How I Became a Fashion Historian

I'm often asked how I ended up in this field, when I discovered my interests, and how others can find their own path through such a novel career option. Fashion history is relatively new in the academic world and has only been recognized in the last couple of decades as a valid field of study. The historical costuming community has played a huge role in developing the knowledge and interest. When I began to do research as a teenager, it was in a library- in books and microfiche. Blogs and websites chronicling the journeys others were making through their projects appeared a few years after I graduated from college. The world of historical sewing is dramatically changed since I began to take interest, but the experiences, difficulties, and successes are still very much the same.
My path has taken me through technical theatre, costume shops, trade shops at Colonial Williamsburg, running my own business, historical workshops, and more. It's not where I would ever have planned on ending up, but the journey has been worthwhile! So let's talk about different ways to pick up skills, why it's important to reach out and socialize, and how to not get caught up waiting for your dream job.
Sins Against Our Soles (Thesis): digitalcommons...
True Colours Flag Project: www.amrevmuseu...
Other Makers
Kim Boice: www.facebook.c...
Kirsten Hammerstrom: / kittycalash
Kaitlin Healy: / sassykaitlin
Ruth Hodges
Nastassia Parker: / tiger.lilys.threads
Gabriela Salvador: / pour_la_victoire
Jana Violante: / janaviolante
Hannah Wallace: / loomwovenrugs
The Betsy Ross House: / thebetsyrosshouse
Burnley & Trowbridge Workshops: burnleyandtrow...
Ball State University Dept of Theatre and Dance: www.bsu.edu/ac...
University of Nebraska-Lincoln TMFD: cehs.unl.edu/t...
Socials
Instagram: / silk_and_buckram
Tiktok: / cloche_call
Patreon: / nicolerudolph
🎶Music via Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicso...)

[@doris1826]

NEVER stop learning! I never got my bachelor's until I was 40 and my master's at 60. Now I'm 65 and looking at classes for the fall at the local state college. Love your videos & the back story.

[@jenniferandrew3373]

Yes! I'm 50 and always taking new classes or trying to teach myself new things. Those new things don't always go well, but the knowledge that comes from failure is really valuable.

[@sarahk8053]

This is so encouraging! I'm 27 and only now about to get my Bachelor's after taking a bit of a mental health detour after school. It's good to know that, while I often feel like I'm late compared to my peers, older people than me made it happen.

[@lorrainecobaugh3822]

@@sarahk8053 This is so encouraging and welcoming to hear. I am 33 and halfway through working on my Bachelors. I often feel like I am late into the field as well. But life happens and everyone has their own timeline, or at least that is what I remind myself.

[@catzkeet4860]

While I understand what you’re saying, some of us have never been able to afford further education, however much we may have wanted to. However, classroom learning isn’t the only kind of learning. I’ve taught myself many things....KZbin is fantastic for learning new things. Libraries are also great free resources to teach yourself things. I don’t have a work income, so I can’t afford to spend money on anything but essentials in most cases. I don’t even have an internet connection where I live. Fortunately I’m not far from the library, and THEY have free internet, during weekdays during the day at least. I would truly love to be able to take classes in several of the areas I’m interested in, but it’s not an option atm. I thank the deities every day that the internet exists....I’m old enough to remember when information on just about any subject wasn’t at everyone’s fingertips thanks to the World Wide Web. Sure it would be nice to be able to access it from home.....but I can do the library lol.

[@cristinerose21]

Im 47 and working on my batchelors

[@princessketamine0]

I am so excited for this, I'm 14 years old and my dream is to be a fashion historian. :D

[@pheart2381]

Like your thumbnail,I was watching Picnic last evening. You could start getting into fashion historian mindset now,then when people ask you what you want to do tell them"my hobby is fashion history,but I want to take it further,and make a career out of it"!

[@princessketamine0]

@@pheart2381 thank you for the advice!! And Picnic At Hanging Rock is a great movie, it's one of my favorites

[@lindsey7276]

Absolutely! I was really interested in fashion history at that age and even started sewing then (which is one of my personal interests) but didn't know it could be a career, or that there were other people who were interested in it. I really wish I had stuck with it and kept learning and trying new things; I would know so much more by now! Try things out, keep learning and talking to people about it (you might even find some good friends that way :) ). Even Nicole mentioned in this video that sometimes you don't know how much you love something until you try it (for her it was shoemaking, and look where she's gone with it!). Everything is a journey, but don't feel like you can't pursue it because of your age. Don't feel like you have to delay learning or trying projects because you aren't college age yet or maybe don't know people who are into it. If you're interested in sewing, even using some thrifted bedsheets can be a great place to start! Even a little bit goes a long way :D

[@princessketamine0]

@@lindsey7276 thank you for the advice, i appreciate it :D

[@aliceanne3952]

Lovely!! Starting early! 😄😄😄

[@Spoononthefloor]

I, for one, am really glad that your path has led you to share the cool things you've learned with us on KZbin. I was one of those teenagers who wandered away from history when it became all names and dates and memorizing things for exams, and am so glad to have been drawn back in. I love how much realer the history feels when you get to zoom in and look at the details and find the stories of ordinary people.

[@dawnssful]

I can understand what you mean entirely. While I think that the dates are important for understanding context, it is really individuals stories and perceptions of those stories that really highlights the beauty of history.

[@rachaelm.4000]

Honestly this!!!

[@SonjaPond]

Yes!

[@kspoo10_]

I'm in year 12 in Australia, and we could probably bullsh1t our way through the Modern History exam without learning any content tbh, because the point of it is to learn how to analyse sources and understand perspectives. Obviously it's important to have context, but I'd feel really sad if we were just learning meaningless numbers. The perspectives are what make history important!

[@nimuenorth6295]

A snoring puppy on a cushion beside you while you stitch seems the perfect historically accurate touch for any scene ❤️

[@sygirl101]

The gentle puppy snore is very soothing. It’s always interesting to see how people got where they are. Thanks for sharing!

[@judithdutton4631]

Re: university of Nebraska. Snob appeal often draws people to the big name universities. Many of the others offer fabulous programs. In smaller, less expensive places. And as for taking it over three years instead of two - less pressure, a real life, more time to concentrate on your thesis.

[@maryerb6062]

I didn't notice the puppy snore till you put the camera on him

[@donkongo5272]

I honestly wish you were going around speaking at high schools--both in a historical interpretation role, or even in a sort of "guidance counseling" role. Because your career path both highlights how messy the real world is, but also how it's okay to feel like you're off-script or off the beaten path, and how just living life and connecting with people can guide you in a way all the planning in the world cannot. This adds a whole new dimension to the already-incredible and entertaining videos you make. Stay amazing!!!

[@annejohnson491]

Hi From Bundaberg Australia. I hated history during my high school years, marring young and raising two children on my own I found reading was fun. During my 40's I went to college to learn computer technology and later was employed by that college. I became a tutor for the disabled students wanting to learn computer technology, retiring I kept learning and lately I found you, Abby and other history fashion channels on You Tube.Hearing about your background and what you do now is a real pleasure to watch and learn. Thank you for going out there and doing what you love.

[@YanickaQuilt]

I learned to sew at 25 y o when my son was a newborn and I was living in the frozen north of the province of Quebec without family or friends. We had pbs and there was a show about quilt in a day. My interest in historical clothing is a Covid side effect 😉

[@becauseimafan]

😲 OMG Quebec! Sorry, got excited! I'm from Montreal ☺️ Same here about the Covid side effect! Haha. I love the Costube community and the creators I've found so far - and I'm learning so much! 🤓🧠

[@crystaledwards9878]

I watched that same quilt show with a newborn.

[@carolynworthington8996]

That is so cold!

[@TheMetatronGirl]

Is it wrong that I squeed when you said you’d link your thesis? There is a part of me that wishes I had discovered this love and obsession for historical clothing when I was younger...but I wouldn’t be who I am now, and wouldn’t have appreciated it in the same way. Your experience is incredibly interesting! Someday I’d love to hear the story of Lt. Threadopus. I love hearing people’s fun/silly/you had to be there stories! Thank you for letting us get to know you a little better. Bailey is so CUTE!! Bailey and my Max would get along famously...they’re both adorable, snoring, pup-a-lumps.

[@autumlion]

I didn’t hear the snoring dogs in the video because I am surrounded by my own snoring dogs.

[@becauseimafan]

Awww! 🥰

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Can say how much I agree about high school history. How they take such a fascinating topic and turn it into a dull boring recital of dates. With a single viewpoint of a single person depicting them as a one sided undeveloped character!!!

[@Hair8Metal8Karen]

That's why Terry Deary wrote the Horrible Histories books which led to a fantastic five seasons of the TV show, because he wanted to help kids see that History was interesting (and gory).

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

@@Hair8Metal8Karen those books were amazing and the only one I could get my reluctant reader to read for years!

[@evelynsaungikar3553]

@@robintheparttimesewer6798 You can see BBC TV episodes based on the books, here on KZbin!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

@@evelynsaungikar3553 that’s great to know! My reluctant reader had a son I’m trying to get him interested in reading. This means I’m back to watching for silly and strange books at thrift stores. Horrible History and Captain Underpants are my top priority.

[@evelynsaungikar3553]

@@robintheparttimesewer6798 Amazon has them.

[@KMS89]

Out of all the historical costubers I personally find that I learn the most from you in regards to how to actually *do* things and the information behind fabrics and theory of construction 😊 Also you must have fingers of steel because I never see you wearing a thimble!

[@rebeccasabin480]

Yes! This! I’ve heard Abby just -go off- about thimbles and NEVER see her best friend use one. I find it absolutely hilarious.

[@derrith1877]

I suspect that Nicole grips the needle tightly and pulls it through, rather than pushing it through, whatever she's sewing. She also probably pierces the holes with an awl before putting the needle in. I've been known to use a sailor's palm (it is a "thimble" held in the palm of the hand) to sew leather. Some people grip the needle with pliers (I was taught that was heresy, since it damages/roughens the needle's shank) and other people wrap a well waxed piece of sinew or thread around the needle to give them a handle on it. Where there's a will, there's a way - it just may seem unconventional to others!

[@jessicaspeedie2434]

I'm definitely not over here being exactly crazy enough to want to go read your thesis and trying to figure out when I'll have time... But I do have the day off 🤓

[@Spoononthefloor]

I'm definitely not over here (having just finished reading it) encouraging you to go for it. I'm going to go back to marveling at the shoe construction process and the amount of detailed work there (it's the making of the silk braid that's currently blowing my mind)

[@zayaweight9579]

I’m 22 & I started sewing fairly recently. I’ve been interested in history for a while now & always wanted to learn to sew bit didn’t know how to go about it. At some point while I was attending a community college I decided on a whim to take a beginning sewing class just cuz & it gave me enough of the basic knowledge to do my own thing. The semester finished during the early stages of plague so we had to switch to online & ever since one just used KZbin videos & trial & error to learn. I’ve gotten rather decent at it. I mostly machine sew stuff made of bedsheets then finish raw edges & hems by hand. Using cheap thrift store bedsheets is a great way to eliminate the pressure & risk factor. If you mess up a $3 piece of fabric it’s no big deal. That’s basically how I started, hope this might be helpful to someone interested in starting. Idk

[@michellebyrom6551]

The old sheets is definitely the way to go. I'm sewing sporadically for 50 years now and still find them the most convenient for trying out new patterns for fitting.

[@luciarel8131]

Yes, it's helpful! I need to get back into sewing and learn more, and just found a thrift store with a great supply of "inexpensive fabric."

[@LedgerAndLace]

LOVED this, Nicole! Great life advice--that could be a great journal brainstorming sesh. I spotted Abby at the 12:41 mark and thought, "I wonder if she'll talk about how they met." I love those kind of friendship stories. Also, your snoozing dog makes the cutest pillow. :-)

[@kaitlinlewis2450]

I used to sit with my mom as she sewing when I was a kid. I also did some basic projects of sewing while in High School and in Home eca I did some sewing as well. Because my mom was once a Home Eca teacher once and she talked to the teacher at the school, so the teacher knew I knew some of the basics of sewing and knew because also talked about what I need to work on as well. When it came to embroidering I got fed up with the embroidering chalk and brought some tailor's chalk from my house and used that to lay out what I need to embroider. I haven't done much sewing in a long time, but I have crochet a lot, but I did buy some fabric and some easy sewing patterns to sew myself a skirt and top along with some cloaks because I really want to make myself a couple of Viking dresses and aprons and to get back into sewing.

[@FlybyStardancer]

I love hearing people’s stories! They’re so fascinating! Also cute sleepy pup!

[@grizeldaxxx4568]

Same here, and also look behind them and see the Treasures hahahhaa

[@DeutschesDummyDepot]

Thank you for posting the link to your thesis. I enjoyed reading it and it did give me a lot of new information. My professiomal background as an othopaedic surgeon with the emphasis on "P&O" (Prosthetics and Orthotics) has provided me with a lot of clinical experience with deformed feet up to the sad and tragic cases of amputations, especially when diabetic feet meet ill fitting footwear. The desire to have small feet is still very strong (here in Germany), a lot of women simply deny that they should wear anything above size 39 (= US size 8). My solution would be to create a brand called "Size Eight" so even if a lady buys her correct size 9, 10 (or whatever) she can always truthfully claim it is a "Size Eight" shoe. Again: Thank you for the link and all the work you put into that thesis!

[@sullivanko1902]

Ok, that is so clever ! If you get the chance, you should absolutely start that company. I didn’t realize a desire for small feet was so prevalent and so DANGEROUS. As a US size 11 (+/- depending on the company) women’s shoe, I can’t even IMAGINE trying to stuff my big ol’ boats into a size eight. I’ve pretty much given up on women’s shoes entirely given the length and breadth is my feet. It’s almost impossible to find anything in-store that fits and I’m not a fan of blind-buying shoes online without the chance to try them on. A company dedicated to larger sizes in fashionable styles would be really great to see. The naming convention is just the icing on the cake.

[@robinhahnsopran]

Thank you so much for sharing this story! I'm an opera singer, not a fashion historian, but I think anyone in a creative, artsy field driven by passion and nerdery can really relate. 💖There's not a lot of well-paid, consistent work in opera, either, but when you're open to every path and excited about what you do, I think the process of finding your thing can be almost as fun as DOING your thing itself! (Of course, it can also be stressful and scary. But the things we do for art! 😂)

[@Rg-hc6or]

Nerdery! Love it!

[@cynthiaward7449]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I have been dying to hear how you and Abby ended up in No. Nevada together. Having spent my teen years in Sparks, I don't recall it being the epicenter of cool historical costuming people, so I knew there had to be a great story (and if you and Abby were involved, I'll bet there is a yet-untold element of fun eccentricity to the story too!) I am returning to historic preservation (architectural history) after a few years away. I got burned out on writing back-to-back technical documents and needed a break. I now realize what was missing was the creative side of history that drew me in at the beginning, and I am going to try my hand at some proper historical garments, and more living history work to balance out the technical reports that pay the bills. Watching you succeed at this work has been a HUGE encouragement, leading me back to my first love. I appreciate you taking the time to share this part of yourself. Thank you for showing us all how to follow our dreams. It means a lot.

[@lyndabethcave3835]

Every time, EVERY TIME I really love an online creator, I later discover that they did theatre at some point in their life.

[@zoes_story]

As someone doing a degree in Conservation of Cultural Heritage, this is so reassuring to watch. I began when the museum sector in the UK was really beginning to pick up again after the 2008 crash, aaaaand then the Pandemic hit and people are being made redundant right and left which is a pretty scary environment to be going into. The bit about not getting too caught up in a 'dream job' really resonated. So thank you 💕

[@VBirchwood]

This is the video that we’ve all been waiting for!!

[@elewysoffinchingefeld3066]

Thanks for the fireside chat. :D I was stitching on my Bayeux Tapestry project while you sewed your flag and shared your story. It was lovely!

[@loraleitourtillottwiehr2473]

Loving the sew along storytime! I keep hoping that you and Abby will start making and selling patterns from your historical clothing collection. Really enjoying your KZbin content too though, the fabric basics series is informative even for someone who has been sewing for decades and also did costume design in college.

[@Rhaifha]

Not really related to this Q&A, which was fascinating btw, but I *adore* that blouse.

[@rebeccaolsen6196]

Yes! And from the inside of the collar it looks like it has a gorgeous red lining.

[@ginalou5774]

Yes! me too. It’s gorgeous. I wonder if she made it....probably did because it’s amazing

[@morgantranmer3262]

Holy Cats! I am so excited to hear a UNL connection! Thanks for the Mid-west education shoutout :)

[@jeanetterule5420]

I began collecting Victorian clothes in the 1970s in Newport RI. I never knew why. I just loved them and the time period. I then got into quilts decorative sewing and making costumes. Got an associates degree in Art. Became a single mom and have done crazy jobs all my life. From displays at Macy’s to a quilt store to decorating with sheets to teaching seniors jewelry making... all because I fell in love with Victorian clothes....

[@snappylobster3118]

Right after graduating with my Fashion Design degree, I looked hard at some Historical Fashion programs. I'm glad I didn't go forward because I 1. Already had way WAY too much loan debt, 2. had undiagnosed/treated ADHD, and 3. generally dislike academic activities vs creating with my own hands, which is part of why I ended up abandoning my fashion design asperations. I still am very passionate about fashion but it didn't need to be my career.

[@michellebyrom6551]

Well done on completing your degree without adhd diagnosis.

[@camerashycoco]

These days I start every conversation with, "You will hear my dog snoring in the background. I would wake her up except for she's already awake." She snores whether she's asleep or awake. When my own snoring wakes me up, I have a clear understanding that I need to shift so that I can breathe better. My dog has not cottoned on to that logic yet. On the other hand, I swear sometimes that she's just running commentary on my conversations. She's judging me.

[@patriciadietrich667]

I am a 66 yr old woman and love all the chanel with this type of content... I crochet and needlepoint and many more needle work.... many years ogo I chose to teach classes on the needle art .... to see young women like yourself teaching so many people at once is great .... you blew my mind with the shoe makeing... thank you for sharing

[@amb163]

This is a wonderful video, and helped with my anxiety over "starting over," which I plan to do once I get my second vax shot. I've been a teaching for 18 years, but I'm not happy where I am nor where the profession is moving. So, my knitting needles and I are moving to another city, where I plan to go back to school for degree in Educational/Child Psychology. I've been trying to figure out what kind of job to get in the meantime, which makes me nervous, but as you've illustrated... any job can provide new lessons, opportunities, and experiences! I just need to breathe and see where it all takes me.

[@rdb4996]

Much luck 🍀 Enjoy your journey.

[@penelope-oe2vr]

I live about 30 minutes from historical Williamsburg and I absolutely LOVE it. I am just starting. My sewing experience, due to forced retirements from an illnes/birth defect I can no longer work with. I was a welder and welding inspector for turbines for nuclear power plants. When bored to death in forced quarantine in 2015 due to treatments, I bought some antique singer machines that needed a little work to get running again. So I restored quite a few of them. They multipied up to about 18 assorted machines, so I figured I'd learn to sew. I sew handbags, do leather handbags, and now I will no longer buy off the rack clothing. It will either be handmade or upcycled, and possibly both. So, this is my new hobby, and by happenstance, my daughter for some reason loves home made clothes over store bought. She can articulate to me what she wants and I make it for her. So, we both are history bounding in our daily lives now thank you for all of your knowledge, I will pay attention AND USE IT! Second to love, knowledge is one of the most valuable gifts you can give in life.

[@coreygilles847]

I always wondered how museums made recreations for their displays

[@erinrabideau3691]

I love your story. It’s fascinating and it’s so cool that you and others exist on KZbin to connect people in this community. I know I love historical sewing and I wouldn’t have much community without you guys. Thank you for being here and for putting forth so much passion. It’s so exciting for me too! 💜💜💜

[@dragonfly_closet]

I'm so glad you decided to persue KZbin. I really like the way your videos are so focussed on the education side of things and appreciate you sharing all the things you've learned 💚

[@meredithbarbery6247]

I just wanted to say that I absolutely ADORE your videos. It makes my Historian heart sing when you get into detail about some of the history and talk about your research behind projects. And sewing. It's all combined with sewing! Love it! Love you!

[@ZitaAnneReno]

I was super excited to see the link to the UNL digital commons...I myself just finished my undergraduate thesis that is also on the platform. Lo and behold, we share a thesis advisor. What a small world!

[@Misselise84]

Love, love, love the blouse!!! What an exquisite print

[@dancingnature]

I got a book from Scholastic when I was 10 “ How To Sew “ so I learned a backstitch and the over and over stitch . I already knew the buttonhole from a 1st grade project where we sewed a bookmark over a square mesh . So when I started making doll clothes for dolls that id made out of embroidery thread it was sorta became easy to do basic embroidery but I really loved making quilts . The history of clothing is fascinating

[@WinePunk]

I just noticed you past 45k. You’ve grown so much! Congratulations!

[@lisagoodgame8969]

Thanks so much for sharing all this backstory. I enjoy your videos so much. You are a wonderful teacher about the history of the garments, traditional sewing techniques, etc., plus you have such a good sense of humor about it all. I particularly enjoyed your shoemaking videos. That's something I never knew would interest me!

[@MrNicvicrih]

Me constantly refreshing my subscription tab every Sunday morning waiting for a new video!!!!

[@hollynotholy]

I just wanted to write another comment to tell you how much I admire you, your journey and how passionate you are about historical clothing. I'm someone who has always been deeply connected with storytelling in all forms: I love reading books, watching movies, reading manga, drawing... And what got me into historical sewing in the first place was precisely the storytelling potential of a piece of clothing. Of breaking it apart into shapes cut from fabric that got sewn together in a variety of ways to create something beautiful. For now, I don't have enough knowledge or practice to really dive into many historical sewing types of projects, but I do love following costube videos and you've become one of the youtubers I watch the most. Sorry for binging your channel out of the blue. xD

[@cemitchell6496]

In 1976, my 6th grade teacher created a fantastic music and dance play about America. I got the chance to play Betsy Ross because my dad donated material for the Betsy Ross flag. It was so much fun. It actually started my love for sewing and American history. I really enjoy all your videos. This one is fun bc I put down my crochet to type this.

[@biguattipoptropica]

I'm working on my own projects whilst listening to this. It calms my anxiety and insecurity, so thank you.

[@annbrookens945]

Thanks, Nicole! This was so interesting! I worked at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site in central Illinois in the late 70s when the site director was beginning the living history program. It was great fun; one of my all time favorite jobs! I've had a long-time love of historical clothing and fabric crafts so hand sewing an 1840's everyday dress was a great challenge. We didn't go for all-out historical accuracy; as I said, they were just dipping their toes in the water!

[@hrani]

I read your thesis! It was very enjoyable and informative. The shoemakers of the time engaged in some clever witchcraft and the description of the age had new information for me. Didn't think I'd get so invested in the life of and a pair of shoes of one woman from so long ago, but I did. It must have been incredible putting on the reconstructed pair for the first time. Heartily recommend it to anyone curious!

[@lisabethkelly1269]

Love the punny title of your thesis!

[@saskiacowan8962]

I would love to know more about Lt. Threadapus

[@becauseimafan]

Same here! We're all ears 👂👂👂😁

[@coor0kun]

Beginners of sewing! My #1 suggestion is to start with something you love, and the equipment you have! There are many "beginner friendly" projects, but if they aren't something you would be excited to have and use, don't make them. My first project was 80% glue and 20% hand-stitched, but it made me excited to continue learning and making more projects. Even those little travel sewing kits are enough to start with (well, you might need to buy some thread). Within a year I was tackling a very challenging project that was 100% hand-stitched (I didn't have working sewing machine), and when I was confident enough that I would continue to sew then I finally got a sewing machine!

[@RianShafer]

I figured out quite awhile back that if history was taught in an interesting way, with more factual information and dare I say? peppered liberally with cool trivia, it would be a lot more fun to learn it! I am recent to historical clothing but it's the stories and factual (well researched) information you share as you go along that keeps me fascinated with all you do. I love Abby as well & when you two get together it is very entertaining! I will keep watching your channel as long as you are making content. I've binge watched many past videos, in fact this one is just over a year past. Time jumping, it's what I do. lol

[@wombatschaefer5408]

Thank you, your journey was fascinating, we appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us!

[@Kartsie]

Thank you so much for this! I have been feeling a little lost recently and it great to hear your story! I was surprised to how similar it is to the path I've been taking. My BFA is also in the technical side of theater. Thanks Nicole 💜😊

[@Rg-hc6or]

Thanks so much for sharing your journey, Nicole. I love fashion & am especially fascinated by the meticulous hand sewing prior to industrialization of textile & apparel production. When I watch the close ups of your hand sewing with bonus of complementary music, I feel transported to another time. Your sewing is so beautiful & the teaching you provide is so interesting & wonderfully presented. (Am I gushing?🤣) Thank you, thank you!😃

[@suzanneirving7257]

It really sounds like you had a very similar journey to me until just as I finished my BA in theater I got very sick and then I got married and then had two babies. Was a seamstress for years and did a lot of costumes for amateur theater. Now I have gotten into buying and repairing vintage sewing machines and am going to make costumes for myself using one of the treadle machines.

[@audreybourgeois4626]

I'm so happy to hear someone talk about middle and high school history classes in the same way I always did!

[@debra333]

The flag project sounds fascinating!! Can't wait to see it. 🤗

[@svn6968]

I graduated in 2002 with a degree in History and a minor in Museum Studies. The best thing my school did was let me be on a search committee and I saw how many applications came in for a part time one year position. I love your channel, it scratches an old itch.

[@MultiTaylorswift1234]

How Nicole met Abby. This is what I needed to know. Love both of you lovely and skilled ladies!!!!

[@RedWolf712]

I loved hearing your story! My grandmother and mother both worked in the trade shops in Colonial Williamsburg, and even though I live on the west coast now it's great to hear about how so many people are working to keep history alive in CW and elsewhere! I look forward to reading your thesis too :)

[@kelleenbrx6649]

Yay! Lincoln! I went to UNL as well, and I'm thrilled to hear about the other programs. The German Undergrad programs are lovely as well.

[@karenblack2869]

Thank you! It's exciting to see in the comments that people my age (64) are also continuing their knowledge - as well as young women who are interested in sewing and fashion history! You are the next generation, we welcome you!!

[@persiswynter6357]

I downloaded your thesis, I'm weird that way. Love the clothes you make! Bonus dog snores! My cats were snoring on me, so I didn't catch it the first time.

[@AmazingJellyfish]

Oh we need to know the long story of Lt Threadapus. Don’t blame us, you put it out there.🧐

[@sewcialanxietea1021]

I totally get you on the scenic painting and fear of heights! One of the plays we did, we did a storybook-design proscenium arch. Originally painted and assembled on the ground then put upright, and the director decided it needed more detail... I was on a 15-ft ladder in the middle of the stage painting blackletter calligraphy during a dress rehearsal, lights and all.

[@chipmunkred1519]

Thank you for inspiring me. I’ve recently bought a sewing machine and have been teaching myself to sew. And it’s because of you.

[@maryannhalstead5547]

Okay, I know this is two years in but it popped up on my must see (I watch a lot of both you and Abby). First, I grew up 20ish miles east of Omaha - was born at UNO. Even though I grew up there, I never knew UNL had such a great program. I love watching and learning from you both. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@JosieAreSee]

It’s really nice to see how you learned and got where you are but it’s also sweet to see how you and Abby came together

[@mobrien7618]

My goodness your hair, makeup, blouse are perfection in this! So dang stylish!!

[@BookishLish]

Ok I'm only 7 minutes in so I haven't listened to the whole story yet but almost the exact same situation happened to me this year. I am an arts and humanities major with minors in dance and arts management, and I originally planned on going into performing arts administration in some capacity. However, that industry is hurting a lot right now and I lost any chance at an internship last year because of COVID. However, I've gotten really passionate about sewing and historical fashion and I also randomly looked up colonial Williamsburg because I went there as a kid and loved it. Now I'm planning on going into historical reenactment and education after I graduate in December (also due to covid) and I owe a lot of that to the CosTube community and the online sewing community in general for showing me a field of study I never knew existed and have fallen in love with.

[@Aaronbacca]

I’m so glad you joined KZbin. I really love watching your videos and I’ve been watching since the beginning. I remember the first time I watched one of your videos and I looked at your subscriber count back when it was just a couple thousand and I was shocked at how rich the content was for being that new to the platform. I have been so happy to see your channel grow and I really hope it brings in the financial support you need to keep giving us your knowledge!

[@frantiszek9433]

Thank you, Nicole, for this video! Recreation of historical garments is my hobby and some few bloggers inspire me. You are one of them. I do not have any idea who push dislike button. I suppose, they did it by mistake.

[@lenore_nvrmore3317]

Auntie Nicole’s pearls of wisdom! Thx, milady!!

[@cassiesews]

I really enjoyed hearing your journey as a sewist. I was also weaned on a machine at my mother's side. lol! been sewing since my first little hand-sewn project. Sewing is just always there in my life. I too hope to grow in this field. I genuinely enjoy how you present your videos, you are very intelligent and I enjoy your presentation style. Cheers!

[@manicantsettleonausername6789]

As someone who is about to graduate with their BA and start their MSc in Experimental Archaeology & Material Culture this fall, this video is something I absolutely needed, so thank you! I will likely decide on my material of expertise during my master's, but I'm considering making it fabric. Seeing just how many options are out there, what opportunities I might run into etc, I can't help but be so excited for the future. It's often difficult to imagine what the future looks like in a field that has developed only so recently, so thank you so much, I will cherish this video and watch it many more times I'm sure

[@kerriskb19]

I love the educational aspect that you bring to your videos...you and the tight-knit others have been a bright spot in these pandemic times-- your creativity is inspiring and your love of sharing information helping to reinvigorate my own love of history and helping me think of things I'd never given much thought to before. Like you, I suck at the name and date thing but this "how others lived" aspect speaks to me on a different level - so I greatly appreciate your willingness to research and share what you've learned so far. Keep up the good works! Another great video! And your snoring furbaby is perfection.

[@yourbookladykatie]

I have no idea how I wasn’t already subscribed to you, but I’ve fixed that now! Thank goodness for KZbin algorithms putting you at the top of my recommended list!

[@presentwithideas6521]

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm 54 and a teacher for the blind. You have inspired me to pursue my creative side during my summers off from teaching. I have enjoyed all of your content and now will rewatch them all!

[@Cali-at-the-beach]

You. Are. Amazing. I loved learning about your resume, perspective and education. Thanks!

[@j1008h]

I was trilled to come across your video, I've always had an interest in anything related to museums, musical theatre, textiles and fabrication. I also was raised my a mother who introduce me to sawing at a early stage in my life. Thank you for sharing your life's story and the journey that you've taken to be a success on your own terms and followed your unique dreams. You are indeed an inspiration and looking forward to seeing more videos. Keep up the great work.

[@ninasmith1540]

It’s been great to hear your journey to where you are today. I really enjoy and love watching you. 🇬🇧

[@jillogicaljelly3627]

OHHH My god!!! You said "American Duchess" and my brain said, "WAIT, was that Nicole in Burnadette Banner's video about getting her own shoe made???? As I was feverishly typing the words into my search box, I thought, "noooo, it couldn't be. LO and Behold, there you were showing off the brand new and gorgeous "Burnadette". That video was the first time I ever saw you in a video and now I am binge watching all of your videos. You are amazing and have inspired me to continue with my dream of sewing historical costumes. Thank you!

[@sissylynn9566]

I love your story. Never stop learning. I am 41 and hopefully going back to school next fall for my Master's and then Bachelors in History secondary Education.

[@RainyDayBricks]

Well I'm about halfway through your thesis and enjoying it immensely. I love the term " micro history" that is so perfect. I always think it's interesting how women today respond and interact with the advertising and expectations aimed at them. It's really complicated and individual. It makes sense that it was that way in the past too. And I love that you focused on a pair of boots! My boots are so important to me. I just had them resoled and it was honestly stressful 😅 Thank you for letting us read your paper. And thank you for your excellent videos.

[@saraa3418]

I feel like in an alternate universe I would've ended going down that road with you. I went to school for music and realized no matter how much I enjoy singing, I just don't have the chops for the professional stage. I started learning about performance practice and musicology and found those really interesting, but ultimately got my BA in Arts Management and graduated straight into the recession. I remember going on interview after interview with theaters, museums, anything applicable and the whole time working retail jobs. Eventually, getting a job at an organization seemed like this pie in the sky thing and I resigned myself to working retail. Then I got pregnant and have been the kind of mom who makes stuff. I consider myself a fiber artist and I sew, knit, crochet, macramé, weave, embroider, and spin. Hopefully when my kids go to living history museums, they won't be asking the presenters why they're doing things, but how.

[@hafiezarosidi9598]

Loving this kind of vid that made me learn more things about my fashion historian😁☺️

[@luciarel8131]

The word "inspiring" barely describes your story; I love learning, and currently find myself feeling stagnant. Your story of changing locations and changing employment and constantly gaining new experience and knowledge gives me a sense of hope somehow. Thank you!

[@gabriellesmith5661]

I hated being sent to Christian school in high school but I did love the history class which looked through the lenses of religion it really encompassed so much and gave context to the events. Gave me a life long love of history.

[@bonniebrown5102]

I have no ambitions in working in historical fashion, but I find it fascinating. Thanks to you, other youtube fashion historians, and kind people I have spoken with at living history museums I have so much more appreciation for the work that goes into clothes and how they were practically worn and used.

[@MysteryMommy1]

Bailey snoring is so soothing

[@hollynotholy]

I remember these thesis shoes! The 20-minute mark really broadly covered these last 18 to 24 months. It's nice to know I'm part of your channel even though it is still reasonably recent. Aaaand networking bites me in the arse again; networking is basically how most people get jobs in artistic industries nowadays, which makes sense: if someone has seen your work and liked it, they might hire you or recommend you. But at the same time, being a big introvert and having a hard time forging friendships because I'm terrible at keeping in touch in a long-time scenario, it really kills me and makes it ten times harder to get into my dream industry. I've wanted to work in publishing houses for years, over a decade, I'd say, and I just. Can't. Find. A job. In it. I proofread, one of the lowest paying positions in the publishing process (at least here, in Brazil), and to get hired by publishing companies either as freelance or full-time worker, you need people to put your name out there so people know about you, know about your work, and know there's someone trustworthy who can vouch for your professionalism. It's just how the industry works. No network, no jobs.

[@lisahodges8299]

Well done! Good luck with the next chapter. Anything that gives joy makes a good teacher. Birdy

[@crystalferguson8038]

Nicole, I have recently discovered your channel and have been going back through your video catalog with SUCH enjoyment! I don't normally comment on videos and I don't know if you'll even see this one, since this video is over a year old, at this point, but I just had to say how much I loved hearing your story and seeing imagery from your past. You are such an inspiration and your depth of knowledge and wealth of skills is incredible. Thank you for so unabashedly sharing your deep love of history and making. I look forward to journeying through projects along with you! You have inspired me to take a hard look at my own wardrobe, which I have been reevaluating over the last year or so, and take the time to truly consider how my choices can either help me to feel "more me" or can continue to make me feel inadequate or "less than" when ready-to-wear fashions just don't fit and flatter my frame. In that vein, I really must ask, where did you source the fabric for the blouse you are wearing in this video? The colors and painterly shapes are simply lovely and I now find myself scouring the comments section to see if anyone else asked the question, since you didn't link "what I'm wearing" in the video description. Again, thank you for being unabashedly you! I love your channel and am so thankful that you choose to share your life on this platform!

[@derrith1877]

Thank you for including a link to your thesis, Nicole. I just read it and gained some insights into the interactions between women's choices, fashions, and interactions with "societal expectations." Very useful food for thought! Thank you.

[@chaotic-goodartistry3903]

I love hearing about how people get into their passions! When I was about 5 I became obsessed with history and got deep into my ancient Egypt phase, and the sheath dress that I hand sewed cause of that was my first sewing project. I might’ve continued sewing after that if I hadn’t forgotten to add seam allowance and got discouraged by the poor fit, but luckily about a decade later in high school, my art teacher let me have a Butterick medieval pattern from his classroom since he knew I loved history, and that project is what got me back into historical sewing. Made a few skirts for a renaissance fair vendor but enjoyed it better as a hobby, so now I’m planning to go into a field where I can have enough time outside of it to keep historical sewing as a hobby. Been a few years since getting into it and I love it! With fall upon us I’m particularly excited to wear my snuggly 1890s wrapper with giant pockets that I made last year out of this lovely minky fabric that looks like velvet. Wearing historically inspired clothes just feels so elegant :3

[@noblemily]

It is such a comfort to know someone who understands what you passion about. Happy to see there are many people around the world just as crazy as I am.

[@speckybeccy]

Thank you for this! Australia doesn’t really have any fashion based history degrees so the journey of getting into museum work has been pretty tricky - videos like this always make me feel a lot more motivated to keep going.

[@estherhadassa1061]

Thank you for sharing your story. 💗💗💗 From 1990 to 1993 I was in Fashion School (in the Netherlands), fashion history was my absolute favourite and I wanted more. The only advice my fashion history teacher had back then was to go to the Fashion Academy in Rotterdam, which is (or was?) an expensive private school and something my parents and I couldn't afford. Later thought of taking a different route by going to the university in Groningen and study Art History, due to personal circumstances that didn't happen either. I ended up just reading books on art and fashion history as much as I could (the first few I bought were by Janet Arnold), which wasn't always easy in the time before the internet. So, I'm really glad for this modern thing called the internet and things like YT with all these lovely and amazing channels, it's like a treasure trove!!! A lot of you lovely folk share book tips and by now I've got a wish-list sooooo long, it'll keep me busy for decades. 💗💗💗

[@mygreenfroggy]

I've been sewing for about 60 years and yet I have learned so much from you and Abby, it's been wonderful! And learning more about shoe making, a fascinating field, honestly (difficult feet, too). Fashion history has been a love of mine for so many years and the way the information is growing through people like you guys is just amazing. Please keep telling us about what you do.