Why You Should Be Making A Mockup! || (And also I guess 15 minutes of me whining about this pattern)

[@Cationna]

A lady in the Middle Ages: Aight imma make myself a nice loose dress to scooch about in and get some work done. Aw heck cut the sleeve uneven... Whateva, a girl learns her whole life, and it's not like anyone's gonna really look at it closely right haha Historians a thousand years later: So here we see this interesting design choice, we're not sure if it was a personal innovation or a local fashion, however it certainly adds a quirky, self-aware touch to the look. It is also possible the unevennesses actually allowed the wearer to...

[@MorganDonner]

😂😂😂

[@NotSoNormal1987]

She could have also been running out of fabric for the sleeves. I know I tend to make sleeves last. There have been a few times I didn't calculate quite enough fabric for sleeves. 😅

[@janfranklin2114]

Bwhahaha, that's what I'm saying!

[@jent3802]

😄

[@cynthiabasil8356]

My brain also does that.😂

[@DanielleStJohn]

"Did you make a mock-up?" is like the "Have you tried turning it off and back on again?" of the sewing world.

[@lindasprinkle4615]

Even better, "Did you check to make sure it's plugged in?" ;)

[@awaredeshmukh3202]

In knitting it's "did you swatch first?"

[@maike__-]

You look SO young in this video, wearing the red dress? Like, not that I think you're old, or that you look old; but you, smiling as always, with your two braids, in a loosely fitted red dress, running and twirling in fields and wooden houses has such a childlike carefree "summer-holidays-in-an-Astrid-Lindgren-children's-book"-Feel to it, I love it ♡

[@natasha-ut7si]

Oh my gosh, I was thinking the exact same thing!

[@3rdand105]

When she took off running towards the end, it instantly reminded me of Laura Ingalls in "Little House on the Prairie."

[@seanmcgcostumes]

I’m a HUGE supporter of mock-ups and I have one friend who never bothers with them. Like... why would you choose to live your life so dangerously, Sir? How are you not always stressed about messing up your final fabric?! 😂 Seeing a re-discovered historic medieval garment as it would have looked originally is so fascinating to me. Nowadays, we stress ourselves and try to make every. single. aspect. of a garment as perfect as possible so it’s the best it can be, yet that wasn’t always the case in the past. From these sleeves all the way up to messy, patchworked Victorian bodice linings, people making clothes in the past were HUMAN. I feel like the more we remind ourselves of this, the more we can give ourselves permission to not stress about every single error and mistake that we make when creating something.

[@DeltaDonnaLynn]

I was thrilled to see a really good representation of how the gown actually looked. The photos of the gown flat on a table make the shaping look so odd that it's hard to see what it would look like in motion.

[@Smallpotato1965]

this looks like a working woman's gown; short so it doesn't drag in the mud of farmyard, short sleeves so they don't drag in water/flour/whatever it is the wearer is working with

[@ragnkja]

Smallpotato1965 Considering the cut (those curved cuts in the side panels are rather wasteful), I believe she must have been reasonably well off, but not aristocracy, since Herjolfsnes wasn’t exactly well-connected with the rest of the world. (One ship from Bergen a year was their typical connection with the rest of the world.)

[@Lolibeth]

@@ragnkja Reasonably well off and having to do physical work aren't mutually exclusive, especially for that time and place.

[@homesteadtotable2921]

@@jaybird5001 I can't for the death of me remember where I saw it, but I have this vague, and quite probably inaccurate recollection that at least in latter centuries (17th and 18th centuries), Scandinavian women wore aprons as part of their clothing to conceal pregnancy, to the point, where girls playing "house" wore aprons when they were playing "mother". It's possible that the practice was in use earlier, too. I did find my Swedish language book about underwear, corsets, and stays, but not the reference, so I'm starting to suspect it wasn't the Scandinavian books I saw it in after all. In the section pertaining to pregnancy and stays, it talks about how adult married women spent most of their remaining days after marriage pregnant or nursing. Many had 10+ pregnancies, and died young, or lost their children young. It gives a couple examples, one of them was Anna von Sydow from Sweden, who spent at least 126 months from 1863 and 1884 pregnant with her 14 children, 11 of whom survived infancy. She also became stepmother to the 6 children from her husband's previous marriage when she married him at age 22. And here I complain I have it tough with three... 😅

[@AlexaFaie]

@@homesteadtotable2921 We knew my Grandpa was one of 13, 11 of whom survived infancy, but then found out that there were a whole load more! His mother had children by at least 3 fathers (rumours in a newspaper wondered if there were a fourth!). Married the first, had kids, but they fell apart and lived as separated as too poor to afford the divorce plus it wasn't common back then to be accepted. Then she ended up with another guy, was his "housekeeper", had kids with him, then finally met my Grandpa's father who had also been previously married and came with kids. So the total number of siblings my Grandpa had including half-siblings is actually 23. Another ancestor further back we calculated that for some of the children she had barely a month between pregnancies until the point where the children stopped. I can't imagine the horror of being pregnant once (ok I can, its awful) let alone near constantly for most of your life. Urrgh... Makes me feel sick just thinking about it.

[@fluffyunicorn57]

@@homesteadtotable2921 I thought aprons were just to protect the expensive fabric from wear.

[@abbysmommy1205]

You, @Bernadette Banner and @Enchanted Rose Costumes are the wholesome content I need 😍

[@ellaisplotting]

❤ Faves

[@maike__-]

Also, don't forget @Cathy Hay, to pick us up when we feel overwhelmed or anxious about anything sewing-related ♡ Those lovely ladies really make a fabulous team, there's so much knowledge and enthusiasm :)

[@Marialla.]

Evelyn Woods too! She's early 20th century, not medieval, but the spirit of love and sewing camaraderie is there!

[@silverdeer2515]

You got that right ♡

[@SequoiaSleeps]

I’d add @Micarah Tewers, the one who inspired me to bullshit my way to sucess

[@taniamagicfingers1636]

The Jaw's reference is brilliant. It sparks about the same level of fear I have when cutting in to expensive or gorgeous material. The red and black outfit is amazing. I see others agree with me. Please wear it more, both on and off camera. Yippee, doggie made an appearance. I love asymmetrical or wonky things but as you are the one wearing the dress go with what is tugging at you inside. I have NEVER made a mock up. I don't have enough concentration and drive to make something twice! And I hate wasting fabric. Even crappy fabric. Do I swear, unpick, restitch, unpick, move all around... non-stop? Yes. Would it be better to do a mock up, yes. Will make one in the near future? Maybe I might develop healthier sewing practice!

[@msjennl10]

That red and black outfit you're wearing for like one shot is #aesthetic.

[@MorganDonner]

The one with the absurdly gigantic collar? 😂 I love that dress, although I always feel a little self-conscious in it.

[@bethanysonnier5402]

I thought it was very medieval hood-esque, and figured it was #historybounding

[@ElizabethJones-pv3sj]

The broad collar and the wide belt make me think 15th century Burgundian houppelande but that still fits with the historybounding idea.

[@believeinfaeries8713]

I agree! It was gorgeous! Definitely looked #historybounding

[@kimberlyhadder8809]

I agree that dress is stunning!! 😍

[@cecimarie4240]

I am weirdly charmed by the mismatched sleeves, if only because I like to imagine that a Ye Olde Dressmaker made a mistake that is so incredibly common (I have done sO MANY mock-ups with sleeve weirdness). Some things never change?

[@chelseaprater8821]

about the sleeve weirdness: it sorta seems that this would be an everyday garment for people who would be working in some capacity, so maybe the fact that the short side of the cuff is toward the bottom/palm of the hand it is to keep the fabric cleaner while still having the sleeves folded down, also the slit & just being able to fold the sleeves back for practical reasons seems to fit, and also like you said about the underarm gussets they provide full range of motion without the pillowy voluminous added fabric that wouldnt be practical

[@annesofiestisen239]

chelsea prater I saw a note in the book Morgan quoted in the video, it mentioned that the sleeves in that style could be heavily embroidered around the arms/the cut opening, and more sleeve on the upper side, means more room to show off fancy embroidery to anyone watching your wrist/hands.

[@dextrodemon]

@@annesofiestisen239 that's what i would have thought, or something like that. one only has to imagine the sleeve reaching say, the knuckles or the first joint of the little finger depending on orientation on the long side, and the first joint of the thumb or the base of the palm on the short for it to be a usual kind of design.

[@walruslatte6080]

I suspect that decorative braid was added to protect the sleeve from wear and then removed when it was worn out.

[@fimackenzie2319]

This is my favourite medieval dress. I have several of these. Tournaments Illuminated did a variation of this dress years ago and I love it. I like the looseness and it looks good belted in. The large skirt works well on horseback and allows for good movement when walking. The length insures that I don’t have muddy hens after a typical Aquaterrian or even An Tirian event. I think it looks nice on you and if you give it a chance you will find that it’s a good basic tourney gown.

[@emsmorningglory]

Obviously your fitted garments look amazing and are very flattering, but this dress looks SO COMFY.

[@MorganDonner]

This is fabulously comfortable! That's half of what convinced me to leave it loose like the original!

[@ragnkja]

All of those artworks you’re comparing it to are from further south in Europe. According to Marianne Vedeler’s doctoral thesis (“Klær og formspråk i norsk middelalder”, includes a summary in English), the few works that were most likely made in Norway (which Greenland was a part of at the time) show significantly looser clothes than those continental manuscripts you’re referencing, as do all the extant garments she examined for her thesis. Fun fact: one thing people have noticed about Herjolfsnes clothes is that male clothing seems to generally have been made from cloth (all 2/2 twill) that was dark in both warp and weft, women’s clothing tended to have dark warp and light weft, and children’s clothing was light in both warp and weft.

[@ragnkja]

There were also some styles that were unique to Scandinavia including Greenland, such as a long garment with cartridge pleats at the front of the chest.

[@homesteadtotable2921]

There really is a wealth of research into regional dress within Scandinavia (and Finland, where I'm originally from) that gets overlooked by the Anglosphere, because although books have English summaries, most English speakers just can't get a hold of that research. Many gorgeous reproductions based on grave finds are available, some even to buy. I've been thinking that if I ever save up enough disposable income, to get a full replica jewellery set from Kalevala Koru for my own rare and infrequent re-enacting needs. And because of the interest in regional history, a lot of Nordic SCA clubs, activities, and events, actually focus on the "Viking" era Norse along with the Middle Ages. My interest has been shifting from the "larping elf princess" and gothic Victorian styles of my teens towards just understanding how working everyday clothes throughout the years worked. Like how would a farmwife move and work in her clothes? I notice I move differently just swapping from trousers to skirt, or overalls. Having to gather my skirt to get in and out of the chicken coop also creates a built-in egg basket out of the fabric, for example. How would that change in a kirtle and overgown? How long would I trudge through the mud in a ballgown before I just grabbed the nearest sharp object to shorten my hem? lol

[@albinocavewoman]

I have one of those gauges! Got in a bag of notions for $1.50 at a local thrift store, I think. Or, maybe it came with one of my many vintage sewing machines? Whatever, it's handy. In regards to the gown, I say alter it in a way that will make you feel good wearing it, while still being practical. Historical accuracy means nothing if you don't want to put it on after you've made it. Also, it's an example of just one garment. Who's to say it wasn't perfectly fitted to whomever it belonged to. The way the gores flair out in the torso rather than the hips makes me think of the maternity dresses I wore while pregnant. Due to the high cost of producing fabric at this time, this garment would, no doubt, have needed to be adaptable for pregnancy. Just a thought.

[@sharonriley4137]

Love this garment ! I feel that it is a working woman's dress - the front gore is perfectly placed for pregnancy an the sleeves are great for rolling 'em up and milking some sheep...it is graceful and lovely, too.

[@dymphygoossens]

I have never made a mock up, and for iron-age clothing that is fine since it is basically rectangles. However, I want to venture into the victorian era and I think it will most definetly be necessary. Also, thank you for explaining gore construction. I did an attempt, but I failed at the top. I now want to make another mock up of a dress with gores!

[@MorganDonner]

It's really satisfying when you've successfully made a nice gore, totally worth trying again!

[@dymphygoossens]

I already have a project in mind, but still want to do some more research for it. When I do that, I will totally try the gore again!

[@thaloblue]

Good to know. Maybe I will stay in Iron Age clothing for a while because I detest mockups. It's a waste of time, physical pain (I have fibromyalgia), and money.

[@jessicaraine8403]

Thank you. My daughter did a unit study on Norse culture and it kind of became an obsession. She now wants ancient nose/Viking dresses to wear. This helps so much!!

[@clarence5211]

i love the uneven sleeves! i think it’s a nice little detail on an otherwise very simple gown

[@whthorse25]

I’m making a mock-up while watching this video! After a number of historic garments, this is for a modern (but wildly bold) pea coat. I’m already starting to understand the construction process much better.

[@MorganDonner]

AWESOME! It's great that you are making a mockup and the pattern is already starting to make sense for you! 🎉🎉

[@Tina06019]

Great intro! I don’t make mock-ups for simple garments like hangerocks, but that’s because I have made so many of them. For more complex garments of a type I have never made before, I make a mock-up with my usual fit adjustments. If the “fashion fabric” is heavy or very expensive, I often make a second mock-up of a less-expensive fabric which is closer in weight to the fabric I plan to use for the final garment. This second mock-up is often a garment I can finish off and wear if I wish.

[@allisonphillips5063]

Seeing this in motion makes me desperately want one! I'd probably have to add length to it (because we have generally gotten taller) and take in the back especially, but the more casual 14th century clothes that I can go bother cooking laurels while wearing, the better

[@tinafisher]

I think the sleeves are perfect, I like the roominess of the pattern, you can always get a leather belt, or make an embroidered belt using felt or something unique. I just love it, and no I am a quilter, and I have yet to move to making clothes, but I wish too.

[@MorganDonner]

I agree, the roominess is actually quite nice and comfortable! It will be even nicer when I make it out of wool! 😍

[@ragnkja]

Morgan Donner If you haven’t bought the wool yet, go for a 2/2 twill with dark warp and light weft if you can get it and want to be as historically accurate as possible. (A Greenlandic garment for your husband would be dark in both warp and weft.)

[@katwitanruna]

Mockups are essential with new patterns! I use muslin or sale fabric, especially if I can find fabric content that matches what I plan to use in the finished garment. I have been known to use mockups for linings in certain garments.

[@ellaisplotting]

Ooh good idea!!

[@katwitanruna]

ellaisplotting I once found six bolts of Evile colors and patterns of raw silk for a couple of bucks a yard. I used dye removal on it all and most of it was usable for outerwear and then I used the rest for mockups/linings.

[@Tina06019]

I often use the mock-up for lining the final garment, too.

[@christinesarkis4029]

I wish I had thought to use my muslin mock-up for the lining of my latest project rather than buying new fabric and boning and doing it all over again. 😅

[@emmamarentette]

laughing so hard at the jaws scissors

[@ecologicaladam7262]

Clearly a lot more to making a good vid than ‘mere’ photography!!

[@lain5900]

You had me at "duh nuh," lol. 🦈 I think it could be a working women's garment as well, with ease for movement. Add an apron dress or overdress and a card woven belt n some beaded accessories and you're all set.

[@GrainneDhu]

I love mockups because I hate the feeling of wandering if it will really fit the way I want it to if I try a pattern without one. And every now and then, a mockup in muslin comes out so well that I end up finishing it off properly, then dyeing and/or painting and/or drawing all over it for a piece of wearable art. Mockups rule! Looking at the mockup from the back makes me wonder if the original wearer was a little more plump during her lifetime. Then again, one advantage of making up a woollen gown loosely is that it allows it to be let out and taken in to accommodate changes in body shape. In _The Far Traveler: Vogages of a Viking Woman_, author Nancy Marie Brown mentions research that indicates that a weaver probably walked around 23 miles per day to produce enough cloth for her family's needs plus enough for trade (Iceland's main export at that time was woollen cloth). The far traveler refers to Gudrid, who is mentioned in 2 sagas and sounds like an extraordinary woman (for instance, she and her husband were probably the leaders of the expedition that stayed 3 years in L'Anse aux Meadows) and the book is fascinating. More to the point of Gudrid, though, is that a loose woollen gown would be comfortable over a wider temperature range and activity level. When sitting, the gown settles around the body and holds in heat. When treading dozens of miles to weave, the movement of walking swishes the gown a bit and the air flow helps cool the body.

[@adriennesimpson9679]

I just learned something new while watching this video. While using your sewing machine you cut the threads by passing them over a notch on the side of your machine; now, I've been sewing for about 35 years and I never knew about that notch.

[@thebarefoottealady]

Ugh, I need to dig out the old ripped sheets and make a mockup of the late Victorian skirt that's next on my sewing project list, thanks for the reminder.

[@marensofielfsgard9625]

I've made a couple of these, they're so nice! I ended up evening out the sleeve cuff by gathering up the elbow area of the longer side a little. This gives me lots of lovely elbow room, and with so little extra fabric gathered into a fairly wide area, it doesn't even look gathered when the seams are pressed :)

[@aniaraguz]

I always feel suspicious of my chalk lines and it felt really validating to hear that I'm not the only one 😏

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

You have convinced me. On the projects that I think about longingly with the once in a life time fabric I will do a mock-up! Most of what I sew don’t need a mock-up or actually any real thought but I have a few projects that will definitely need one. Oh and help me get over the material is too perfect to waste don’t cut it anxiety

[@MorganDonner]

Precisely! Get out all those nerves on the fabric that you low-key hate and you'll be much more confident on the fabric you love!

[@vikkizoo1]

I love using sheets for mock-ups. We are a family that tends not to use the top sheet on our beds so I always have plenty lying around. 😉

[@FatiguedButFabulous]

I really enjoy how you mix a bit of how-to and info in with your own projects. Also, I think "sleeve gusset pizza parts" is totally historically accurate!

[@CathyHay]

Great lesson on mockups Morgan! Thank you for covering a period and geographical area I wouldn't think to try myself. I love that I get to vacation in a different era than usual and get the benefit of your research and experiments. And I think the uneven sleeve is cute!

[@MorganDonner]

Thank you Cathy! I am leaning more and more into leaving it in :D

[@sadmac356]

I've honestly made mockups for doll clothes and I can't recommend it enough, if only to make sure the piece fits on the doll.

[@biancamitchell484]

There are so many elements going on here that I just need to share the serendipity of. I'm currently drafting from scratch and making a Star Trek Discovery uniform to wear to a convention this weekend, because there is not a single resource that I've found to give any hints on how to make it. This is the FIRST TIME EVER that I've decided to do a mock up because this uniform is complicated as hell. Watching this while sewing I realised, I'm watching a video about the importance of making mock ups that has Star Trek references in it, while I'm making my first ever mock up, and making a star trek uniform.

[@smol_warrior_]

I appreciate so much how much red is everywhere in this video. It's already such a great color for Morgan in her videos but having it for the fabric and the wrapping paper of the pattern and even the dress form makes me inexplicably happy.

[@kentario1610]

It's amazing that another person read about the same dress and found that small part in a whole book, it's really lucky. Also that slo mo fabric toss before ironing, very satisfying, amazing.

[@mirjam3553]

I'd even out the sleeve ends, add a bit of length at the back, but lower the gores mayyyyybe by a cm only. I've found that for wearing it belted, starting the fullness around the natural waist point looks better than having it start to flare out lower. Gives a... straight widening? But I'm not even a proper re-enactor and tend to bring in my modern/fantasy sentiments instead of research :P

[@mirjam3553]

@@Parakeetfriend4215 My patternmaking teacher was astonished by my back measurements and mentioned I'm really straight in the upper back (back width). I also have a really pronounced curve at my lower back and a bit of a derriere. It makes the back shorter when the garment touches the body at the back waistline (a skirt, a belted or tighter fitting dress). When it's the butt issue, something like this worn without a belt won't rise up at the back. (I'm sorry, the "unlike yourself" and "everybody has their own issues" came out sort of unkind. I'm actually graduating from a tailoring school in a few weeks. Our materials list a lot of "typical divergences" and how to compensate for them on a case-by-case basis, from the "full bust adjustment" to what to do for massively uneven shoulders/hips. I started this vocational course and my profession-to-be because storebought clothes almost never fit me right.)

[@daisanders82]

The Jaws music! The twirling! The running away shot!

[@pneumarian]

The only time that I remember making a mock-up was when I was converting a peasant-style dress pattern into a nursing top for my wife to wear as a bride's matron to her brother's wedding. It definitely helped, at the very least by getting my brain primed for the real thing, (it's embarrassing how many seams were wrong-side-out,) & it was super effective, the dress still looks good on her without a baby in her arms.

[@Amckeeda28]

My sewing fingers are itching now! * goes to rummage through fabric stash*

[@MorganDonner]

That is a most excellent result from watching a stitching video!

[@annesofiestisen239]

Haha, i hate sewing, but watching this video, got me moving on knittingdesigns again

[@Blue-bn3ze]

ive been binge watching videos like these and now im desperate to start working on mockups

[@BradKandyCroftFamily]

I don't know if anyone has suggested this, but I bet you would like pattern weights. They can be anything heavyish and smallish. I use large glass aquarium rocks because they were cheap for a bag. I got them from Joann's. Some people get small, sand filled bags. I have seen other kinds, too. They just make it so easy to trace your pattern since you don't have to hold down the pattern as you go. Keep up the wonderful work, lady, I love your videos, they help me get my sewing mojo back (though I am not into historical sewing, I still love your videos, who knows, maybe one day I will be.)

[@HattoHem]

I'm not even seven minutes into this video and I just instantly bought the measuring gauge. What a clever tool! I also kinda like that the pattern is a little wonky. It's reassuring that things have never been completely perfect.

[@Marialla.]

The uneven cuff intrigues me. What if it were meant to fit long, almost to the knuckles, and the unevenness was to accommodate the thumb?

[@MorganDonner]

Could be! If the original dress were meant for a much smaller person than my 162 cm/5'4" frame, I could absolutely see that!

[@emorybatten284]

This is a beautiful gown. I would wear it just as it is. So comfortable! I think you could even just wear the mock up. I like the sleeves uneven. I agree that it might be for rolling them up - easy to grab the longer section of triangle. Great video as always. And the lovely Lady Catherine added so much.

[@jacohrs88]

I have never thought to pass a straight though more than once! You learn something new everyday!!!

[@jemmgillies]

I’ve been trying to make sure I make at least one mock-up for all my recent projects and it’s made a real difference. Especially when you’re making the final from pricier fabric 😅

[@adriannegentleman83]

A woman in Greenland it that time, would have maybe 2 or 3 dresses. So those she had would have to be able to be useful in all situations. So the gore in the front is probably to allow for pregnancy, and the oddness of the sleeves probably had a good reason as well. I would leave the the sleeves as they are just increase the length for your preference. I love this dress, can't wait for the finished dress.

[@saundrayork767]

As an overdress, I believe the sleeves and hem were intentionally short to avoid having to launder as often as the under garment/s. I am a bit older than you and I recall a housekeeper we had, when I was young, having a loose, woolen dress that she wore over her clothes in colder weather when doing her housework. Her sleeves were 3/4-length and the hem was well above the ankles. She used a thick belt to pull it into her figure (as it were). Over this she wore an apron. Possibly, this pattern of yours, is a similar type of garment.

[@Saydie246]

The side of the internet I never knew I needed! I'm now hopelessly obsessed. I've been wanting to get into sewing for ages, and your videos have been so inspirational! 😁

[@Grace-lw4hd]

That opening is the best open to a sewing video period

[@centurycountess4949]

I love the hair. The wispy curls with the tight braids their gorgeous!

[@Gelicidiad]

Mock ups! Yes! I've started to truly understand the importance of them as of late since working with more expensive fabrics. ;A; Thank you for going through this process because for the longest time I just went right into the final fabric and had to pay for it with either ill fitting final products or having to scrap the whole thing. I learned so much just watching you work it's amazing. I had no idea how to sew gores until now. Thank you!!!

[@Marialla.]

Given how roomy this dress is, especially over the belly, perhaps it was made to accommodate a pregnant lady?

[@ellaisplotting]

Given how often women were pregnant back then, most garments were big or adjustable enough to accommodate a growing belly- maternity wear wasn't really a thing until the 1920s/30s

[@Marialla.]

@@ellaisplotting The artwork she referenced showed a more fitted dress on a slender figure. Maybe it was a sign of wealth to have enough dresses to accommodate both the pregnant and non-pregnant figure.

[@ellaisplotting]

Possibly, it could also have been side lacing or artist's interpretation. It does seem likely that noblewomen would have a tight dress or two to show off their figures while everyone else made do with belts

[@rebeccawoods6261]

I was looking another comment like this because I had the same thought...I am petite with a larger than normal bust and this is where I gain inches during pregnancy, bust and belly.

[@ragnkja]

Marialla The artwork she showed does not reflect anything found in medieval Norway, which Greenland was a part of at the time, neither artworks nor surviving garments.

[@resonantecho721]

I've just started my own Herjolfsnes dress, and these videos have been SO HELPFUL for both answering questions and boosting confidence! Can't thank you enough Morgan

[@Lightningbugs100]

I just re-learned my lesson about always making mock-ups....again! I was silly enough to think that I'm now experienced enough to know exactly how it's going to fit and don't need one. Ha, yeah right! Always make a mock-up!!!!

[@lisahodges8299]

Love it, considering the life style of the time the garment looks right. The roll back style of sleeves would enable you to do a lot. I see the point of being able to choose long sleeves to keep warm and also allow you to work. This was just a joy to watch.

[@Randomhandle47]

I love the way this mockup turned out! I think it looks charming and cozy. I made a mockup for the most recent sewing project I attempted--some wizard robes for my partner, and it completely changed the fit of the finished garment. (Or, um, the *mostly* finished garment. It's still languishing on my ironing board.)

[@elizabethross6895]

Great video! In terms of fit, I can see the value in keeping the dress as is. But also, no one needs to be a slave to an original historical dress pattern. The woman the dress was made for needed a different fit than you, so I say make the dress fit you the way you're most comfortable. Wanting to look as cute as you can is not a bad thing. Also, your black dress with a wide collar is adorable!!!

[@MorganDonner]

Absolutely a great point!

[@neekr3052]

Thank you so much for making videos like these and sharing them. I am a fairly noob sewer and wanting to start history bounding but it's pretty daunting with the patterns, drafting, hand sewing and just everything! However I am finding your videos extremely helpful and the way in which you explain things and how your brain works just sings to me and now I'm starting to feel a little more excited and a little less apprehensive. So thank you

[@stoker1931jane]

How lovely you look against the backdrop of your atelier, since you had that big reorganizing/clean up session👌🏻. And I love the soothing music during the sped-up video parts👍🏻. Please keep up sharing your inspired work. 🌷🌷🌷

[@silaslizzie43]

Making a mock up right now. It's been a very satisfying process - it might not even matter if I make the actual item at this point. I feel free to make mistakes without any pressure and so take risks I wouldn't otherwise. Highly recommended.

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

Not at all related to the pattern, mock-ups or sewing, but... Your red & black outfit is baller!

[@katehenry2718]

Mock ups are fabulous! I made an 18th century gown for a friend's wedding out of orange flowered sheets to get the pieces right. Hysterical! THEN with the expensive gorgeous silks. Groom's silk damask weskit and bride's maids gowns, shifts, hoops and sets of bones. Mock up first, fit and and refit on the bodies. THEN the expensive cloth. Every human is a different shape. Paper patterns and diagrams in books are "suggestions". Measure with a string cut to dimension instead of tape measure and no one gets shy or pouty about their shape. Coil up the string, pin it to a paper, note what part it describes and leave out the numbers. The wedding was gorgeous, and they are still smiling together.

[@CrystalPegasusCostumes]

I think it looks fabulous and oh so comfortable! Definitely important to have gowns like that for camping!

[@canucknancy4257]

Excellent tips for sewing in gores. They can be tricky little beasts. And then BAM, suddenly you're in a blue sweater with nary a touch of red to be seen. (you look lovely in both colours, btw). Thanks for all the suggestions and, hopefully, making a mock-up before I delve into my next big sewing adventure will take away some of the anxiety and apprehension about cutting into that beautiful material not knowing exactly what I'm doing. Good luck with the actual dress. Take care of you.

[@foxlass]

I realize that's a mock-up, but it really looks like a finished dress from a distance, you have really tempted me to make one of those for myself! they sure do look comfortable, and that much swirl in a skirt is Allways Desirable!

[@Hiruma312]

I love the idea using sheet fabric to make a mockup. I will notice it for my next wearable sewing project

[@leecarlson9713]

I just made my first mockup- of a shoe I hope to wear to the Texas REN Festival this year. Really glad I did, because it could be longer. I had adjusted the pattern from men’s sizes to my shoe size, and it turned out a little short. I also sewed it together according to the directions, and the seam that connects the upper and the sole is on the outside. Nowhere in the directions does it say, to turn the upper inside out. Oh, and all of this is hand sewn, too. Really glad I did a mockup! Also learned I need to mark the seam allowance, because I will be hand sewing these, and can’t rely on the seam depth markings on my sewing machine to maintain a straight seam. My 80 year old eyes and brain are not as accurate as they were when I was younger.

[@lighteningbug]

I love the black and red outfit you're wearing while marking your seams on the mock up. So cute!

[@UvThe1st]

Saw the title and expected whining.. then the video ended... you clearly have never heard me whining about a pattern! XD Also: THANK YOU!!!! I always preach about the effectiveness of a mock-up, always always always make a mock-up! Thank you for telling everyone how imperative it is :D

[@theoddbody1856]

Love this video! You’re passionate about the subject and obviously take a lot of time making quality videos ☺️ This deserves 1,000,000 views!!

[@lisaalene]

Love your videos! I do recommend getting a roller foot for straight seams. It will keep the bottom fabric from easing on to the front fabric.

[@MissDFitz]

How funny that you post this the day after I make my first ever mock up! I traced my pattern, and went "Morgan Donner said mock ups are essential. *sigh*" and honest to Charlie, it's made all the difference

[@lynnejones257]

Well done. I agree mock-ups are the way to go. Saves a lot of disappointment.

[@AdirondackRuby]

Here I am thinking no one could love the color Red as much as I do (I mean, my initials are R.E.D. even!)...but then I watch a Morgan Donner video and feel totally shamed. LOL!

[@MorganDonner]

Absolutely no competition here! We can all wear red to our hearts content :D

[@ladystitch-a-lot]

I love this gown it's a beautiful mock-up I'm looking forward to seeing what you do next, mock-up are amazing

[@MSYNGWIE12]

That rich reds you wear suit you so well, you look lovely and I am always astonished at the care you take, the knowledge you possess- I went into a fabric shop about 10 yrs ago and asked for eyelet and the clerk said, "what is that", a FABRIC store, hadn't heard of gauze of muslin either, so i left...Namaste, keep safe in "plague" Zoe

[@MrFashionForward04]

I totally agree with you...I never do any project without a mockup.

[@Celestyal22]

Ahhhh, that's what I should use those red sheets for. 😆

[@bukimeisu]

Omg that jaws theme with the cutting... I felt that so deeply in my heart 😆

[@SivenMs]

I just love how you explain things! I am useless with sowing, but atleast I understand what you are doing! :)

[@lasfrikitonas1433]

The surprise Catherine content in this video is sooo cute! Great video! Very informative on making not only mockups; but in making and installing godets.

[@a.bookmonkey6790]

the ironing at the beginning is so satisfying

[@amoryperez1188]

I have found the best thing ever and I love it for mock ups. SEWABLE pattern paper

[@indigokavanagh2475]

This is just the motivation boost I need to get back to my sewing. Let's make a mock-up!

[@Notlost-lj9qt]

Love how even your mock-up fabric (sheet) is red! Very interesting pattern. The gores make a cool look.

[@ccpperrett7522]

Amazing! I think you did a great job. I actually like the sleeve gusset. It makes arm movement easy without pulling. Great inovation.

[@margoriazantseva4471]

Uneven sleeve sounded like a very strange idea at first but it came off very interesting. I like it! And it probably had practical reasons to be initially designed like this. And yes, sewing a mockup is a sign of a pro, and not vice versa.

[@hollyjoywoe]

Wow I hope I can be as good and patient at sewing as you are one day. I'm impressed. Thank you for this content. I find it inspirational

[@katyspencer7972]

Truly looks beautiful considering you just used a bed sheet! So inspiring for a curious maker looking to start hand sewing and making clothes of this style

[@heutenachtistmeintag3328]

"If you sew up from the bottom, sometimes the pizzas will move around" That's at least what I heard XD

[@priscilla5032]

I love the sleeves! This does look perfect for camping too. Can't wait to see the "official" dress :)

[@Btrotter01]

I have found that using masking tape on each piece to indicate the piece number (manf. instructions; #2 [cut 2 of each] helps tremendously when assembling and sewing the pieces. Also, masking tape is GREAT because: 1) it does NOT leave a residue when removed, 2) it comes off easily without damaging the material, 3) it's a cheap and easy way to keep pieces organized especially if you have to put the project away for a while and then come back to it and (yikes) can't remember where you left off.

[@EverythingOnIce22]

I really like this mock up/ pattern idea. I would totally keep the sleeves as is but take in the waist. That would make for a perfect wear around the house dress 😍

[@nancynewman6592]

Love the Jaws opening, that feeling when you cut into your favourite material and hope it is really going to work! 😃 🇨🇦

[@davecsaszarable]

Wonderful video. Really looking forward to seeing the final dress

[@Mommamacnz]

This is an interesting gown you are making and it is good to hear why you should make mock ups. All good information for when I finally get up the courage to try something like this, or just for my usual dressmaking (not that I've done any of that in years!)