Laurel Gown: 16th century Venetian Dress Diary

[@mrnebarvin]

This is amazing! I’m blown away. Btw, try using a chopstick for poking out the corners. Learned that in a sewing class and keep a chopstick in my sewing box now. Works great!

[@Persphonefallen]

OH MY GOD I love that lacing idea! I'm gonna try that!

[@lisamartinez7276]

Love your historical garments.

[@debbieboring3422]

Very nicely done it is so lovely. You do a good job of teaching too.

[@MorganDonner]

Thank you!

[@Mommamacnz]

That is one stunning dress.

[@crystallionaire]

So pretty! Love it

[@kharagillock8467]

Those sleeves look funny to me

[@jihyeseo4698]

I really like your dress! and decorative ends of your sleeves are very fascinating. go you!

[@frndofbear]

I am imagining that exact dress in blue velvet :)

[@MorganDonner]

frndofbear that would be lovely!

[@luminariel3765]

That would be amazing! What shade?

[@jenjen9509]

frndofbear navy blue velvet 😊❤️❤️

[@RM-nl9es]

I was just going to comment about green velvet 😳🤭

[@PreciousMe]

Girl, you have mad skills! Your patience and hand stitching are goals. Thanks for doing this and hope to see more! Big Hugs

[@MorganDonner]

EvaEvaEva923 you are welcome! I have more hand sewing videos coming soon!

[@delanocarson7544]

I'm rewatching this for maybe the third or fourth time (lol) and just wanted to say, I've done a lot of research and written multiple papers about a book called the Habiti Antichi et Moderni which is one of the earliest published costume books and it was put out around the same period you're building in. It's a pleasure seeing it come to life as someone who's looked so intently at those images

[@alethialovetosew]

Red is such a pretty color and your gown is fabulous.

[@MorganDonner]

Thank you! I have lots of red gowns, but still can't resist making more :D

[@TheLadyDaniel]

OH MY GOD THANK YOU!!! I’ve working on a similar 16th century piece for 2 YEARS! I lost the sewing instructions when i moved and so I’ve been racking my brain to figure how to sew the main fabric the interfacing and the lining fabric. Watching you do this making this made so much sense. You are my knight in shining armour. I can finally finish my gown 😭😭😭. THANK YOU MILADY🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❣️❣️❣️

[@lungo2013]

Even with the rotary cutter and mat, I still use pins as a safe guard to make sure everything is all lined up

[@robincrean]

Turned out great. You weren't real clear on how you got the white to puff thru as you were dressing. Maybe not so fast on the editing also, I feel like my head is spinning! Lol

[@carolempluckrose4188]

Yes, Morgan please not so fast with the editing and fast forward bit. I don't get sea sick, but it left me feeling decidedly queasy. I love this though. Catherine should have been with you for the photos. You know, aristocratic lady walking her delightful greyhound. Incidentally, what is your other greyhound called?

[@teriadams7398]

I think I find myself trying to see your fancy painted fingernails...😋

[@marym2856]

Beautiful dress, though a pity that everything goes so fast🙂 makes me a bit tired in the head watching it. Would lovee to se every detail, because you are so talented👍

[@MorganDonner]

I agree, I did rush past things quite a bit this video! I'm not sure why I thought the video needed to be as short as possible, I'm trying to give myself permission to post something longer if the project warrants it. Thank you for the comment!

[@misswazzra]

I agree! Everything is so beautiful, I just want to gush at it at length! 🖤🖤🖤

[@susannepreuss4358]

You might want to try in the video settings to reduce the playback speed from normal to 0.75.

[@mellie4174]

@@MorganDonner yes and yes! we love seeing those details, especially as most of us would have no reason to make such a gown even though we would LOVE to. So we get to live vicariously through you. so the more detail the better! lol :)

[@momosaku16]

you can change the speed to 0.75

[@dianasmith8166]

I enjoyed this! Nice to see someone do something other than English inspired historical garments, and the insight on lacing was interesting.

[@mishadasari]

I'm normally more interested by late Victorian/Edwardian fashion but damn that gown is so gorgeous it's making me want to look up more 16th century dresses

[@berkleypearl2363]

I understand now why my mother did not want to make make me a dress like this. This took so long and it was so complicated. But you did beautifully and I’m so impressed

[@MorganDonner]

Aw, thank you so much! It certainly took a lot of time to make, but it was a lot of fun to see it coming together!

[@Elemiriel]

Lovely dress :) While you do a great job explaining everything, it does seem that you are speaking really fast.

[@MorganDonner]

Katherine Hamar, woops, sorry about that! I try to keep the videos from getting too long while conveying as much information as I can, and that probably leads to me speaking a little faster than normal. I'll try to keep an eye out for it in the future!

[@joaoluisesquivel2810]

Just change the speed to 0,75. it works fine :)

[@lynn858]

@@MorganDonner I actually appreciate your speed. A lot. Often I end up kind of growling at videos because people . take . so . long . to . say . the . words . and I want them to start addressing the thing I'm wondering about, but if I skip through, I can end up missing some super relevant tidbit. Here, I get a great overview, and I don't ever think of wanting to skip ahead. You're explaining things at the speed my brain likes, and while I also enjoy your chatty videos and your sense of humour, this also makes me really happy.

[@crystalschuller2730]

I love the braid & spangle grid - I would love to see a video on how you did that!

[@functionoflightone]

Gorgeous gown and you look beautiful in it.

[@melissafaucheux6777]

Can you please do a video on making a simple shift!

[@MorganDonner]

That's a great idea! I'll add it to my 'Videos To-do' list! Thank you for the comment!

[@kyzmet123]

I bet going to the bathroom was one hell of a production back then.

[@hakudoushinumbernine]

They used chamber pots, they didnt wear underwear (bloomers) until around the 1820s, so all they had to do was possession themselves over the pot and squat. Even now, going to the bathroom in a poofy wedding dress its recommended that you sit facing the back of the toilet as the front of the dress is easier to gather than the back. And its also recommended not to wear under garments that require you to pull down and pull up.

[@wispedwillow6265]

Congratulations on being laurelled! After watching some of your videos I can see why :) As a fellow SCAdian & vintage lover I'm so glad I found your channel.

[@MorganDonner]

Wisped Willow thank you so much! I hope you enjoy all my future videos too!

[@twilightingX]

I bet you love Outlander. I do. The costumes are amazing on that show. I grew up close to a castle. I still have photos of me as a child, peaking through the arrow slits. I got to go to 'Castle by candle light' and I saw the room Henry VIII liked to stay in when visiting. The bed was covers in a wolf skin throw. Apparently they where British wolves. Which were all wiped out. There was also original clothes from that time period. I was shocked at how tiny the womens dresses were and the pulled in tiny wastes. Henry most have been so imposing to them at over 6ft. Huge for that day.

[@paisley293]

Morgan!! You should have 260K subscribers, not just 26K! You are so talented and your outfits are absolutely stunning!! (sorry to use that last over-used word) Love all your videos!

[@MorganDonner]

😚 Awww, thank you! Maybe someday!

[@hopenield8234]

@@MorganDonner 6 months later and your subscribers have tripled... . Bet you have that 260,000 in the coming year. You deserve it,

[@alaskacosplay]

Seeing this dress being made has made me so happy as 16th century gowns and Ive been looking for a few video references to make a green 16th century dress with white lace although Im tempted to make a false lacing front and have it hook closed in the back to keep the front looking nice although Im not sure if they had dresses that hooked closed in the back. I love the shade of red that the fabric has, its so luxurious and bright like a scarlet red. Its like you stepped out of a painting and I can already envision you in a portrait with your dogs or possibly a bowl of fruit or flowers.

[@allieg6401]

Amazing how you squeezed all that into such a short video! Nice job on the dress!

[@Kapuzenpulli13]

Uff, this is absolutely gorgeous. Since this video is 2 years old, im wondering if you still have the gown?

[@kelseymurray9953]

Do you make/ are you planning to make an Elizabethan dress? I'm trying to binge dress diaries before a make a court gown for a renaissance faire I perform at, and it would be awesome if you made one. Your format of dress diaries is EXACTLY what I need. Even if you aren't making any dresses in that style, I hope to see more videos of you! You're amazing!

[@MorganDonner]

Someday! I don't do much in the way of English costume, but I am sure I will have a reason to make one eventually! I even already have the right support with the Polka Dot Farthingale now, so I would just need to make an over gown! I hope to make lots of videos!

[@kelseymurray9953]

What do you do with the historical dresses you make? Do you wear them somewhere?

[@MorganDonner]

Yeah, I wear them to SCA events. We go camping sometimes, so I'll wear my grubbier/more peasanty clothing in the fields, and sometimes we have nice dinner events in hotel halls and such, so I'd wear something fancy like this Venetian one there!

[@niniceruzica256]

i wish I could buy that dress like a copy, I really can’t sew like you huge respect 🙁❤️

[@lunastaramethyst]

Okay this may just be my fandom/cosplay loving side but picture this dress with hearts and you’ve got a Queen Of Hearts cosplay lol

[@greenjeanbrown]

💓 the use of the gift card for ribbon placement.

[@susanfrank7897]

Gorgeous dress!! You are amazing and so talented!!

[@katjas9150]

The end result is so gorgeous. Would you be able do a tutorial, where you explain the hairstyle you use with the Venetian gown?

[@MizzMaree7]

She's done one now!

[@claudianowakowski]

The sleeves are magnificent.

[@luminariel3765]

I have a black and violet velour dress that I got from pyramid collection that's a faux version of this style. Thank you for showing me how to fix it!

[@tonietteify]

Love love love! I've just begun sew historical garments and I love your videos.

[@Kateryna_Shju_Doma]

So nice! You should live in a castle...😊

[@christinnakrogandersen350]

I'd love to have a closer look at the sleeves and maybe see how you attached them :)

[@AdelaideBeemanWhite]

Could I️ borrow or buy a copy of your pattern? That is such a beautiful dress, and I’d like to make a similar one in olive green with black trim, and perhaps with a larger bumme roll and farthingale.

[@MorganDonner]

Adelaide Beeman-White I do not yet have a way to share the pattern, but I will see what I can wrangle up. Were you looking for something you could print out on your printer and use like a normal dress pattern? I have never made something like that before, but it sounds like a fun challenge!

[@AdelaideBeemanWhite]

Morgan Donner - That is what I had in mind.

[@Ashbeastbox]

I’d love a copy of this pattern too if you figure out how to share it 😊

[@taraandersen3619]

This is absolutely beautiful. Wish you lived close to me because we need to be sewing buddies. You’ve inspired me to not be so lazy and sew more of my costumes by hand.

[@MorganDonner]

Aw, thank you so much! I need more sewing buddies, that would be great! I rarely handsew every seam on an outfit, but if it will be visible on the final garment, I'll usually put in the extra time ;)

[@GloriaJ123456]

Gosh darn it lady! You are just such a lovely person! 😂 I can’t seem to stop binging your episodes, you have such a beautiful personality and look just so lovely- and that’s aside from the tremendous talent! 💕 Love your work!

[@sarahferguson0]

Amazing. My only complaint is the speed of the video. I literally couldn't watch it because it was giving me vertigo but i listened and every minute or so i would glance at the screen. The video isn't so long that slowing it down a bit would make views impatient. I would gladly watch even at 30 minutes. Beautiful dress.

[@reginaowen5992]

What an awesome talent and your video is so informative. So thankful I've found your channel!!!

[@TheDea6]

It's so cool! And I love how you figured out the bone part.

[@sandrakicklighter2735]

I have been searching for information about dress for servants, particularly women, in Venice, early Renaissance. Any information would be great. Thank you

[@RetroMinnie87]

This is so pretty!!! I think it’s my favorite thing you’ve made. Beautiful! Why is it called a Laurel gown?

[@helent5114]

This is just amazing! So fancy, and yet you made it seem so simple to make! Is tehre a video for the chemise you wore underneath? That looks really cool

[@lindafredtrauffer8175]

This is my very favorite Morgan gown! Ruby red suits you beautifully!

[@angellinafosse1936]

I suddenly want to dress up in one?

[@christygolding8852]

I am so impressed by this. My goodness you have such incredible patience.

[@nikkikessler748]

Beautiful! I just found your channel a couple days ago and I can't get over how amazing you are at hand sewing! Love your work!

[@etamika]

Beautiful! If only I had the patience to make my own lol.

[@bettybeee]

This dress is stunning and this video excellent! As a total beginner sewer I'm very intrigued by the underthings, particularly the poofy sleeved under shirt (apologies for the very un historically accurate description)! Is there a name for this kind of under vest/shirt? It's so pretty, I'd like to research and make something similar to it some day. :)

[@annapettit8045]

A year late, but in case anyone comes across this and has the same question, they're often called chemises or shifts! Morgan has some great tutorials for them too!

[@JessieCochran37]

I love this dress so much! The design was made for you (literally), Morgan, so pretty. Love all the extra details.

[@jacqueortiz3828]

I thought it was a queen of hearts costume 🤦‍♀️ ...beautiful dress.

[@ceciliavaldes3159]

Awesome gown!! I’m learning tons with you... specially that you can have a wonderful gown without obsessing extremely historically accurate techniques and achieving the right results nonetheless. Thanks for keeping it real!!

[@angellinafosse1936]

The dancing is cute at beginning

[@solidsperzz6380]

Amazing dress and great drawing inspiration! I might have a character of mine wearing it on a drawing ~

[@davidry2777]

Lovely dress! I am going to make a similar one to my girlfriend as a present so was great to find this video!

[@MorganDonner]

Mr Malasius awesome, I hope the dress comes out great!

[@1_w0rm]

That dress is absolutely amazing!!

[@sarahallegra6239]

This is so beautiful!! I subscribed just from this video. I can’t wait to see more of your videos, I love them!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@technicolortornado]

I know this was posted last year, but your gown is stunning. I have a question though: how did you attach the skirt to the bodice? You said in the video that you sewed and finished all the edges of the bodice and the skirt, so how did you connect them? When I do mine, I sew the top edge of the skirt to the bottom/lining layer of bodice. Then I tuck the edges in of the top layer and do a blind stitch (can't remember the proper name) to place the upper layer over the skirt. That way the top edge of the skirt is encased inside the bodice, making the seam a little stronger.

[@MorganDonner]

Thank you Jessica! For the bit of video where I sew the skirt to the bodice, check out 6:39. I usually do not sew the skirt seam allowance into the bodice, since I have had trouble in the past with it creating a lot of bulk at the waist. I prefer to finish the skirt and the bodice separately, then whip stitch them together.

[@technicolortornado]

Does that kind of seam hold fast? I'm new to sewing (though not history) and you're clearly a phenomenal seamstress, so I'll ask you my super newb questions ;)

[@jamn4God]

A M A Z I N G !!!!!!!!!! Wow, is all I can say!

[@m.f.richardson1602]

Just found your site. I Love You💝

[@luisadedic5445]

Thanks ... I was trying that kind of costure, but I sourrended with french points...

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Red is your colour, I LOVE it and I enjoy watching you making anything. A fan in Canada, Hi Katharine, Namaste, Zoe (I will send you a post card when this plague is over) Morgan this is like nearly 3 yrs old, where can I email you private and where do you recommend online a person buy sewing supplies for historic clothing etc? Where I live in Canada is USELESS. Thanks (did you name your puppy from Shakespeare, Kate in the Taming of the Shrew- I love Zeffirelli's Shakespeare films)

[@oleanderwyvern]

Me, sees the term 'laurel' and is not - in - the SCA, but is friends with people in the SCA: "I know that term" Me: watches 20 seconds into the vid and doesn't see any clarification - short googling - "Yup. That is the term I thought it was." 3 years too late, but CONGRATS!

[@Gemini_Mama]

Absolutely gorgeous and beautiful work! 😍 Honest question: how hot does that many layers get? It looks like one would start sweating within a few minutes of dressing. Of course I think of that, because our local Renaissance Faire runs from August (which is still be hot and humid) through the first half of October (which can be a crapshoot, weather-wise).

[@paranihiaanaru4414]

Wow beautiful. Love your problem-solving. Thanks for the vid

[@xxcupcakexattackxx]

I absolutely screamed in my kitchen the second I saw the thumbnail

[@mermaidmersea7113]

Absolutely spectacular !

[@christy.ad.perfartsco7]

I'm turning an old, cheap "renaissance" costume into a dress like this. I'm having a bit of trouble with the lacing part. Any tips?

[@bconsilio3764]

Red Silk is fabulous! Exactly the right red. How did you make the long bead/chain that hangs down the center of the skirt?

[@theiajergensen91]

Wait... a YANNY gown?

[@miriamharris7757]

Am I the only one who can’t discern what you’re doing? Maybe my eye/brain coordination is too slow and old. Seems a shame because I really like this gown and all your great tips.

[@gwenlock]

I love the way you do your videos! Very informative and succinct!

[@DiemondFrost]

I’m part of the SCA and holy crap I thought my romanian garb was rough lol

[@MorganDonner]

DiemondFrost, Although to be fair, I know nothing about Romanian clothing, so that would be very hard for me! Everyone's easy is someone else's difficult ;)

[@sethamederat5841]

me, a dumb ole punk: ...sooooooooooooo, whats the lace code for 16th century venetian gowns?

[@peggyriordan9857]

I am wondering if it is possible for this video could be slowed down in the sewing parts? I think this dress is just beautiful and would like to see more of the detail as I would like to make one. The neck cover piece is so dainty as well. Did you do the decorative stitching on it? It looks like ribbon w/rosettes were sewn onto it as well. The whole outfit is really stunning, the hairstyle and decoration is perfect too. Congrats on this!!

[@kamila3362]

incredible good job Morgan, i admire u, if i can only ask to take under consideration that beginners and foreign watch you from all over the world to make it tiny bit slower

[@maggiescenekitty]

This is probably my favorite dress you have ever made!!!

[@audreyling6272]

When I made my dress, 20... I used a curtain drawstring to get my cartridge pleats plus it helped support the dress.

[@lenamuratova6581]

I am from Uzbekistan, for the first time on this channel and I have already subscribed, .... very interesting, and also, I liked the moment in the video when she was sewing a dress, and her dog pressed against her, I felt her love for animals, it was so nice to look at

[@Vk-mm4lf]

I just found you, or rather you showed up. But I am transfixed and a new subscriber.

[@carolilseanne2175]

Instead of boning, could you have used Buckram?

[@bowerbirdstyle7661]

Beautiful dress! Fire engine red - you like being the centre of attention. How did you tie the sleeves on to make them puffy?

[@zenamorgan1754]

I am a Viking Sapphire lover too ❤️❤️❤️

[@gloglos100]

Brilliant, you went very quickly over the sleeve at the end, not clear to me how you built them finally. Love the dress, love all of it and those sleeves especially.

[@FlowersOfIcetor]

I see that zip-tie boning! Zip-ties are a lifesaver!

[@lesleygoodall-page8035]

I now have a new obsession! Watching your videos! Amazing

[@adriennepuck]

Absolutely stunning, Morgan!!

[@brandilee8421]

Where are all these people getting their silk from I keep finding silk for like $30 can somebody help me find some cheaper

[@cathythielen3182]

Congratulations on your Laurel! What Kingdom & Barony do you live in?

[@kharagillock8467]

Im just ordered a dress form im really hoping its close to my size...im nurvouse that it might be a miniature but i doubt it

[@Hearteeisawesome]

I know the video is about the lovely dress you made. But I love your sailor moon nail design! How did you do it??

[@besina1563]

Breathtaking gown ! Very inspiring ! Just finished my first Venetian bodice myself ! Congrats , love it so much !

[@MorganDonner]

Yay, exciting! Hopefully this vid helps on your second bodice :D