A Modern Girl in Old Clothes

I am a historical costumer, and cosplayer. I started sewing costumes at age 15, but I absolutely loved history ever since I was a child reading American Girl books. I remember playing for endless hours with my Felicity doll and wishing I could have dresses like hers. I now credit my special love of 18th-century clothing to that doll.

My official step into the sewing world stemmed from being in local theater productions and loving to wear the period costumes. From there I started researching exactly what people did dress like during the era in which the show I was in took place. I eventually started making my own costumes for plays and musicals whenever possible. I have since been the costumer to a few theatrical productions. One especially difficult costume was requested of me by the Toledo Opera Guild.

My first costume that I made, just for the pleasure of it, was a colonial style gown and petticoat made of fabric from my late grandmother - which I still have 10 years later. I wore it for Halloween that year and a then later in a few plays and historical reenactments. It was not the only or last outfit I made for the 18th century! A Madame de Pompadour costume followed a year or two later, then as I became more interested in historical accuracy, a pair of stays, a new ‘robe a la Françoise gown (made from my other grandma’s draperies!), a ‘chemise a la Reine’, more stays, and most recently an Italian gown made of a beautiful, bird patterned fabric with a ruffled petticoat and the fluffiest cap ever!

Through the years, I have made everything from Victorian ball gowns to Lord of The Rings cosplays, to Medieval and Renaissance gowns for going to Renaissance festivals. I have even made historical undergarments including chemises, petticoats, and corsets as well as accessories, such as hats and jewelry. Other projects have covered the Regency, Civil War, Edwardian eras and the 1920’s and 1930’s.

The costume I have chosen to showcase here is the Anne Boleyn costume, which I made last year during lockdown. The outfit is made up of an under gown, over gown, detachable undersleeves, French hood, cross necklace, and a pearl belt. Everything was made by me including the jewelry and the embroidery on the cuffs. I enjoy wearing it. I feel so elegant, but oh, it is heavy.

I have also had occasions in which I have been able to share my love of costuming and history with others. This was very fulfilling. I have performed in a 2 woman play, “Letters From the land of Cotton”, which is about 2 entirely different women of the South and their struggles during the American Civil War. I have been lucky enough to perform this production at a historic venue and, also it was part of a continuing education program for educators. I have taken my knowledge of period costuming to gratifying heights, being able to wear my creations, educate others about them, and make history presentations more believable. My presentations have been requested by many organizations and were based on time periods, ethnicity, and particular events. Local television had me appear as young Queen Victoria, what a thrill to make the gown and wear it. I feel that the use of costumes can enhance any experience, ignite emotion and interest in way that is like no other.

Sewing historical clothing has been more than just a hobby for me, it has been my companion through friendless years and my struggle with depression. It has been my time machine into the past and a portal into other worlds when this one was too mundane. It ties to my love of history. Not only has it helped me, but I feel I have helped others bringing the beauty, history, and ambience of costuming in to their world as well. I want to continue to create, share and join in the joy with others the future. I want to reach new heights, reach more souls.