I Tried to Sew a Pair of 19th Century Stays

Hello and welcome to this video!
In the first part of my project of sewing a whole mid 19th century outfit I stumbled upon a garment in my research. It was titeled "stays" or "corset" and seemed to be a simple version or interpretation of the stays of the beginning of the century. I decided that I wanted to give it a try and then followed a long and tricky process without sources and without information. The end result maybe didn't became perfect but that wasn't something I required either. The project was fun yet difficult and I learned a ton from it.
Pictures and Information in this video is taken from Digitaltmuseum.se and doesn't belong to me
Thanks to Edith Widerström for helping me record the clips in the forest!♡
FOLLOW ME:
Instagram - @Sewingthroughthepast
Pinterest - ElinAbrahamsson
Mail - [e-mail]
MUSIC:
Epidemic Sound

[@billiebluesheepie2907]

I think you are doing it really well. Don’t forget that poor people had to make their own clothes, not all could rely on being given clothes, or paying others to make them. Your garment is more authentic than you think, and looks great.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Thank you!😍

[@Flick-Mistakes]

I was just coming to the comments to say this!!! I think they look amazing and soo authentic.

[@topknotsrule]

I agree. Many would have made their own patterns based partially on availability of materials.

[@JoshuaTClark81]

@@elinabrahamsson9442 Your cinematography is spot on. The stays that your created here have an incredible amount of elegance in their simplicity. Girl, I think that you are well on your way, in your journey as a historical seamstress. If you are creating such elegant and exquisite pieces now, imagine what is in store for you in the future. I am a huge fan, as are a lot of people in the realm of historical reconstructions, textiles, lifestyles, and what not.

[@im_an_oyster]

I love how all your videos make sewing so accessable. Don't have a dress form? Drape on yourself. No sewing machine? You can sew wonderful things by hand. There aren't any good fabric stores near you? Just use an old bedsheet. Keep with what you're doing cos it's fantastic.

[@Floweroftheprairie2720]

Joyce K I agree. Her resourcefulness is incredibly inspirational.

[@StaciaHillGoldNuggetAquariums]

Heather Of the prairie her resourcefulness is amazing and it’s also authentic! The people who made these historical garments didn’t have access to any of these things either, so her process is actually adding to the accuracy of the garments she’s creating. I love it!

[@lisamo1013]

@@StaciaHillGoldNuggetAquariums while I agree, I also think that it's not exactly comparable. If you need to make do with very little, your friends and family were likely in the same situation meaning that you had expertise and helping hands (for draping on yourself) all around you. None of my friends are into sewing so none of them would be able to help me.

[@Jip-en-Janne]

Dang girl! The shots! The cinematography! The music! The storytelling! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@lyndabird9401]

Share her! She’s really great

[@TheGabygael]

The shape reminds me a bit of 18th century jumps,they wee very lightly boned, the support came mainly from the structure of the fabric and they were only meant to support the breast and didn't provide any waist reduction and didn't really shape the body the way a corset, or even stays for that matter, would. I thought the completely dissapeared in the 19th century but its not a stretch to thing that a comfortable padded piece of shape-wear would have been prefered by lower classes for longer

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

I think so too, but one must remember that the originals have belonged to working people on the countryside with their own fashion standards and also the fact that clothing changed slower than in the cities. So the fact that it reminds of 18ty century jumps isn't that strange considering those aspects😊

[@chelseaprater8821]

Yes! This! When the video started I thought the same, I think it was just a "modified" "updated" version of 18th c jumps Meant for comfort, be able to move, and modesty more

[@NotSoNormal1987]

A lot of medieval garments have their curvature put into the side seems and center seems, making a 4 panel garment. My best guess here would be to do a 4 panel top, taking a bit of inspiration from the doublet. (A book called The medieval Tailor's Assistant is a great resource.) The way the pad stitching is done on some of the layers adds greatly to the shaping of the garment as well. Thank you for sharing your work! It did come out lovel, especially given your limited resources! I hope to see more of your creations in the future!

[@MelWatchesYT]

Dear sweet girl, I hope you understand that none of these clothes are perfect. The fact that it isn't "perfect" is the beauty of it all! It isn't mass produced. It is specially made for you and your body. It is, in that way, absolutely perfect. What a fantastic video. Be well!

[@maike__-]

This. Was. Awesome! The editing is so beautiful, the process is shown real and relatable and still beautiful to watch and we can clearly see that you put a lot of effort into every step of the research, the construction, the explanations, the sewing, the filming and the editing. A wonderful video! 💜 Looking forward to more of your work, and I am more than willing to wait for however long it takes you to make!

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Aww thank you!

[@joannecarroll5504]

Give yourself a break, you're doing great. Eyelets would have been a readily available thing back in the day, so ordinary folk wouldn't need to make them like you had to. They'd be made by a local smith or other craftsman or their apprentice. Given the stress they're under, it's more likely that they were made from a harder metal rod (heat treated by a smith) than from a flexible alloy wire like you were forced to use. Something we do in painting - when you feel frustrated with your project, leave the room for a while & take a short break; it's then much easier to see how much you've achieved once you return. Best wishes.

[@sophiashokraei2121]

Interestingly, the silhouette was greatly effected by the fullness of the skirt. The skirt(s) would make the waist appear smaller. You’re doing awesome btw :)

[@mekkiepoo]

So much this. In that picture her corset only looked tight because the skirt padding. The illusion of tiny waist.

[@arianewinter4266]

@@mekkiepoo Thats also how the edwardian figure works. Even with a real, boned corset most of the effect came from the contrast of the straight line the strucktured garment provided with padding above and belowe that made the waist look tiny.

[@ateliernostalgia4088]

It turned out really lovely! Your whole process does make me wonder how the originals were worn. As base-layer for tight bodices and heavy skirts (like traditional corsets), or as extra warmth layer, or as foundation garment for looser gowns? I suspect there's so much more to learn about the ways the (especially) rural communities dealt with foundation garments, and your project was very informative! (Also, a really beautiful video, I would totally watch it for that alone)

[@ragnkja]

The easy way to make lacing rings would be to buy D-rings, provided you could find them in an appropriate size. Also, it’s good that it laced close before Christmas rather than after, because it’s easier to let out the lacing than to take in the seams.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Hahahah that's true😂

[@brumbybailey6599]

Hey! Cool to see you here as well as Fandabi Dozi! Thanks for that idea; I'm interested in making myself leather stays, and D rings will be easiest.

[@TheGabygael]

also stays made for children and teenagers were really straight

[@ragnkja]

Along the Lane Exactly, and because the wearer was still growing, they weren’t in use for as long as adult stays, which is why they are more likely to have survived.

[@crowsrose8789]

I have never seen 1850s or 1860s of that style, although I only know American and English victorian fashions. It reminds me more of before the victorian era.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

It does! I think we were a little slower here in Sweden😂 jokes aside, it is indeed a very old fashioned style but it seems to have survived out in the countryside and the littles villages long into the 19th century here😊

[@crowsrose8789]

@@elinabrahamsson9442 That is really interesting, its always fascinating learning about how fashion progressed in different areas around the same time, it gives you more of a perspective on the way they might have lived.

[@alphie333]

Your videos give off major national treasure vibes and I’m in love with them. Exquisite work. Remember this was a “working class” garment. Flaws were definitely historically accurate. Amazing work.

[@ClusterFrock]

This was super interesting! Swedish dress seems to have always kept its own flavor throughout the centuries, even when the basic shapes were the same as fashionable dress in other counties. I remember noticing the metal eyelets in a Liotard painting of a girl in Swedish dress, and it’s very neat that they were still showing up a century later in Swedish fashion. :D I can’t wait to see the rest of this project!

[@peggyriordan9857]

I just found your channel accidentally and what a wonderful accident! I am amazed that you are doing all of this by drawing on yourself. I'm not sure if you've heard of some of these people but they might be helpful in your efforts. Cathy Hay of Foundations Revealed, Morgan Donner who is very into 14th/15th Century dressing, Bernadette Banner and Nicolle from Costuming Drama. They can all be found on KZbin/Instagram. Foundations Revealed is a group that you have to join and pay for, but they have many free articles and you may find them very useful. I think you are very talented and certainly have the passion for the genre. I hope you are safe and healthy. Thank you for taking us on this journey!

[@charlotteroberts]

Oh my goodness that was wonderful! I enjoyed it so much. I can't deny: when I first saw the teaser I thought "ah, Elin has decided to use a machine for stitching. Those lines by the eyelets are so neat!". You blew my mind. Can't wait to see more. Wash your hands! :D

[@ClueFinderDirtDigger]

You have such an incredible gift for storytelling! I feel like I’m taking this journey of discovery and creation with you, even as I’m just sitting on my couch felling seams. 😆 Seriously, this was such a joy to watch, and I got actual chills when you were lacing up the stays in slow-mo at the end. Can’t wait for more! Take care of yourself. ❤️

[@fiesehexe8133]

I guess you watch both Morgan Donner and Bernadette Banner (if i remember correctly) ? Otherwise check them out. They are both into corsets/stays Anyway, good work and nice video

[@itsshrimpinabag9544]

She is aware of them both, yes. You are safe to assume that anyone involves in sewing, history, and KZbin knows about Banner and Donner.

[@elwind9679]

I love how it looks like you are taking us on a adventure ! Your videos are always a pleasure to watch. They are very interesting and entertaining.

[@karenmcmullan]

Absolutely beautiful work. I've shared it with others that do living history here in Australia. I don't know if this will help, but when I make eyelets I hit them hard with a hammer with a hard surface under them. This seems to stop them trying to reshape when put under stress. If you want to try it, do so with a spare one, not attached to you stays, and see what you think. I'm so looking firward to your next video. Stay safe and stay well.

[@kana0kitsune]

I seriously can't stress enough just how talented you are. Aside from the whole investigation that's already hard enough, all the manual work which is incredible, the emotion that you put in each garment...! It's unbelievable. And I don't know how you do this -I really don't- but you manage to make clothes look like Hollywood stars lol your movie making skills are insane. Everytime I watch one of your videos it makes me travel in time, and gives me this crazy feeling of nostalgia. Also, I think it's really cool how honest you are about the less glamourous side of this. Not just the smiles and last looks, but also the struggles and dissappointments. It's very real. I'm not kidding when I say that you saved me during the pandemic by making me see that perfection is hardly the goal, and that a few falls in the way don't mean much.

[@lazygirlprocrastinatingmas9886]

I'm always amazed by the quality of your work, and given the lack of ressources you did wonderfully. My only concern concerning this garment being for lower class may be the back opening, as it was more common for women of lower class to have front lacing for more convenience, as they have to dress themselves without the help of a maid. Nevertheless, this project is wonderfull and you did really great. Congratulations !

[@susanhillis5952]

It’s really amazing to get to watch the doubts and then have it be shoved aside to just try something to move the project forwards, it might not always have been the best possible move at least you aren’t frozen in fear. Growing up I had a tendency to be naturally fairly good at new things all at once (and decide that I hated anything I wasn’t already good at) which meant that I never got any practice at being bad at a thing and then practicing until I was good at it, so I tend to try and then when I’m not almost immediately good at it toss it in a corner in frustration and terror, as if messing up a couple or hundred times isn’t super normal for trying to self teach a new task. I guess my point is thank you for helping me normalize perseverance and a reasonable progression from trash outcomes, to things you are willing to wear, to things you are proud to show off.

[@Streufuchs]

It is clearly visible how much time and work go into your videos! All those different sceneries and camera angles amaze me, because, as I said, they must be SO much work! And I really appreciate it, because not only your sewing is so interesting to watch, but how you put it all together makes the whole video so wonderful to watch!

[@adriannegentleman83]

considering what you had to work with, image wise, I think you did a wonderful job. Maybe when you are more accomplished at historical garments, you could get a better look at these corsets/stays, by asking the owner/s to look at them first hand.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Thank you! I actually wrote to the museum that had them, but they anwered that they didn't have access to them at the moment, which naturally made things alot more difficult...😔

[@lisahook7978]

I LOVE that you talked us through the whole process! A few things that will help - pad out your mannequin to your measurements. Twisting to mark makes it much more difficult. Do your final fitting on your body. Also, the back wrinkles can be fixed by taking in the back panels at the sides. When you have a mannequin or dress from to work on, draping issues are much easier to solve (because you can see what you are doing!). I cannot wait to see more of your work!

[@Celebrinthal]

I think it came out pretty neat! Especially with the red binding. I think the binding diverts the attention completely for any flaws there might be in the white fabric area. Oh,and the end shots were so beautiful. Waiting for the next part in the series, whenever it may come!

[@ItsJustLisa]

Wow! So this is sounds like what would be called a “senior project” here as we call our high school (ages 14-18) years freshman-9th, sophomore-10th, junior-11th and senior-12th grades. And that’s one heck of a project! I hope your teachers give you high marks for your extraordinary efforts. I don’t know many high school seniors who would completely hand make 19th century garb from the foundations up in order to do a presentation as a 19th century person. In fact, the only two I can think of are now almost 21 and just turned 19, so they’ve already graduated high school. And they’re sisters. I can’t think of anyone else who would have done that to do their senior presentations.

[@Awall79]

Ok, I know this is a historical sewing channel and I love it but am I the only one who would love a hair care video?

[@red0004]

You are such a talented individual and dont stop working and improving! The results will come. I am also in love with the videography and editing of your content. Keep up the great work!

[@mouseluva]

Sewing can be really frustrating when it doesn't go right, but you did a wonderful job! Don't forget that things don't have to be perfect to be worthwhile! The hardest part of learning to sew has been managing my perfectionism!

[@Chibihugs]

This project turned out beautifully and you did such a great job from just looking at photos. Wow. Your cinematography as ever is so lovely, and charming and just does a great job telling the story of your sewing adventures.

[@krisb294]

Hallå! I only know about America, France, & the UK for the 19th C corsets, but in those areas all corsets looked basically the same no matter how dirt poor or crazy rich you were (different fabrics, etc., were used that changed how expensive the particular corset was, but the silhouette & basic structure was the same across the classes). It's very neat to learn about a poor country corset from Sweden; that extent pair looks so much like 18th C 'jumps'/woman's waistkit (worn over stays, but under the gown, or jacket, for extra warmth). From the seams, to the binding, to the front lacing...they look so much like 18th C 'jumps'/a woman's waistkit. I small part of me wonders if this was something that was taken like "this is what the upper class used to wear. I bet we can make it work for us now!" Probably not, but it's a neat idea. The evolution of fashion, not only over time but also from place to place, is fascinating. Keep up the great work, Elin! Your videos are wonderful.

[@caitlinmargaret5190]

Your videos are such a pleasure to watch! You capture the story of your historical sewing journey so beautifully.

[@miriamgillham6701]

So impressed. Wow! Well done you! I have been sewing for over 50 years and have rarely seen quite such dedication to an end result. You are inspiring!

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

How kind of you, thank you!

[@JuulThijssen]

Your work is amazing, and I hope your whole project turns out well. You should be so proud of what you're making, it is really well done

[@ello_verity7667]

Seeing you have to rip out the eyelet seam at the last minute was heartbreaking... But wow you have done such amazing work! I’m thrilled by how faithfully you recreate a piece from very limited information. Also your film work is simply enthralling. You take a simple story about your work and make it completely riveting to watch. I absolutely love it when you share a video with us. 🥰

[@mostly_minerals]

And also; get yourself a thimble?? Just make one in leather with a whip-stitched edge. I complement with a small pair of pliers when my thread get stuck, so I don't completely ruin my fingertips.

[@sylviakeatley4173]

Elin you are a remarkable young woman. I'm in awe of you. Keep up the fabulous work.

[@emilysmith2784]

I love that instead of lots of math and measurements you just drafted the pattern on your body. I think I’ll do that too.

[@bonniehyden962]

The suspense! The intrigue! Girl!...I'm exhausted! lol I love that you didn't know much when you started...but you started, anyway. And you learned. I am not a seamstress nor have I ever recreated historical clothing. What I do know is that >you< created what >you< needed and it fit >youmight< have been what the poorer classes did. They used what they had, in knowledge and resources, to make what they needed. It's a silhouette you're going for. How do you feel about what you achieved in that context? ...never mind how it's constructed. Does the end result give you the look you want? I would think that is success. ....along with the knowledge you gained, which no one can take from you.

[@brittamai5367]

A very beautiful outcome! The stays are a pleasure to look at. Especially the colourcontrast of white and red. And the fitting form. I don't think that they had to squiiiiesh at your body, to do their job properly, because maybe they just had to comfort and warmth a working woman? Not so much to make a fashionable look? I understand, that you wish that they had to. ^^ But don't worry too much for that. Your generell body structure will be perfect for your plan to look fabulous, even if the complete garment won't have an extreme tight waist. Plus there will be skirts. They will be voluminous down to the floor and that should underline the curvey shillouette at the end, so that the overall point of view will be tighter at the midst. I'm looking forward. And I understand your frustration level in the process absolute. But you are good at this.

[@elinabrahamsson9442]

Yes, this was indeed an aspect of which I struggled alot. Looking at the construciton is is quite clear that it isn't made to be super tight. But when looking at paintings and drawings from the time, people really did have tight fitting bodices where you clearly can see the texture from some kind of suportive garment undernieth. Having completed this pair now, I can really feel that it is a very comfortable garment, and that it would have worked great for the type of person I'm going to portray. Maybe it isn't beautiful to look at, and maybe I have contructed it in the wrong way. But that only leaves room for doing better next time and I believe it works fine for now😊

[@brittamai5367]

@@elinabrahamsson9442 I am really glad to hear that. And it is already very nice. I like it much.

[@MossyMozart]

@@elinabrahamsson9442 - "Maybe it isn't beautiful to look at ..." I completely disagree. Especially in this white and red version, these stays have a lovely, innocent look. If you don't want to be historically accurate, I think it looks good with a simple dress underneath or a long skirt, much like you photograph yourself at the beginning and end of the video.

[@lolalatara5786]

Your videos are so beautifully made: great shots, beautiful settings, well timed, great music, always very good story-telling. Also very inspring! I love your channel, thanks for the inspo and helping me with my own over-ambitious historic sewing projects ;)

[@WaterNai]

Well done! Your videos are such a relaxing delight. I’m wondering if when you re-mark your mockup if it would be better to take it off and then cut new pattern pieces along the lines you have marked, instead of taking it apart and trying to make adjustments from the lines that are now on separate pieces. 🤔 But I’m very impressed by your self-draping. I don’t have a dress form yet, and I’ve been wondering about how to do draping and preliminary fitting.

[@pienikasityokori9824]

Well done! This video had very intresting content and it was absolutelly beautifully made. I’m looking forward to the next episode of this series!

[@deejcarter2003]

Ok, WOW 😯! No garment construction experience and you pulled this off. Absolutely amazing and gorgeous. Not to mention you have a trailer worthy ending😱

[@hopequinn1254]

You are a wonderful video-grapher and costume maker. It's been beautiful watching your journey. Thank you. Blessings.

[@ryokomoonbeam4624]

Good job! I think it looks beautiful and I'm so impressed with how you were able to translate a picture to a physical garment!

[@TheSwanbear]

Sometimes you can ask museums if you can get to see certain objects in their collections in person! Many museums provide this cervice to the public. Also, look for smaller museums around the country - some of them have really nice collections of old clothes. Like Hälsinglands museum, a couple of years ago they had the most wonderful exhibition of old folk costumes/folkdräkter. I'm sure they have a collection of their own and would be happy to let a student take a closer look at the garments. I'm sure there are several smaller museums that would be happy to assist! Could be worth a shot for a future project? Anyway, awesome content as always, keep it up! :D

[@lucasmcinnis5045]

This is awesome, I feel like it's all to common to only see historical reproductions that are high-fashion American, British, or French designs. I really appreciate seeing something more country-ish

[@_Combat_Wombat]

You have a real talent for both sewing and cinematography. Your videos are beautiful and imaginative - they are a joy to watch. And your stays came out wonderful :P

[@iamtheonewhocares]

Your cinematography is exquisite. I really appreciate how it tells your story and carries me along as if I were there. It's almost like reading a book. All those extra b roll clips and the music... I mean it's truly exceptional.

[@ryuruker2]

I am not into sewing at all yet this video was INCREDIBLE! Intentionally shot and beautifully edited. Also, I do appreciate the hard work you've put into both making the garment and shooting the video. Keep up the good work. Cheers from Turkey!

[@piX0une]

loooove love love those close up lacing shots. so aesthetic ! your videos are always so pretty to watch

[@darklymoonlit]

That is some serious experimental archeology and great dedication to it. They look lovely!

[@Sabatuar]

Reminds me of 18th century quilted jumps. Fascinating.

[@helenasnopek5431]

This was an absolute delight to watch! I am in awe of your perseverance and willingness to just dive into something like this when it's so new to you! Can't wait to see the next videos in this series :)

[@erikpeterson25]

❤💕....I am of Swredish heritage.....you do great videos ...THANK YOU ! your videos show both sewing and history so I find them very interesting CHEERS FROM USA

[@miaokuancha2447]

The end result is lovely. And so was the sewing journey to arrive there. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@MsJelske]

Really well done lovely! I saw that the back doesn't quite line up at the bottom, I know that in 17th Century stays they had spiral lacing too. To help keep the top and bottom lined up properly they would add an extra eyelet opposite the first and last thus not letting the lacing change the alignment of the garment. Perhaps a helpful tip, but I think you did really well considering the lack of clear sources and diving into a new era! Good luck with the rest!

[@flikkeringlightz7472]

Great work! Don't worry about making it 100% similar - you are not making a copy of it, just drawing inspiration from it! Besides only a super professional will be able to see the flaws. Honestly I think for a working class woman it would be OK as long as it takes care of its purpose. And to my unprofessional eye it looks fantastic! Btw, about those metal loops (whatever they are called). If you wack them a couple of times with a hammer after shaping them, they will keep the shape a lot better. Just once or twice is enough. Of course if the wire is too soft even this won't help much.

[@alorahwelti3438]

You deserve more than a million subscribers. My maternal ancestors are heavily Swedish and Norwegian, and watching you makes me feel like home. ❤❤❤

[@heathertough7186]

The stays and video are both beautiful. You are such an inspiration and has helped me push forwards to start sewing. Thank you

[@estelledesigns]

Wow this is amazing! I loved seeing the whole process from conceptualisation to construction and wearing it! They turned out wonderfully! Your filming style is wonderful too!

[@nevsneedles5469]

So glad I woke up early today! I was just thinking yesterday that it's been a while and I was missing your videos!

[@amandakestenbaum9720]

Oh my word! That was amazing. Really looking forward to the next one. 👍🇬🇧

[@bernitastone7298]

It’s really hard to fit something on yourself so I think you did really well. I have only made one corset before and it took much longer to finish so don’t be too hard on yourself. Like you said, at least you learnt a lot. 😊 Well done 👍🏼 I would suggest looking up negative ease, it’s usually how corsets are constructed. It basically means the garment is smaller than your measurements which is why it needs to be laced and can be tight. A tip for next time, in your mock up pin dart shapes in the hip area to take evenly from each seam then mark and transfer to the pattern. 😊

[@samanthakessel7285]

I am so excited that you posted! I actually really like these working class stays.

[@josephhoh]

It is also possible that, drawings of the time are the artists' interpretation of what they think is ideal, or think that is what they see. I like the red piping you've added. I enjoyed watching your process very much. Well done!

[@Recovery12Life]

With your hair the red hem is just perfect, now i feel like i can use some colors for my project

[@paigemclachlan28]

I don't think you know how excited I get when I see that you uploaded a new video!!! Like I dropped everything to watch it! Also, I know sewing may be hard, but you did so well (as always) and I'm very proud of you!

[@pay1370]

Oooh they turned out lovely! Much luck with the rest of your ensemble

[@BMoll87]

When your brass eyelets came out, I could really feel you. When my experiments don’t work in the lab, I feel exactly the same! It’s part of the job, but it’s still so frustrating, especially if you are in a hurry!

[@cassandragibson1398]

As long as it gives good support to the girls and doesn't ride up or down, it's a success!

[@katarzynakeler1453]

Loved the end result! Can't wait for the next part 😍

[@buny_x]

I'm very excited to see this series. Best of luck with it!

[@ColleenMarble]

all of your videos are so beautifully filmed!

[@danillschmirgel8460]

I absolutely love your honesty, your videos, the editing and everything you do and this video in particular made me wanna sew stays for myself and get into medieval clothing. Keep up the good work! Also I'm super jealous of your house and everything in and around it ❤️🏞️🏔️

[@merindymorgenson3184]

Well done! Beautiful work!

[@edie-bleubird6812]

New follower. Beautiful work! Love the way you edit your video! Look forward to watching the project unfold x

[@arkroogs90]

Your videos are works of art! I love your channel. Excited for the next one!

[@dianeshelton9592]

It is an amazing project and beautifully done , not to mention your editing skill are great. I love all your videos and the care you put into them . I hate to try and come off as knowing better than you because I have never ever made anything like this myself , however as a piece of constructive criticism I think you hampered yourself at the very beginning by concentrating on trying to make the front seams so straight when you don’t know the body shape of the person who wore them. She may well have been completely flat chested whereas you are not. Thankfully for you 😀 I think you were on the right track when you mentioned princess seams, when looked at front on they can sometimes look like straight seams . I think maybe if you ever remake this stays set again them sew them to your personal body shape in future regardless of what a picture of one set looks like. However thank you so much for this, I needed cheering up and you have.

[@whimsybat1278]

This is the exact decades I was looking to re-create so I'm excited to watch this series

[@rabarbaara3689]

Briljant. what a lot of work, but well documented by you for the next person!

[@dianneakel-lee6071]

I seriously thought I was watching a professional movie! Your editing skills in making this video are amazing!!! And your stays are lovely!

[@elisabetfinlayson8539]

I am loving this! Your stays are beautiful!

[@willychrispin1093]

That looks absolutely magnificent! Keep going!! You are doing great!

[@temperance7637]

While looking into the traditional working class clothing where I live (the German coast of the Baltic sea), I ran into all the same problems as you - mainly, that there has barely been any research done into the topic. Actually, the northeastern German Trachten and Swedish traditional dress would have probably been quite similar, as these regions had been trading with each other since the outgoing middle-ages (think: Hanseatic League). I was, however, lucky enough to find a publication of descriptions and pictures of the different types of traditional dress found in Mecklenburg and Western Pommerania from 1986: 'Mecklenburgische Volkstrachten'. It comes with simple diagrams on the constructions of four articles of clothing - a woman's vest and shirt and a man's vest and trousers. Much more helpful however, is the assertion that the general cuts/constructions of garments draw upon the popular upper class styles of a century prior or earlier. So for stays or bodies of the 19th century, you might look at the construction of bodices of the 18th or even 17th centuries. The traditional dress of Mecklenburg and Western Pommerania still features stomachers for example, and favors a more straight front. The woman's vest shown in my book atually bears great resemblance to a 1615-18 jacket in Janet Arnold's Patterns of Fashion from the Burrell Collection in Glasgow (the 'Waistcoat, British' on this site: plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2013/10/gilt-and-silk.html?m=1). The center front curves, the back is made of a single piece, the side seams are pushe far back and slightly curved towards the back (in Janet Arnold's diagrams) or straight ( the diagram of my book). The some of the extant stays you found really reminded me of 18th century quilted bodies which provided enough support to be worn around the house instead of boned stays.

[@Harko-]

Thanks Elin! I love how you share the whole research, design and construction process, that makes it very interesting to follow. And to my non expert eye the end result looks pretty awesome. Thanks again for all the time and effort you put into making these high quality videos. Take care and stay safe!

[@marinalenzi3150]

It turned out lovely! So impressive ❤️

[@feelingkevinly]

Wow thank you for this video! So fun to watch your process and also your filming and video editing skills are amazing!! Such beautiful artwork! Can’t wait to see the rest of the project! This was a great video to watch with my coffee this morning, adjusting to a new way of life indoors. Be well and stay safe! ❤️

[@nodrux]

I love this video. It's so beautiful. You have such an eye for the visual aesthetics of each shot and it was such a great narrative. Good luck with this project! It seems quite daunting but definitely a lot of fun too. Fingers crossed.

[@chibisun2]

Очень красивая. И настойчивая. У тебя не получалось, но ты продолжала стараться и вышла красота!

[@missjibbfully]

Interesting enough I find it so hard to find everyday wear for this time in Sweden. Most of the historical fashion I find is simpler folk costumes made in wool and leather. Feel like we are a bit of a lost cause on pretty fashion and was going for practical instead. For instance I know that the "aprons" in my local costumes has several variations and the women changed them if they went to church or social events.

[@miajanna6]

so awesome! and the imagery is so pretty!

[@ashleyharrison6077]

Great video! I really appreciated seeing the parts you struggled with and watching you work through the issues to arrive at your beautiful finished product. The editing and general aesthetic were beautiful and I'll be looking forward to part 2 :)

[@mastermadii]

This was amazing!!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@Vekna666]

Watching this was a journey!! It looks fantastic :) well done

[@kellimbt]

I loved this! You are just delightful and I think it came out great. Can't wait to see more!