbest idea I've heard in a long time.)

[@lorettatollefson7010]

"Roll you into the ballroom" gives new meaning to being placed on a pedestal. I love it!

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

Man, watching you with Chrissy and Nicole makes me MISS a great girlfriend who just walks in and helps out, with whom you can laugh. The skirt is ABSOLUTELY gorge!!!

[@dabbyabb]

Yes. Friendship #goals

[@lorisewsstuff1607]

I love the skirt but what makes me jealous is you three together. I so wish I had sewing buddies. That would be heaven. All I have is my husband and he tries to hide when he thinks I need help. 😆

[@adahusten2188]

I had a stupid idea on Friday that I could make a kirtle with a drafted pattern that I hadn't done a mock up for the night before Renn Festival. My friend lent me garb. And I had a blast.

[@agypsycircle]

I’ve spent the day before a ren fair or SCA event literally sewing full outfits for about 7 people. By the end I was looking at everyone saying, ‘You owe me your SOUL!!!’

[@benvanderpool1385]

@ A Gypsy Circle sooooo true I just joined my local kingdom in the SCA and am still trying to make and buy and find garb and have done some the day of!

[@cynthiaward7449]

Jaw dropped, eyes popping open, whispering, "wow!" I cannot wait to see this finished. I also LOVE that you have friends who will just show up at your house with their dogs and help you pin silk. I have really, really good friends who would help me hide a body, but I don't know anyone who would help me pin silk. (They do know their dogs are welcome at all times, of course.)

[@soraslayer7035]

I really love the black over the cream rather than a stark white. You are so skilled.

[@MossyMozart]

@SoraSlayer - And I think that a ribbon corset in matching cream would be SMASHING! (The beauty of ribbon corsets is almost enough to get me to wear one.) Here is Nicole Rudolph's ribbon corset - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGq3op5tpsekeKc

[@TheAgeofFabulous]

OMG the suite situation made me cackle because I’ve had that bait and switch situation happen to me before as well. At least you didn’t get a haunted hotel room, like I did one time when my friend and I were traveling…it was a dark room and the lights would tun off and on by themselves along with the TV (in the middle of the night no less!)

[@AbbyCox]

If it was haunted I would have been like "OK YOU HAVE MY ATTENTION, BUT I DONT HAVE TIME FOR BULLSHIT. ARE YOU GOING TO HELP ME SEW OR NOT? IF NOT GO TOWARDS THE LIGHT AND LEAVE ME ALONE." 🤣

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

@@AbbyCox A haunted room might have been helpful because Ghost of Edith attended many a ball before hanging herself in said room... and would have given you very helpful tips on how it would have looked. Perhaps she was a dressmaker and could have passed a night with helpful sewing! "Ooohhhh... I have come to haunt... wait. Is that a net overlaid silk skirt??? Stay asleep, dearie! I'm getting in some quality stitchery time!!"

[@bishoukun]

@@AbbyCox I SWEAR you are an alt-univer version of my aunt, Abby. It's hysterical! She would be the exact same way about it.

[@becauseimafan]

@@AbbyCox 🤣🤣

[@ragnkja]

@@thebookwyrmslair6757 “Finally a guest who needs my help! How is a departed dressmaker supposed to do enough good so that she can move on to the afterlife when nobody needs help with anything more than a quick mend or a loose button?” The only downside, of course, is that she’d turn on the lights really bright so that she could see what she was doing.

[@bishoukun]

Life goals: Be confident enough to do things the way they're most comfortable and effective and easy and show the internet that it's okay not to do everything "the proper way" just because it's... expected? by people with different values. This was a lot of fun, and I'm 1000% convinced that you are somehow an alternate universe combination of me and my aunt that got catapulted into this universe and I ain't mad about it. You're so much fun to watch. I love watching the others, ladies and nonbinary lovelies alike, and I love them for them and their content, but you have a totally different energy. While they're often very soothing and gentle, you're refreshing and dramatic, and I feel like that makes this community feel complete. We have a full spectrum of loveliness for every mood and state of mind, from Cathy, Nicole, and Bernadette, to Sewstine and Morgan, to you. I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@feezlfuzzl564]

Don't forget Rachel Maksy.

[@rebeccabutler9728]

Well said.

[@bellasmith8821]

Agreed 😊❤️

[@muckspoutmillinery8008]

As soon as she said “really tiny running stitches by hand” I was like oh no... good luck with that girly.

[@AbbyCox]

They became tiny spaced back stitches, but that's usually what happens when I go "i'll running stich" and it's just faster for me to to spaced back stitches...(*cries in over 12 hours of handsewing for just the lace application alone*)

[@muckspoutmillinery8008]

@@AbbyCox Girl it hurt me to watch you do this lmaoo

[@ginanearftworth4404]

"I didn't record me hand sewing this fiddly fabric, no one wants towatch that." ME ME ME!!! I totally would sit and watch you sew while I do my needlepoint. I LOVE watching your sewing videos!

[@giulioprince1610]

“have you ever had a stupid idea?” yeah, like all the time

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

I call those my JoGenius ideas. Usually they lead to staying up to 3am working, and then wondering the next day, "what was I thinking?"

[@SimpleDesertRose]

Because Nicole is my neighbor has got to be the best excuse ever. "I have regrets" 23 minutes later, beautiful skirt that is simply TDF. Abby has the coolest friends ever.

[@rhaegnarok]

"Have you ever had a stupid idea?" Yeah an embroidery-heavy cosplay, done mostly by hand because I too am a masochist

[@adahusten2188]

Also, I want to add that 1)the skirt is gorgeous and 2) I love seeing you and Chrissy and Nicole interacting with each other. You have such a beautiful friendship and it gives me all the spoons.

[@TudorositiesbyMaureen]

Reaching through the time vortex, Abby. There was a cat hair at the right spot on my screen where you were wondering if there was something on your camera lens, weird. The final spin looked like you were floating, wow! Your hard work has paid off, after readjusting the overlay from the minor plant attack, it went back into its correct place over the satin, so its leveled spot on. Can't wait for your coordinating blouse video for this project.

[@tammyreneemc5552]

Omg abby! Sir! No sir! No sir! Then when you stand up hes like oh-oh shes getting up! Then he bolts off! 🤣 I watched it like 40 times girl! It made my day for you to leave that in! Thank you! And when you kicked that skirt back around, ahhhhhhh, goals right there momma, GOALS!!! 🤯💙🤩

[@kellyoconnor5684]

Absolutely beautiful--I laughed at your description of the crazy Edwardians who thought that silk chiffon would be a great skirt hemming fabric, but your fluff at the skirt hem truly does give the whole thing a lovely loftiness. And thank you, too, for your supply list and the hours that this creation took--that's really helpful. Can't wait to see the bodice--you shall be the belle of the ball!

[@sarah-phillips]

Me who know nothing about dressmaking: underskirt, pocket, lace over skirt, sequins...so that’s just four things! You can do it! Kidding. I’m so amazed by the craftsmanship and time and skill that goes into something like this. The skirt turned out friggin’ GORGEOUS. As a gal obsessed with that late Victorian/early Edwardian time period, this skirt has me fanning myself. I cannot wait to see the bodice!

[@Believesinpeace]

I can so relate to the “I don’t know why this makes me panic” comment, have been going through that right now with my knitting. Up to the stage of sewing pieces together, even going as far as starting something new to avoid the dreaded putting together part. With three items all at the sewing stage, had to force myself to start, one finished, two are pieced for neckline completion and knowing that the intended recipient is in active labour, my deadline is now. And after every seam I think how easy it was, only for that panic to start up as I start the next.

[@annie4424]

That skirt turned out beautifully! It’s so pretty…I want one. BTW, thank you for sharing the amounts of the different fabrics you ended up using. It’s really helpful for those of us who have to save up for months to be able to buy fabric to have a better idea of how much we actually need to save up for.

[@AbbyCox]

It took me a while to wrap my head around how much is in that skirt and all the different components...I shocked myself, tbh.

[@cincocats320]

Having made the drive up to Oregon I can affirm that there are parts of northern California that are are absolute sweaty arm pit stains. Then you hit the mountains it is gorgeous but you are gripped by terror as the trucks tailgate as you plummet down the seemingly too narrow mountain roads at 80mph. Glad you made it home safe and looking forward to seeing this gorgeous confection completed!

[@HouseHooligan]

I am so guilty of the “okay, but you know what would be amazing?” in many areas of life. 😂 The skirt is truly stunning!

[@kiragarvie]

Abby, you might want to try quilting safety pins next time! They have a curve in them that makes them much easier to put in and take out of big flat pieces of fabric - they are used for basting quilt layers together before the actual quilting is done.

[@MioMyDog]

13:54 the table wagging tail is just extra cute :D

[@reniekittelhinnenberg8593]

I am so impressed with all your skills as a Mantua maker a.k.a. seamstress. The skirt is stunning, however, the most beautiful part of your video was when you kicked the skirt when you turned. The flow of the skirt and netting was stunning, it flowed like water. Can't wait to see the bodice.

[@juadonna]

Yesss! The Skirt - Kick! It Looked so natural, especially in slo-mo!

[@Lunareon]

Why, yes, it is a very fine doggo tail swishing behind the table. Also, the skirt looks absolutely gorgeous. Looking forward to seeing the whole outfit!

[@katwitanruna]

The fact Nicole knows when silk is being pinned.

[@Absintheskiss]

Abby falls in love with a highly complex and utterly beautiful project... *Cathy Hay has entered the chat*

[@sarah-phillips]

Haha!

[@tennysoneffie6943]

Where’s Bernadette Banner??? Just found your channel and I’m thinking tomorrow I’ll leave the house work and spend a day in my sewing room.. Be mindful of your back while sewing…..take wee rests and treat yourself to long baths before you go to bed……they are very restorative for aching muscles….. Wish I was thirty years younger 😁…I’d be able to do 10 hours straight hand sewing. Your project is divine. I’ve subscribed and now waiting to see the finished gown.

[@WayToVibe]

I hope someday to be able to do something this amazing and beautiful just for the heck of it. It took me and my friend about 10 minutes to follow instructions on how to do the self-threading feature on my new sewing machine. It's literally four instructions to follow. She's the one who figured it out. Then we rewarded ourselves with spending several minutes just playing around with the decorative stitches, taking turns picking out stitches and doing rows of them in bright yellow on some black cotton.

[@becauseimafan]

^^^ This! This is definitely gonna be me too, when I eventually get myself a sewing machine. I will come across this video again, and I will say, *"It me."* 😌😁

[@SusanYeske701]

Half the fun of a new sewing machine is trying out all of the decorative stitches to see what they actually look like on fabric!

[@WayToVibe]

@@SusanYeske701 Honestly, next time my friend comes over, I'm thinking about just spending an hour with her making a "sampler" out of all the stitches. Like, take a piece of fabric and contrasting thread and just do about 2 inches of each stitch, just so you can see what they actually look like. I think it would be fun!

[@williamsstephens]

@@WayToVibe It is. I've done it.

[@Hair8Metal8Karen]

Me, making an Ursula costume which is almost 3/4 finished: "I need to make these tentacles move..." I also couldn't decide whether I wanted a movie/Broadway/drag inspired or a Marie Antoinette inspired one so naturally I'm doing both. I've never been so happy for a convention to be cancelled 😂

[@ForrestAnna]

Congratulations! It is so beautiful , the way it flows. I can see why women wore these. They become works of art in themselves.

[@naithom]

It's obviously already gorgeous and I can't wait to see the bodice. I just worry as you seem so tired. (I'm an old Jewish mother, it's what we do.) I have every faith that the garment will be fine, just make sure you are as well.

[@TheEudaimonya]

The shape of the skirt and the way it moves is beautiful! I think that chiffon ruffle is ingenious of the Edwardians. You don't see it unless you look for it but it holds the net overskirt up and keeps everything airy and light. Just gorgeous. I can't wait to see the bodice.

[@amymullen9489]

Utterly gorgeous. I'm getting a migraine just thinking about all that fine black-on-black hand sewing, so brava for powering through it..

[@kamilaferens682]

This dress gonna be a BOMB, I'm so excited to see it complete *.* bless u for following your "stupid" idea ;D

[@kathleengabriel3051]

I really appreciate that you show not only the hard work and hours that you put in, but all the help your friends give. It's lovely to see the contributions all of you make to each others' projects. It takes a village to get the dress made!

[@gayanderson2242]

This skirt is achingly beautiful. I envy you friends all living near each other and helping (enabling?) each other out.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

It looks fantastic! Congratulations. I like long chatty handstitching videos, actually. They're so much like the sewing or crafting get togethers I used to go to before 2020. (Tbh, they are the major reason why I watch costubers.) That said, I also appreciate how you show your process & delineate your choices and priorities.

[@DoraG99]

love when your dog was barking and you could see his tail, then the second you stand up he was like "lol bye" 😂 so cute! also, as usual, your project turned out beautifully! that stuff about the hem was fascinating!

[@suzanneirving7257]

I have worked with gauze like this before. I always say it’s like sewing two layers of Jello together!

[@juliemiller9258]

First of all< What a Beautiful Skirt!!! I once saw a dress like these at a little flea market in North Seattle. I remember it being around $100, but I was there waiting for back surgery and it seemed to be foolish to bring it home with me to humid Hawaii to be destroyed. But to make one out of my vast fabric stash during a pandemic actually seems doable. Sewing and creating such beautiful items is such a joy and I am so glad to have been inspired to sew from a young age. Thankyou for this video. These sewing videos have brought so much joy during these dark, sad times. Also, it was fun to see Chrissy and Nicole pop it to help! Like having visitors in quarantine!

[@madelinesertner8791]

The skirt is beyond stunning, Abby! I'm absolutely terrified of working with delicate on delicate fabric (when I made my wedding veil I did it all by hand- gathering, attaching, and trimming) so just looking at the delicacy of the net had me hyperventilating. Good call on the hem binding! This whole video was a lot of fun to watch. Now I'm going back to pleating my nice sturdy cotton fabric. Can't wait to see the bodice, and congratulations to your friends on their wedding!

[@christopherstube9473]

Everytime i see you working on these fin de sicle styles i have a yearning to speak to my grandmothers as they probably knew these fashions and one was a skillful seamstress and tailor that kept me in suits when i was an adolescent and the other was a friend of Liliuokalani former queen of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a very elegant woman herself because the queen inspired her. May they find great rest in the divine presence, but i still wish i could ask them questions. I like the banter of you and your friends as you do this exacting work. Sometimes public libraries have large tables and good lighting to work on if you get in a pinch. I know the one in Missoula does.

[@TessLikesStuff]

I love how chaotic the process is but how it all comes together beautifully at the end... including doggo (naturally) 🤩 - also - City Slickers is 😘👌🏽

[@karenl6908]

"Nicole knows when silk is being pinned." She has a Silked-sense!!!

[@lesaschmidt7668]

Ooohhhhh this is so relatable. I always do things last minute and then towards the end all I can say is “why in the actual f*** did I think this would be easy to do in a short time period?!” But seriously thank you for showing us that we all do short cuts, we all forget some things, and we all can f*** shit up real easy, but you shouldn’t feel badly about it. 💜💜💜

[@alaskacosplay]

Do I want to make a silk and net Edwardian skirt? Yes. Does Abby's video make me want to hand sew net onto expensive golden Duchesse Satin and have a black bodice? Definitely yes. I love your skirt Abby!! You're such an inspiration for us costumers who want to make these ridiculously detailed and gorgeous skirts!

[@jenhaynes4773]

That little kick at the end - chef's kiss! Beautiful dress, can't wait to see the bodice! 👍👸

[@lihan1544]

Girl, girl, girl! That skill! That talent! Like Oh. My. Goodness! I sat here watching this the whole time like this 😱😱(and am now running late for work, but it’s never been more worth it to potentially lose my job) amazing work, as always, Abby! Gosh darn it, I wish I had half the seamstress skills that you do!

[@lynndragon2536]

The Edwardians loved their lace inserts even on chiffon or net overlays

[@flyingtiramisu5208]

"the construction is pretty straightforward. Sew the side seams, *draft a pocket* ..." It's pretty straightforward, stupid clothing industry. DRAFT POCKETS. Sincerely, every women's-clothing wearing human.

[@starshinedragonsong3045]

My daughter was trying on wedding dresses and the first one she tried on, she smiled and announced happily, "It has pockets!" Her whole group of friends, and i, responded in unison, "Yes! Pockets!" She wound up buying a different dress, but we're paying for then to add pockets. :-) It didn't turn out to be the one

[@flyingtiramisu5208]

@@starshinedragonsong3045 the general enthusiasm that pockets induce in groups when discovered is the cutest thing ever

[@wb8695]

I make sure to take all my pocket-able clothes (dresses, skirts..etc) to a seamstress to add pockets. It costs nothing but it adds priceless value so now I don't have to like any of my clothes less for not coming with pockets 😂

[@FlybyStardancer]

Ooooo that looks so pretty! I can’t wait to see the bodice to go with it!

[@wildmntflower]

I just love this skirt so much. Some gorgeous, crazy ideas are contagious. Someday, I want to try this. Unfortunately not until I have a better work area. My everyday table space is like her hotel room.

[@bishoukun]

A wild Nicole appeared! Abby used Confusion! (on Crissy) It's super effective! Nicole used Helping Hand!

[@centurycountess4949]

This was a glorious project, I think one of my favorites was at the very end during the reveal, nature decided to assist and hold onto the train of the skirt with it's green leafy fingers.

[@dee-annegordon5959]

That skirt is stunning. It's also giving me anxiety just watching you make it, especially in that dimly lit hotel room. Can't wait to see the bodice.

[@OriginalPineapplesFoster]

Upon seeing your drafting paper, my brain excitedly shrieked, _"Poster-sized bullet journals!!!!"_ then continued to distract me with how many awesome things one could do with that roll. 😮🍍

[@melissamybubbles6139]

I relate to the project that keeps getting bigger and more complicated. I want to order fall planted blooms for the first time. It has taken a long time to pick out all the types of bulbs and where to put them. I didn't know how many types of tulips there were. I've got almost all of it figured out.

[@bowerbirdstyle7661]

These dresses are so gorgeous! I totally get why you want one. Having an event to wear it to is the best motivation.

[@onepurpleostrich]

"I'm Nicole's neighbor" is such a flex

[@mirjanbouma]

Ikr I'm so jealous 😭

[@yenyen8018]

Absolutely stunning, I can't wait to see the bodice! I also appreciated the practical Victorian twist 🤣

[@wendybutler1681]

To Abby's mom who might see this-- your daughter is incredibly talented. She's funny and articulate and a pleasure to watch and listen to. Always a joy to see a master practice their craft. As life-long sewers we know about the practice part. I swear I've ripped out more stitches than I ever put in! My hands show it, too! I really appreciate your daughter!

[@mojosbigsticks]

It's gorgeous! Thank you for reminding me that 'It's always more work than you think!".

[@sarajodinges771]

Griffy being a brat at the door and then scurrying away, made my morning 💜

[@elfieblue3175]

I totally get that "black fabric in a hotel light" back when I had to improvise making Inverness coats (not capes) for a "suggestion of authenticity" Christmas Carol event - and ended up getting sent out of town for role training at a new job just as the Inverness deadline loomed. "It's fine, it's all fine," became the mantra. Your skirt is exquisite. Don't point out anything wrong with it. Only you can see that stuff.

[@fatsparrowsewing]

Ridiculously stunning! Whatever the garment equivalent of cute aggression is, I have it for that skirt! Ugh! I love it!

[@ashleynilsson8693]

Gorgeous! I love the black and champagne colors! I can't wait to see the bodice!

[@Ace-Lee]

Why yes, Ms Abby. I have had stupidly right deadlines with insanely difficult projects. I usually end up finishing them at 8pm the night before they’re needed. Your skirt turned out lovely, by the way. Truly gorgeous work.

[@KgrK13]

I wish I’d known about the safety pin method for pinning lace, I could’ve used it about a year & a half ago when sewing ghost costumes! (3 layers of black lace & netting for 8 dancers, so I definitely understand lighting issues!) The best method I had at the time was using butterfly pins & those still occasionally slipped out.

[@Rozewolf]

Your trials and tribulations with sewing in the hotel reminds me of all the trips to an SCA event where I'm frantically trying to finish an outfit that got away from me. The skirt is beautiful. Your efforts are admirable, and I can't wait to see the whole gown.

[@brandonmckinney3880]

THE BEAUTY OF THIS THING I CANNOT EVEN NO MA'AM WHY MUST YOU VEX ME? Seriously - this thing is gorgeous and there's nothing that makes my heart go pitter-pat for Edwardian than silk gauze with opaque ribbon binding over it floating over another fabric because oh my god it's just the most sublime combination of visual textures ever. I would have been cursing the entire time attempting to make that thing.

[@josephinekromer2827]

So gorgeous!!!!❤❤❤ I am watching this while hand sewing an 18th century dress for an event in 2 weeks😱 still have 10 yards of ruffle for the hem then sew it onto the skirt and lots of other little things😂 it will get done but Im cutting it close seeing as i have all my work sewing to do on top of it😂 last minute projects for the win!

[@BiologicalClock]

I was just wondering about the progress of this skirt this morning! It's looking gorgeous! Definitely worth the suffering of making it.

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

That is one amazing, elegant beautiful dress! You need a headlamp - little led light on an elastic strap you wear on your head. Seriously. I’m old, I can’t see jack, the thing works for me when hand sewing. Keep it in your travel kit.

[@DipityS]

Oh my goodness! It was so worth it! The gown is beautiful so so beautiful. The netting makes the under-fabric sumptuous and flatters it somehow and the netting itself is exquisite. It must have been a b to sew! Well done! I can't wait to see the next bit.

[@marcytrost2498]

This skirt with overlay is sooooooooo extra!! Don't worry about any imperfections. This can stand up with any House of Worth garment anyday!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

That looks so very lovely!! Well worth the pain to stitch!!! I’m with you on the hem lining what were they thinking! I’ve spent what seems like the better part of my life mending the bottom of snow pants. A light material would last half a second!!! On the latest run of my grandson’s snow pants I even tried Kevlar! It didn’t work and is difficult to work with!!!

[@juliaranks8150]

So friggin beautiful! That skirt kick at the end was perfection

[@delirieuse]

When you said that you had suddenly decided to do a line of sequins, I yelled NO at the screen bc I thought you meant you were going to do a line of individually applied sequins, and I can't imagine that's remotely doable on a deadline. This came out so stunning!

[@recklessmermaid]

im a fairly new subscriber, and that rant about the skirt binding really made me realize what i've been missing all this time. 10/10 historical internet content.

[@k_golly_g]

Ooo, that swish kick at the end there was cool!

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

A great chat to listen to while I hand quilt! Thank you for posting this video!

[@sewmuchsewing]

You smashed that, girl! Go you. It looks FABULOUS. Such perseverance... not to mention skill. I don't know you, but I'm proud of you. Can't wait to see the finished ensemble!

[@anonymousperson4214]

"someone is going to have to roll you into the ballroom" Now I'm picturing the golden carpet scene from Guardians of the Galaxy 2 😂

[@molnotmole3428]

Living on the road & deciding to start hand sewing again when I love black on black, ya I feel your pain. Also sewing at the park sounds fun till the wind starts tying up your thread.

[@matiasthered]

12:05 The edwardians choosing delicate fabrics for their gowns is the most boujee move. 😂

[@marionwieczorek8919]

Oh thank you dear, now I need to make one of these to myself. My other 12 projects will want to have a word with you.

[@rachaelbao]

Aw, I have also masochistically hand-running-stitched that exact flower lace, but mine was elastic and gray, and years later I cut it out and made a head wrap.