Making a Late Victorian Evening Bodice // The Whitby Gown pt.1

[@nenemaria-cornfieldsgarden]

So I'm from (and still live in) Whitby. It's weird to hear anyone, especially from across the pond, mention our tiny town. We're pretty much goth central for the whole of the UK. We have the countries biggest Goth weekends twice a year but there's always something going on, steampunk weekends, pirate gatherings, Dracula get togethers etc. It's a very small, very clique seaside town but weirdly, the locals are so used to seeing the goth/vampire/Victorian/pirate etc lot that no one bats an eyelid. If you're ever back over in England, its' an absolutely beautiful small town, with the worlds only collection of jet shops (it's all found on our small patch of coast) and the whole town is made up of small, independent business (including my own pub!). You can walk about in full 1800s garb and no one would even notice.

[@kristinabathory8870]

I smell a Closet HIstorian meet up retreat!! Let's all go across the Pond!

[@asiabryant207]

Please 🙏🏽

[@mrsgingernoisette]

You're so lucky❤

[@MichelleSMV]

This description just makes me really want to visit

[@francesca.00]

What's the name of the pub?♥️

[@cypriennezed5640]

Heavily-Boned Historic Tanktop is the best description for an evening bodice ❤🦇

[@nikkia9506]

Whitby is so tied to Dracula that it's become the spiritual home of Goths nationwide/internationally, with Goth Weekends twice a year (April and October). Very busy events, with so much Victorian-style costume.

[@bridgethuggett1052]

Yes, Dracula lands as a dog jumping from a ship at Whitby and then attacks his first victim at the church on the top of the cliffs there.

[@Ella-iv1fk]

I think Whitby has a goth festival, or used to anyway, as well so very appropriate

[@bridgethuggett1052]

@@Ella-iv1fkIt does becuase of the dracula connection

[@martane665]

Knowing you exist in all your splendor makes my reality bearable. Shine on dear lady!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@paperboundprotagonist]

You look like a morally ambiguous character from a movie who one probably wouldn’t want to encounter in real life, but on screen she’s so deliciously fabulous that one can’t help but adore.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Aw no one could aspire to more! Thank you ✨

[@castoputa]

I agree totally, except for the aversion, you look like the Auntie everyone wants to sit next to at the boring weddings ❤

[@chantalsnelder2423]

I love the sleeves-not-sleeves-illusion of the time period so much. Gorgeous bodice!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@marathorne6821]

You will adore Whitby! I do hope you can visit there soon, and wear your amazing Whitby dress when you go 😊

[@llamabean529]

You deciding to redo the corsets and future fits of your bodices is so cool, hopefully more content? 🙏🏾 I always enjoy seeing your processes because I've started to sew myself and always keep an eye out for tips and tricks. Not to mention how you always put them together into what becomes a beautiful production. ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! All costuming will be for videos for sure ✨

[@sandrarandle6221]

Whitby holds goth weekends several times a year. Be sure to bring these clothes if you manage to visit. X

[@PolyvoreThea]

Omg! I missed the Gothic Intro! Stunning Whitby Gown!!!! I love the fringed “sleeves”! The purple orchids are sooo Goth!!! Love!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Thea!! 💜

[@moniquegroom2353]

Another STUNNING make!!! When we were in the UK in 2011, mostly Scotland, I begged and pleaded with hubby that we must cross the border and go to Whitby. It did not disappoint - LOVED IT!!.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Monique!

[@terramagg]

I just love watching you create these masterpieces! I've been sewing all of my life (over 60 years), and while there was a time when I made everything I wore on my old Singer Featherweight, I have NEVER come close to anything like what you make! It is so inspirational (and entertaining!) Thank you! (Great tattoo, BTW!😍)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! I need to get a featherweight sometime when I have more room 😍

[@karlaverbeck9413]

I love the not sleeves. The fringe moves so delightfully!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! They are very fun to wear for sure 🖤

[@tambriggs]

Excellent bodice, looking forward to next week's video! This suits you so well! It will be great for opening the front door to the postman in your new Gothic Revival house (that is what you are aiming for in my mind) 👁

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@lacheirasca]

SO GLAD that you went back to costuming!🙂

[@ghostsandcoffee126]

This is so gorgeous 🥰 I love the color combination (as I did on the Mandragora Gown too) but those ORCHIDS! Lovely. I'm excited to see how you made those too!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@laurabougot7570]

I have discovered the channel a few weeks ago and I am hooked !! 😍 I've been binge watching all the videos since, always beautiful, learned a ton, great for motivation, really soothing, absolutely a new favorite. Thank you for your work 💜

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Laura!

[@kvan335]

OH YEAH I am so excited for this series! I love your approach to victorian things so much- classy, sophisticated, hint of the macabre, incredible couture-- You are literally everything I look up to being.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! 🖤

[@marcellacruser951]

My trick for working on glass beaded fringe is just to use strips of cello-tape along the length so it's not shifting and separating and getting in my way. Lay it out, straighten it and stick down the tape. Flip it and tape the other side. You can easily nip it to split it if you need to shape a swoop or whatever.

[@pennyplaysbach]

Your Whitby gown is like an 1890s version of the black dress you made with the jagged neckline. That was one of my favourites from your sewing table and this one is, too. Such lovely vocal inflection, as well, when you switched from talking to the piano music. Very beautiful work!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Penny!

[@beckahmastroni5472]

Me going 'Costume time?" Video starts with spooky music "COSTUME TIME!"

[@Hunter-vm1or]

Frothing at the mouth for more costuming! I love your unique take on Victorian clothing

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Here, the Amish women still use pins to hold their dresses closed in back (no buttons, hooks, ties, frogs, or zippers). I don't know about the Amish men's garments (because I don't get very close to them). I'm often standing in line at a store where I can see the back of the women's dresses. One Amish woman told me that I should not cut my hair. I keep my hair short since arthritic set into my neck. My long hair was heavy and became too painful. Wow! You could stop traffic in that outfit. It would be a beautiful way of getting attention. It is beautiful on you.

[@kardonay]

You are truly amazing Bianca - I could see this also making a beautiful debutante dress. The silhouette is just divine

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@moonbasket]

Great timing on this video lol. I just finished bingeing your cicada gown series. Newish to your channel and in love witj everything you make. I have also absorbed some tips for pattern drafting through watching you do it over and over again which is great for me too. 😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Notlost-lj9qt]

I love this bodice! The inspiration bodices were gorgeous and your take on blending the parts you liked from each made for a beautiful and unique design. I especially like to see how you decorate your designs as I am one who would like to be a maximalist but don’t take it far enough sometimes to really get that look. Love the orchids!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Allll the decorating, it's my favorite part 😂✨

[@chaeburger]

This turned out so well!! The flowers are so beautiful! I love the "sleeves" so much. I bet they make a very satisfying sound when you move around.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Chae!!

[@juliabetts9801]

I love Whitby it’s my go to place when I fancy a drive out and the best fish and chips in the world 😊

[@MxchiefMaykr]

It's still not a perfect solution, but if your dress form is smaller than you padding it out can be really helpful for draping. Without getting a very expensive custom form this was the only option for me, and it's made my cheapie adjustable form so much more practical! I'll use it like you did for the sleeve as a first step with any applique/additional trimming by pinning it to my final piece on the form (especially anything that'll be on the back so i cant really drape it on myself), and then do a test wear and make any necessary adjustments on myself. Still not perfect, but really helpful for some odd or awkward to self-drape bits

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I just don't "need" a dress form often enough to bother 😅 In my usual sewing I never use one!

[@skirtedgalleons]

Glorious, as always. But this one really floats my 1890 boat.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Looks nice and I love the asymmetrical "sleeves". It was a lot of fun to watch the process as well. I have some of the very same leaf trim. I bought it about ten years ago on a spool from Walmart. Used it to trim a red cardigan alongside the neck and front next to the buttons. Used seed pearls as berries. When Whitby comes up. I automatically think Whitby Goth Weekend. It's a lot of fun and held in April and October. The other that comes to mind is Whitbey Island in the Puget Sound.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susan!

[@valeriewade3688]

The bodice transends spectacular (Dractacular even) It is truly lovely Thank you for sharing Bring on part 2 I live near Whitby and am thrlled that you have referenced the little town in your work May I say to you ..and all CH fans, that Whitby is worth spending time there and the Goth/Steampunk/ other themed weekends etc are wonderful Next time you visit "Old Blighty, take a trip up north and see Whitby for yourself You may never go home

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Valerie! I would certainly love to visit Whitby one day!

[@krose6451]

Its a bad mental health day but I have two cats laying on me while the cuddle and this to watch and those things help.

[@justinwilliams7290]

Very House of Worth esque! And probably the nicest Victorian gown I've seen from a costuming standpoint. Its in good taste. Its in quality fabrics. You are criminally underrated.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much Justin!

[@justinwilliams7290]

Youre welcome. I used to have another account but got google not double verifable after I broke my phone lol. Anyway, as I have said before and you may recall, I have a hard time with some of the other people in your category with phoney personas and you get the idea. Also, you're taste level is unmatched. The color choices are always nuanced and well...good. You understand not everything gothic needs to be black and red. I could literally rant for hours about how well you do, the embroidered beetle jacket. The beetle brooches. You should do a moody New Look..look. lol Witchy Dior New Look. @@TheClosetHistorian

[@maryb.c.507]

Mind bogglingly complex project. Congratulations, beautiful craftsmanship. I'm in awe.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mary!

[@cwbrownCaroline]

Stunning! Love the beaded fringing. Adding your own touches to it is a fabulous way to go. I can’t wait to see what you make next!

[@StitchingUpChaos]

I HAVEN"T EVEN WATCHED IT YET AND THE THUMBNAIL IS ALREADY MAKING ME SCREAM. HOLY SHIT. Seriously, the depression and other brain worms have been kicking my arse for the last few months so I havent been doing or watching literally anything that made me happy so crawling back out of the pit for the first time to prod at youtube for things that will maybe inspire me to open up the sewing room and SEEING THIS! :D Thank you so much for sharing your work, you probably dont realise how much it helps and inspires but its incredible.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

❤️ I hope the brain worms leave you alone!!

[@silmarlfan1]

fabulous! so elegant. I hope that skirt has a good dust ruffle, cause trains are drama and so sheik. I wish my own historical project was so elegant. though I did put linen linings in the sleeve, so yay me. i just love your historical projects. can't wait to see the new corset.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@guiniveretoo]

haven't finished the video yet (I'm sure it's great already), but I love love love your haircut, it's just excellent.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@m.maclellan7147]

That bodice turned out BEAUTIFUL ❤! I really think your eye for harmonious detail is WHY you can layer multiple layers down, and it does not look chaotic, garish, or gauche ! It looks unified, harmonious & elegant. Can't wait to see the rest !

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@nonakabyrd5759]

Amazing! You are certainly the Green Lady. 😊

[@minerva5025]

Hi there Closet Historian, know nothing about the drama you mention , but I am sure you have your reasons,I think you make gorgeous cloths that I adore watching you make, don't believe it will make any difference. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and creativity.Kind regards

[@empressheraluna]

That’s funny about your beeswax, I just did the same thing. My old one was about the size of a dime. I love watching you when I hand sew and crochet.

[@504CreoleCrystal]

Yep….I haven’t even watched past the intro and I already smashed the like button. I already know you won’t disappoint!!! ❤❤

[@bravehearticus]

Perfect. A bubble bath. A glass of wine. And TCH making a 1890s gown.

[@sandiemable]

💓💓💓Loving Whitby! I love watching the garment take shape with every fold and stitch. I imagine this is how couture was made all those years ago. The designer had a rough sketch and went wherever their creative self took them. You sew one-of-a-kind couture! I wish I had your measurements; in case you decided to empty your closet. 😊 Have a great weekend, xoxo's Sandie

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandie!

[@MichelleSMV]

Gorgeous work! I truly love the addition of the beaded fringe and the flowers and embellishments

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Thank you, Bianca, for having me along to enjoy your art and skill!

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

J'adore!! Those "sleeves" are simply fabulous! I'll have to try to mentally retain them for whenever I've a suitable garment

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! 💜

[@tiffanytomasino335]

I am fighting the endless and relentless reality of “only so many hours in a day”. Right now my sewing just isn’t making the cut 😅 watching your videos does tempt me and remind me why I wanted to sew in the first place though. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@VictoriaPL]

Yay! I have missed this opening. That music is life! ❤

[@sarascally7957]

When you mentioned the thunder the storm my area had been holding its breath for finally broke.

[@annbrookens945]

The neckline/"sleeve" embellishments are gorgeous! I love the asymmetry. Just a very interesting project!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ann!

[@MissIV]

Thank you for using white so we can see it clearly, and also I love the idea that 100 years from now when a future costume historian is looking at this bodice they will be wondering “why did the makes use white thread?”

[@glamourdaze]

Beautiful work

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@NoDecaf7]

Yes! I love a multi-part series on your channel. Time to settle in with a cup of tea

[@awenbunny]

Wow wow wow! Love how you embellish your designs. And your hair is fabulous

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@sandrafrench6125]

Wow. Fantastic. I was in Whitby on a dark foggy day and your dress really captured the vibe!💜🇦🇺

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandra!

[@pamelajohnson9810]

I loves your style and your channel you're very classy sophisticated and very elegantly and intelligent.Youre a wonderful seamstress

[@vivianramsay2527]

Love the asymmetrical sleeves and the beadwork! 🤩

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Vivian!

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

Modern clothing just doesn't have enough embellishment in my opinion. I love the sleeves btw.😜

[@GiraffeLoverJen]

Agreed!

[@MR_Mocha_Major]

The cinematography just keeps getting better! My goodness!!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@donnalewis4895]

Beautifully done! I never expect anything less from you. Hugs

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Donna!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Ooh, that came out really gorgeous... and I usually am not a fan of asymetric dresses. While you were discussing how you use your dress form as a vaguely human shaped hanger it reminded me of the way I figured out to be able to form a metal breastplate and backplate so they fit each other and the gorget (trying to get three pieces together at the same time while all of them want to fall on the floor), I started hanging the gorget from the shop rafters so we can just hold up the back and breastplates to it instead of trying to juggle all three. I hope someday to have a me-shaped corset I can stuff with pillows!

[@jakea1035]

Delightful, I just love the peek-a-boo- sleeves

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@mala3isity]

Wow! Absolutely gorgeous. Time well spent.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@mala3isity]

My pleasure.@@TheClosetHistorian

[@juniperjr2017]

Amazing as usual! I hope you film the making of your new corset, I would love to see your process. I'm also glad there seems to be less of a focus on historical accuracy and more of historical inspiration or adequacy.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I will definitely document the process!!

[@mandylavida]

Gorgeous bodice. Another triumph!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mandy!

[@needle_and_dread]

I am trying to make the pink gown from the phantom of the opera so i will be going through ALL the Victorian gown videos you have. You've made the best videos on it 😊😊😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@MariaFrancesca]

Absolutely gorgeous! I love when your designs go ornament overload, it's so rich and lovely 🙂

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Maria!

[@davidbayley4441]

it will fit in great for the Whitby Goth weekend

[@marieokamoto5803]

Love how at 18:51 your hand suddenly appears tattooed 😆. I might get one if I could get it like that. Another stunning project❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marie! Movie magic 😂

[@joannasfeelingcrafty]

Absolutely stunning 😍 Just incredible craftsmanship

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank Joanna!

[@jayneterry8701]

Your bodice looks stunning Bianca! Sweet haircut, cool for summer. 💞 As a quilter the best teacher I know is Kathy Wylie. Using the Appliquic method.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jayne!

[@damogranheart5521]

You piqued my curiosity ! Google says hooks and eyes first appeared in the seventeenth century. Press studs and snap fasteners were invented in 1885 by Herbert Bauer in Germany. How about that! I never knew that. I love learning new things! Have a Great Week, Bianca! 🫖🪺🐈‍⬛📚🦋🧚‍♂️🪄

[@deb.m.7458]

Gorgeous gown! Did I hear right - new home? Congratulations on your next journey 👍hope you found an old house you’ve been dreaming about renovating to go with your lovely handmade wardrobe.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! No "new" house yet, it's just very much in the cards for my next 6-8 months!

[@Noel.Chmielowiec]

It's absolutely gorgeous! And the orchids' colour compliment mandragora silk so well. Also I really like that you never act like you couldn't make a mistake, you show them to us and we can all learn more. It's really nice of you! Third thing, I think your hairstyle looks great with this gown. They would have it more curly, I think, but we're in 2023 and if it looks good then it looks good ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Noel!

[@doloresgreen1563]

Completely Ah - Mazing !!! So looking forward to seeing the rest next week. 😻🌹😻🌹😻🌹

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dolores!

[@sarahlongshore2605]

This is beautiful! I love watching you drape and decorate these types of dresses.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@pAuLa-cx9fd]

Your Style is soooo awesome❣❣❣❣❣❣ I love the Mandragora Silk. Beautiful❣

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@paulinemegson8519]

Oh that is lovely. Lots of work but a beautiful result.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Pauline!

[@sistersarann3819]

I love to watch you create your gowns

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@rachelfloyd5865]

Yes, the fringe is divine!

[@grammykcutter6374]

I enjoy watching you create. what ever you do it looks fabulous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@emmadavey3892]

So darkly elegant and glamorous ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Emma!

[@clairewulf]

it's so interesting that historical fashion is considered costume. i wonder how long it will take until today's fashion, or even fashion from 20 years ago, will be considered costume.

[@sharonhogan935]

Another masterpiece. I see you have a more fancy side plate on your machine, lovely

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sharon! Yes I received the filigree faceplate as a gift ❤

[@debiapostol]

I absolutely aDORE your Victorian Costume creations! I only wish that 1) had the skill to create such works of beauty and 2) had a reason to WEAR them!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@debraking7412]

Hi Bianca, you have made a beautiful bodice. I love it and I have to say how jealous I am of your talent. I can’t wait to see the whole ensemble xx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Debra!

[@yezzyjames]

Another gorgeous addition to your collection. :}

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@leilasmila]

Don't throw out your old wax! I put mine in a silicone ice cube tray and melted it back down, and now it's useable again 😊

[@tenaoconnor7510]

I like your not sleeves 😻 the front opening is cool. Very pretty. I think maybe because they had so many layers anyway adding a lining would have been added bulk not needed. If you want to adjust any seams or replace boning it would be extra work to take out the lining

[@aprildriesslein5034]

It is weird such fancy gowns not being lined, since we consider that such a mark of quality. I imagine some of them would have been made-over as they were handed down and around, since you wouldn't want to be seen in the very same dress (heaven forefend!). I suppose the seamstresses thought, why not make it easier on myself if I'll just be redoing it later? Also, it's almost embarrassing how much hearing your "fall" intro music soothed my sweltering soul. 😅

[@kathyjohnson2043]

In addition to the undergarments being extensive, like wedding dresses today, they were easier to fit and alter

[@AnniCarlsson]

not seen in the same dress? lol they was not like people today and needed to be the only one have the dress on and never seen in a dress more then once. they used the cloths to they could not any more. then fixed a broken faric and it was fine. and they used the same dress party after party after party.

[@passionatesingle]

​@@AnniCarlsson only the masses and lower class would do that. The upper classes who changed 3-4 a day would not have such a need .

[@AnniCarlsson]

@@passionatesingle change for diffrent activitet sdon´t mean they used a dress only 1 time. omg people don´t get it

[@wednes3day]

​@@AnniCarlssonI mean the high-end high fashion ballwear might fall into that category? Of wanting to at least style it differently if you were wearing something twice? (Though that dress of course could then still be reworked or passed on outside of the season I imagine) .... Emphasis though on the high-end high-fashion aspect

[@gavannapatterns353]

Absolutely love the "not" sleeves ❤

[@sheilam.4538]

Loved the video! This dress is a work of art, nicely done. 💯

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@amiberg1991]

YES ! I love your victorian makes!😍😍😍 can't wait for the next one ❤❤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Marillawen]

Splendid work, the flowers really brings everything together (also love the lil butterflies!)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@kjtherrick4031]

This Whitby bodice is lovely. Love the fringe "sleeves"! By the way, Michaels has gotten some new Halloween decor. I especially like a new motion-activated set of books and a clock. If you haven't already visited your local store, we're also having a Clearance event that includes a fair amount of jewelry items, many for $1 or $2.

[@trudicole3520]

I love this bodice on you the fringe is truly delectable

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Trudi!