Medieval queens wore wool. I wear thrift store curtains.

Hello! I made a princess dress out of curtain, but I promise this video will be a very solemn and rigorous exercise in historical communication (as you've come to expect from this fine channel).
Notes, Corrections, Clarifications:
1. There is a later gown at the national museum of Hungary that is Burgundian-ish. But it really is a different sort of gown and wasn't about to offer me clues to the construction of earlier styles.
2. English broadcloths were apparently legislated to be 1.75 yards wide, but I can't find where this legislation actually comes from. Just tons of references to it.
3. 30 metres is not a standard bolt of broadcloth. More like 20. The exact numbers can be found in John Munro's works online.
4. The pattern I ended up using has a different amount of big skirt triangles...but for ridiculous piecing reasons that I didn't really want to detail. Just for the observant of you who noticed something different was going on. Its still a big cone.
SOURCES, COPYRIGHT CREDITS, FULL IMAGE LIST, PINTEREST BOARD, ETC:
docs.google.com/document/d/12...
MUSIC:
"Midnight Magic" by Rafael Krux (orchestralis.net) CC BY 4.0
"Journey in the New World" by Twin Musicom (YT audio library) CC BY 4.0
Sonata in F Major "Golden Sonata" by Purcell. Perf. Papalin. via Musopen. CC BY 3.0
"Lively Classical Piano Waltz" by MusicLFiles, CC BY 4.0, via filmmusic.io
"Church Bell Celebration" by Doug Maxwell/Media RIght Productions (YT audio library license)
Subtitles will be up later this week. Thanks for your patience!

[@anieth]

Girl, we love anyone weird. Especially us old ones. I love seeing how the young people are carrying on the costume calling! Beautiful reveal--show us more!

[@cd2street]

so with you :)

[@MicarahTewers]

GORGEOUS!! I really love how it turned out! and your process/ingenuity is really fascinating to me. bravo!

[@making.history]

Thank you so much! 💓 Love your stuff!

[@angelaross1]

Your gown turned out wonderful. Sometimes life interrupts, but I’m glad you finished the gown.

[@MelancholyRequiem]

I grew up one of four children in 1990s SoCali and my love for sewing began with thrift store sheets, table runners, and blankets. It warms my heart seeing you and other KZbinrs utilize these thrift store items because they are very rarely sold to be used for their original purpose (mainly inability to find a full matching set). Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work with us!!!

[@making.history]

Love that! Thanks for the kind comment

[@sct4040]

Matching sets of linen is over rated, just like matching furniture. Boring.

[@sarahcox9284]

I use curtains for dresses and maxi skirts.

[@donnanichols6838]

Fabric is fabric...it doesnt matter if the fabric was once a sheet or a curtain, or a tablecloth, as long as it wasn't an animal, I'm good!!! I think its wonderful to give new life to these items!!! 🍃🤗🍃

[@terrylopez5452]

Broadcloth: Reminds me of a saying that my dad used frequently. “All wool and a yard wide!” Said as a supreme compliment.

[@pioneercynthia1]

That is a really unusual saying and I like it. Where is your father from?

[@terrylopez5452]

New Jersey. He was born in 1925. Kind of a quaint saying, right?

[@pioneercynthia1]

@@terrylopez5452 It's quaint, yes, but when you said he was from New Jersey, it made more sense. NJ was one of the premiere places for textile manufacture in the United States. Back in the olden days, that is. So maybe it was a family saying from his youth.

[@futural3283]

You are so well spoken and articulate, it's really admirable! I loved the historical commentary before the historical costumery!

[@making.history]

Well shucks 😅 Thanks for the kind words!

[@exmohobobonobo]

Agree! I’m not a costumer but I am an avid consumer and critic of media, but i knew I wasn’t the only one to appreciate her excellent video. I love the historical details, organization, and nuance regarding the arts.

[@avisfuriosa2189]

If that fabric was available in Germany, say, seven years or so ago, I made someone's fantasy themed wedding dress out of it, so 100 of 100 points for taste 😂 This channel rocks really hard for me, I thought I was the only one to make vaguely historical stuff out of thrifted fabrics and I'm right glad to be wrong. The gown, needless to say, turned out fabulously.

[@mn2mx563]

Beautiful! I knew a gal 50 years ago ( oh wow it’s been that long) anyway she made her wedding dress out of a shower curtain… and I’ve made dresses out of thrift store finds but NOTHING as intricate as your medieval creation. It’s just stunning. Thanks for sharing

[@spinnettdesigns]

It's wonderful to see this tradition continuing! And what a lovely job. Our mother grew up in Bavaria in the 30's and went through the war there. She was mindful of not wasting but she was also very stylish. During the 60's and 70's she regularly recycles drapes into clothing (beautiful Herman Miller fabric) Us 5 children were mortified at this but I learned differently later...about 10 years ago I had to give a presentation and I made a (short jacket 50's style, square neck 3/4 sleeve) suit and a later, a Holly-go-lightly style dress, from two different (fabric) shower curtains. Of course, I used the original hem from the curtain, just for fun. Just a month ago I made a beautiful blue velvet skirt out of a $1 pillow sham from Goodwill, by pleating the back waistline. I think it is a blast to think creatively and enjoy the process. I enjoy making things for others as well. May you enjoy this fun for many years to come and thank you for sharing this!

[@TheIRpictures]

I find plain, fine woolen fabrics so elegant, along with silk satin or atlas silk. I like it much more than brocades, but most people i know who do reenactment, like patterned fabrics better. The only exception for me would be the 15th century pomegranate velvet, nothing beats that :D . Your dress looks great, the whole outfit fits you well !

[@SherylFZsmom]

I've never heard of atlas silk. Is it a type of weave of silk, a faux silk or what? I like plain rather than patterned too-then I embellish it with my own stuff (laces, ribbons, etc) This video was good, and the gown at the end came out very nice.

[@megancavagnaro1317]

This is so inspirational! I've been thrifting curtains to make our initial garb for the SCA. I haven't started making it yet because I'm filled with self-doubt, lol. Your realistic approach to making "historically adequate" reproduction clothing is super accessible and I really appreciate that!

[@making.history]

Yes!!! The weight, drape, hand, etc. matters so much more than the fibre makeup. Trust your gut! :)

[@Diniecita]

What kingdom are you in?

[@megancavagnaro1317]

@@Diniecita We are in An Tir

[@ellenrittgers990]

Sometimes, good enough is good enough!

[@vidaliasoleil2714]

Yes there are those who love authenticity and raise their own sheep and grow their own flax, card it, spin it, weave it, cut it, sew it by hand, and make appropriate underwear! I am not one of those, although I admire their skill! At the other end of the spectrum is theatrical costuming, where authenticity is non-existent, and you just want the audience to believe they are looking at people living in another time period. It is all good. Fun to do and beautiful to look at.

[@anetajezewska-singh4392]

This was super interesting! I'm impressed and inspired with you picking back up the project after a long break and actually getting it done. The gown is grand! Keep doing your weird stuff, we're here for it :)

[@making.history]

☺❤

[@janetfayard672]

Wow, that's amazing what you did with those curtains. It looks beautiful and you do look like a princess.

[@msnaturalfibers3058]

One of my dream garments to make, though also probably not in wool and fur! A good version of it, especially with the materials. The accessories and the fur trim amp up the authenticity rating A LOT for me.

[@Cdngardengirl]

Life might have been challenging in medieval times, but making those dresses was even more challenging. Well done!

[@moviemonster2083]

Fabulous. I'm a historian, not a dress designer but I appreciate your obvious dedication to your craft and the erudition and sophistication of your knowledge of the topic, its history and history in general. Kudos. It's reassuring to see that some 'younger' people today still have some appreciation for art, culture, education and the whole experience of human endeavor. If only there were more like you in government positions.

[@juniperjr2017]

I love seeing your creative process, especially with unconventional materials. It worked out great!

[@making.history]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@deedeereynolds7938]

Omg I've JUST discovered you via this video and GIRL I am here to stay!! Your honest presentation is what got me. Can't wait for the next one! 🥳

[@making.history]

Welcome!!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

I was just thinking that same thing!

[@evaweir4007]

this is so unreal! i love the footage with your completed look. i too have so many vaguely historically-inspired costumes made of thrift store sheets:]

[@Arcana_Jester]

I get burned out really easily and don't return to big projects for a long time, as well. I'm always impressed with people that can finish their crafts :) I love using thrifted items for costuming! You find the best stuff. Your dress turned out really pretty and would be great for a performance, I think.

[@elwoodsterful]

Love it!! The history, the delivery/ narration, the choices made, the result, all of it :) 🎉

[@whatsinanamelol2237]

The whole ensemble came out so good🙌

[@making.history]

Thanks!!!!

[@terralia644]

Ooh new to me costuming channel with a focus on history? I'm in! I can barely do a running stitch by hand, but I do love my historical recreations and laconic realness (Also yes I am a gigantic nerd - I've already seen a stitch in time). Time to go through your back catalogue, and looking forward to seeing more for you :)

[@amikrenzel5788]

Wow!!! Just the history and research was fascinating on its own. Your creativity of figuring this out and the use of some unexpected things like mosquito netting are brilliant. The final dress is amazing!!!

[@jodyvelie6072]

WOW! The finished product blew me away. Also I loved loved loved your explanation of broadcloth. I’ve heard various renditions of this but yours finally pieced (no pun intended) it all together for me

[@geraniaceae4470]

The historical background history of the clothing is fascinating, and your dress is beautiful!!!

[@stefaniesombaty8980]

That is an amazing dress! I love your story telling and the history behind the dress. Thank you. It always amazes me that you and any other creator takes the time to compose an educational and entertaining video so that I may come upon it and be entertained! You're wonderful.

[@uswruser7996]

In the late Middle-age, the state of Burgundy existed in what is now Belgium, eastern France, around the cities Strassbourg and Colmar...This country was extremely successful economically at the time.. The fashion shown comes from this country and was style - defining for the whole of Europe at the time... This special fashion testifies to an elegance that one looks for in vain today.... Thanks for the magical video 🌈

[@morganablackwater2017]

Being weird is the best thing in the world... I love EVERYTHING about this project

[@judywilliamson2068]

It’s late and I just ran across your video. I used to do a lot of seamstress work when I was young and this was quite interesting. I remember years ago reading about a dress worn by the lady of the manor (in Scotland somewhere) and it weighed a whopping 45 pounds! I was exhausted just thinking about lugging around a dress that heavy much less trying to do any work in it. When my friends rhapsodize about living in the past I always laugh and said, “Oh no, not me. I love modern plumbing and central heating!” Just think of all the trouble you would have going to the toilet in a 45 pound dress. Yikes!!!

[@yvonneburns2786]

My fairytale princess look are all Rococo stylised, I just love the outrageous designs and the shoes, oh god those shoes.....😍😍😍😍

[@sabrinadavis8355]

I love how you discuss the history of the fabric aside from the actual process of making the dress, thank you for taking the time to do so and sharing with us ❤

[@lauraoergel6003]

Mosquito netting is so brilliant as a stiffener!!stiffened!!! I bet it would work well for horsehair substitute too! This turned out amazing!

[@shelleymarshall7205]

This is super interesting! Loved the dress in the end. Well done😊

[@deem7478]

Beautiful butterfly headress, too!

[@rachelvigil2419]

The phrase "historically adequate" really made me smile, love the dress and getting creative at the thrift store!

[@tinag8467]

Wonderful job! I love the realistic way you approached this project in a way the everyday average person without a huge budget would. Very inspiring and gives us an “I can do that to!” Vibe.

[@_kmCarter]

Great work! This was fun to watch. 😊 I’m almost done with a 14th c. gown made from bedsheets I got from the thrift store.

[@jessemoore8814]

It’s so pretty! You really called it that such a weird curtain would look cool as this sort of dress

[@fairenough7984]

The color of the curtain was perfect for this style!! Love the end result; you did a fantastic job🤗🤗🤗

[@blanketsinsteadofpants5239]

Your channel is my favorite! It’s so refreshing seeing an accessible/realistic approach to historical costuming and the whole process. Please keep doing what you’re doing!

[@thequintanashow5058]

Love this. Favorite part by far: “foldy bit”

[@CryingRaven]

We had this set of curtains in my childhood household. I had totally forgotten them until now. I think a dark color fo fur would have looked better with the green. But you did a good job on the dress.

[@julianguyen3665]

I have made lots of costumes and love your thought process, the finished product is AMAZING!

[@sherrilrendon8330]

LOVED IT! Thank you so much. Been sewing for 60+ years and found this fascinating. Congrats to you.

[@ruthers251]

So creative! The pleats are spectacular. The whole dress is amazing given your raw materials. A triumph!!

[@styleme3375]

I had a very similar stall with a dressing gown/robe I was making. I used a historical pattern that I could plug my measurements into and easily put together. I had a large scrap of 108 wide cotton printed fabric for the front. I cut everything out and had some extra triangular panels left that I could turn and use for extra fullness in the skirt. Then I decided to use an old top sheet to line but it was white and I needed it to be coral. Then I decided to add piping to the edges. Then I decided cotton lace gathered really tightly around the elbow would look amazing. Then I realized I made a mistake on the size of the lining in the sleeves and it was a touch too short. I folded everything up and put it away. We moved across the country and I ignored my 85% finished project because my mistake felt enormous when it happened and I was sad about it. When I pulled it back out with fresh eyes It just needed a strip added and some hand sewing to tack everything down. It took me less than 3 hours to fix the mistake, add a ruffle and finish off all the little details. In the end it turned out perfectly. The 800 thread count sheet as lining really is lovely. The gathered cotton lace makes me feel like a regal lady and I find any excuse to put that thing on. Lol Cheers to powering through and getting it done!

[@noneofyourbusiness7094]

Your reference images, narration, and persistence in creating a historically accurate looking dress using modern materials is wonderful! Excellent musical accompaniment too. You have proven that you can create a great dress on a budget. Thank you for your hard work. 😊❤

[@simoneconsciousobserver3105]

My Mum was a dress maker. She apprenticed in Germany. I have fond memories of going to Mr Gold's fabric store. I still remember probably because I.had seen a photo, of my sister, not yet walking and I, about 3yo playing with the wooden thread thingys. This video sparked these wonderful memories of my childhood. I'm 60 now

[@stephencynthiascherry6340]

Totally enjoyed and appreciated the history lesson on broad cloth! Your gown looks fabulous and you are a hero for inspiring us likeminded people!

[@NuLiForm]

Ha!..i Love it!...been using curtains for clothes since i learned how to sew, in grade school...step mum was a fashion plate but did not think i needed to wear anything more fashionable than a scullery maid..kids made fun of me at school..until i began sewing my own clothes...made em from what i saw in catalogs & her fashion books. Once i got old enough i went to thrift stores & bought old prom & bridesmaid dresses that everybody hated so were mega cheap but Fantastic materials..to chop up & recreate red carpet fashion i saw at the Oscars, etc...this landed me countless requests to create for others...i graduated to 3 piece suits for men, historical era fashions, & even real fur coats...& various quilting's, including stuffed animals & other stuffed objects, then went on to custom fit sofa covers & table cloths which usually included complete matching kitchen ensembles, ie, all sorts of hot pads, appliance covers & curtains....elaborate bed spreads -w drapes & scarves.. & fanciful curtain sets i saw in magazines....back to the curtains..i had come..full circle...lol

[@Lightcode]

One or two or 10 people ellipsis more like one or two or 10,000! This was so amazing to see you create and use your creativity around the constraints of time and budget and availability. And what a beautiful result! So stunning thank you for sharing the whole process and even though I have no idea how to sew and will never do it, I sure enjoy watching it :-)

[@tessavance13]

Yep, i'm a thrift store buyer for my fabric. I love your dress you should be proud of all your hard work.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

I'm delighted to see you posting again! I am in awe of the success you have with research. Congratulations in finishing! It looks fantastic!

[@making.history]

Thank you Catherine!

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

@@making.history you are welcome! I hope you have spoons & interest in doing more videos. I enjoy then!

[@kellyoconnor5684]

Congratulations on a gorgeous dress that looks smashing on you--Mr. Jan van Eyck will be by later today to paint your portrait! I hope you have lots of opportunities to wear it--looking forward to your future videos!

[@karynwith-a-y6686]

Can we all take a moment to recall the movie "Sound of Music"? Frauline Maria made play clothes for the Captain's children from her drapes...and had a marvellous time in them! Great project and process you shared👍👍♥️🇨🇦

[@crazyloverofcats]

The dress turned out very pretty!! I loved the accompanying headpiece!

[@stlreb]

Excellent work. You're right up there with Scarlett O'Hara.

[@sandrachank6982]

Interesting. Now you need to find a Medieval Festival to attend in your garb. I've been to one in NY. Lots of fun.

[@valkyrie1066]

YES. When I joined a medieval reenactment group; we were all starving students. It became an art to take a group to thrift stores to hunt for appropriate fabric or details to re-assemble as medieval garb. We DID pay attention to historical detail. My favorite, well worn Viking coat of wool, embroidery, fur and amber began life as an army blanket. Occasionally, i take it off and show a newcomer the "US ARMY" designation still printed on the inside. Creativity is key; recognizing fabric content and prints. I was always proud of how good we looked when we finished our projects. it can be done for any time period in mind. Brocade, you ask? Curtains! Yes, just don't get blackout or plastic lined. Cloth lined can be used as is; to add more stiffness to the drape. Nice use of newspaper, I tend to use the paper shopping bags as they last a little longer. (if you have family and friends to dress as well) If it's a one off project; by all means use what is cheapest and most available. Quarentine was torture; until I turned my mind to sewing new garb; for the first time in a long time I could actually FOCUS on sewing! Full new kit from skin to furs. Wore for halloween because it is DONE and there are many weeks before "the season" begins again. I've definately used the fur edging sewn wrapped around the edges to suggest the garment was fur lined. In southern california, it is a survival tool. It's hard doing full medieval garb in 100f weather! Survival is necessary LOL.

[@FrankieIlling]

Your video was on my recommended page! I’m here to stay ♥️

[@braddavis6219]

Beautiful! How I wish "A Stitch in Time" had more seasons.

[@Midlife_Manical_Mayhem]

someone who had those curtains in the 60s/70s would love to see that someone found a use for the curtains they had hanging in their home. it really is nice to see these older home decor items being used for something cool rather than the dump.

[@BoolaHoola]

Beaut - absolute beaut

[@susangavaghan]

Fascinating. I love the outfit. I paid a dressmaker to make me a gown similar to the ones worn in the Henry VIII period. It was made from pink velvet curtains.

[@DanaBeaufait]

I love the innovative materials you used! The dress turned out amazing!

[@making.history]

Thank you! 😊

[@PaolitaTheGreat]

One or two... or 3 thousand people are hyped you finished this beautiful dress!!

[@LeeCarlson]

As a member of Louisiana's Renaissance Living History Center for a decade, I had to share this video with all of the people who participated in the Louisiana Renaissance Fair so that they could be inspired by your journey as much as I have been.

[@barbarellanosferatu6242]

Omg that last shot is so gorgeous. Literaly out of a fairytale.

[@deannabates1575]

What a great way to recycle old curtains. Even Scarlett would be impressed.

[@kristalrose29]

Absolutely beautiful! Those curtains were born to be that beautiful gown!

[@jeremydutton2132]

Girl. Love this. Very cool to see you using nice hand stitching techniques and thoughtful research and patterning. Please keep doing more historical projects cause this was very fun to watch!

[@Beegee1952]

That was fun and the results beautiful. I made a renaissance inspired princess dress for my daughter for Halloween one year using a 1969 prom dress of mine. It had an empire waist and the color was close to yours, but no fur. The pointy hat was the real challenge!

[@kabardinka1]

You made cheesy fabrics into medieval magic. I'm so impressed!

[@ashalindrose6055]

Curtains are great. So are sheets and bed covers. Anything that allows for a nice, large, continuous piece of fabric to cut into. I have some fabulous red fabric that was sourced from curtains and has made it into several sewing projects. If I could find more of that fabric, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Sadly, I've only ever come across it in that pair of thrifted curtains. I love all the trouble-shooting and the make-shift creative solutions that went into this project. As you mentioned, fabric was costly and precious. I'm sure those gowns were passed on from person to person and due to the generous, flowing nature of the gown, very little tailoring would have been required between owners. Our forebears were not above sourcing fabric from whatever source they could and using what they had available to get the job done. We shouldn't be either. =)

[@Jennifer-pb9nd]

as a ferret mommy, that fur thing literally makes me sick with grief. so heartbreaking.

[@lindseyrea9237]

Best curtain re-use since "Gone With The Wind"!

[@Cutondogor]

You're absolutely right - those gathers make it, totally. And my local thrift store is completely out of tacky polyester sheets, thanks to my need for toiles 🙂

[@making.history]

Yes! I love it when I see someone else trawling the bedding section. I can always tell when crafts will ensue 😎

[@jsproles99]

"Non-Pintrest research!" Loved your video on recycling fabrics in a fun and historical way! Great information!

[@lisascenic]

A mashup of Scarlet O’Hara and Hans Memling? Oh HECK yeah! I can’t wait to see how you engineered the hat, especially the black forehead loop thing.

[@merrybrown7761]

How wonderfully smart you are ! Congrats your dress is beautiful.

[@doloressims5677]

You are inspiring. I've had a box of drapes that I couldn't let my sister get rid of because I am determined to make a gown from them (someday). 😉

[@barbibarnum]

I just stumbled across your channel and YAY I’m glad I did. This was so fun.

[@e.urbach7780]

That turned out pretty cool (errrr, warm, with the poly curtain and faux fur ...)! Also, thanks for the idea of making lacing rings by sewing metal eyes on a tape; I hate making eyelet holes, so I will definitely be trying this!

[@tanyawersinger2693]

Love the historical explanations, and your work.

[@Jl-pm6fp]

Brilliant way to create an accurate historical pattern, the dress looks amazing on you too! I am in awe!

[@ShallowApple22]

I have just found your channel today Safe to say this channel is amazing ❤

[@soleilsalamanca7753]

This video was great! I’m so glad you finished it, the color is amazing

[@Siygrah]

I love your resourcefulness! Please keep doing this kind of stuff. It's wildly inspiring!

[@signespencer6887]

The finished dress looks great! Love the way the veil floats too

[@samariapenaloza6106]

Okay this title literally drew me in I think she's going to have a new subscriber as to the fact that I love all things vintage historically accurate from the edwardian. Through the Middle ages.

[@eyesofthegoddess2967]

WOW, WOW, WOW. I was just so amazed by your creativity and willingness to think outside of the box, heck, you recycled the box. Fabulous job at such an intricate and unusual costume. I got me here at fur and curtains; I am subscribing to your channel to see where your creativity and willingness to accept challenges will take you!!!

[@making.history]

Thank you for the kind words!!! There will be lots of intricate and unusual things to come, I'm sure :)

[@yx6889]

That turned out so cute! I especially liked the gathers at the back, it's a very nice touch! You go girl!

[@alexhollow2012]

It looks so good! I think that fabric looks so cool and really fits the vibe.

[@radiantlyshana]

Wow! The dress turned out beautifully!!

[@gaylabadillo5015]

You did a fabulous job!! I can't wait to check out some of your other videos.

[@honorladone8682]

I love The Carol Burnett show when she becomes Scarlett O'Hara with draperies.

[@rachelt3149]

This is brilliant, thank you so much for sticking with it and sharing it with us!

[@kristenpeters4434]

It came out great! Nice job persisting ☺️ And super cute thrifted couch too! ❤

[@dr.bandito60]

It came out awesome! Your chaotic creative process is very relatable 😂

[@Windthroughcedars]

Looks so beautiful! Perfect for autumn!