I just want to say how lovely and refreshing it is to see a larger person doing historical clothing and even just being on TH-cam. So often, larger people (women especially) are socially pushed into '"hiding" and discouraged from being on screen/out in public, unless they are being funny. So yeah, thank you for this video
I have been OBSESSED with historical fashion for years and have dreamed of making historical garments for myself to wear. But I have always told myself that I need to lose weight before I did. This year I finally said screw it...I'm sick of not doing what I want to do because I am bigger so I have finally decided to try my hand at it! Thank you for this video! And your outfits are beautiful!
Yes, do the thing! Also, I have found historical costuming (and making my own clothes generally) has helped a good deal with my body image. So maybe now is the best time to start!
Thank you for saying this! I had always told myself the same over the years and dieter off and on but only seemed to get bigger. This year I'm going for it! Or anyway start learning how to sew all the things and just live with the fact that if I wanna wear it, I gots ta make it!
I'm the same! But I have a disability that limits my mobility and absility to exercise, plus a mild(ish) chocolate addiction, so it's not happening. But I just turned 44 and I've spent my whole life being dissatisfied with how I look, and now I've decided sod it, I'm going to wear the things I want! And make the things I want to wear! So this video was brilliant
Thank you so much for posting this. Many years ago, I worked in a living history museum and dressed in period dress with corset everyday. I made a beautiful wardrobe for myself on my great great grandmothers 1904 singer treadle machine which I inherited. Flash forward 20 years to today. A decade ago, I had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer. Then menopause hit and I gained over 40 pounds. Needless to say, I no longer possess the corseted, hourglass shape depicted in all the fashionable historical clothes patterns. In my mind, my body shape has become an intimidating stumbling block to any new sewing I would do for myself. Somehow, I stumbled upon this video today. For once, I see examples of real people with larger bodies in beautiful period dress clothes. Such wonderful encouragement and simple advice on modifying the historical patterns I have. Can't thank you enough! I look forward to seeing your future projects.
Bless you.. Chemo and radiation SUCK!! I had uterine and cervical cancer two years ago and while my chemo was low dose I had high dose internal radiation and it fried my already fragile hip joints. My memory is also not what it used to be. Watching these young women create these beautiful costumes helped me to have hope, even when all the doctors said that I would never go back to work. That still stings my pride a little, but I'm much happier sewing. The steroids that I have to take keep adding the pounds and there's not a blessed thing that I can do about it.. Just sew... just make you happy.. be kind and gentle with yourself and heal mentally and emotionally.. I'm jealous of your treadle machine. My great grandmother taught me to use her's over 40 years ago.. I have no idea where it went when she died..
Cancer is so heartbreaking...I lost both of my grandmothers to ovarian cancer. My mother had ovarian cancer as well but was incredibly lucky and chemo was successful and has now been healthy for 6 years. I, myself, had endometrial cancer and had a hysterectomy at 30. Thankfully I didn't have to do chemo or radiation and have been cancer free for nearly 10 years now. Hugs to both of you! Thank you so much for your comments!
Lynette - that corsetted hourglass figure is all a lie! Its all the padding and the wide shoulders and hips that give the illusion! And that illusion goes back a long way! You start seeing it in the 14th Century and onwards.
Plus sized women were around throughout history. However, just like today, the fashion plates only show petite thin waisted women. Even modern commercial patterns assume a plus sized women has a thinner waist than they actually do. My wife is plus sized, and always has to adjust the waist on any commercial pattern that she buys. She sometimes resorts to buying a pregnancy pattern, and takes the waist IN, to make a garment that fits her figure.
Just to add to this thought... fashion plates were generally hand drawn to an "ideal" look of the time. Kinda like the airbrushed and photoshopped photos of today. Those people don't actually exist, so we should all just admire them as a single artist's/designer's ideal and move on. Adjusting maternity wear is a genius idea! I have friends that regularly shop in the maternity stores just because the loose and flow-y tops and expanding bottoms are more comfortable on their bodies - they are not (and likely will not ever be) pregnant.
AWESOME... FINALLY a plus sized video for us women who are in that catergory of bein plus-sized. I firmly believe that if one who is so plus-sized, can make herself look fantastic and shine in these costumes. Rather than, being shoved into the background and forgotten. I long to sew something that suits my 'plus-size', but found that patterns didnt fit or were the wrong size to begin with. I hope that one day, I will have the courage to make a go of sewing a costume that will look fantastic on me. Thank you so much for sharing this video. Angela, from Australia.
Girl, I want to give you gigantic hug!! I needed to watch this so bad. I held off watching, as I was not really ready to "hear it", but man... such a great video! As a woman who was quite thin until he mid-20s, and wore historical garments regularly, as I gained, I dressed up less and less. I remember making a Civil War dress, along with my best friend who made hers (and is quite thin, and shaped like Audrey Hepburn) and going to a ball... I took helped all the ladies do their hair and they all looked beautiful in their gowns. Me... my hair looked horrible, because I used up all the time doing their hair, and I felt like a frizzy (I have naturally very curly hair) sweaty, gigantic whale. Now they were sweet and said Iooked lovely, but down deep inside I was crushed (especially after seeing the photos). I think that was one of the last time i dressed up historically. Now a few years later, I did loose some weight and made a corset, late 1880s bustle, and petticoat, to make a TV bustle dress,, but alas, i went to see if they fit recently, and... ha!!! No way did they fit not even close... So... I am starting over. I am not going to try and focus on looking thinner, but to look absolutely fabulous where I am, and make the garments that make me feel like a beautiful woman, even if I am a bit squishy (or stout as the CoCoVid said women of large proportion were called historically). I will take the extra time I need to get ready to make sure I too look fabulous, rather than using up all the time to make others look great (i will help, but not let myself be last, as I did). Thank you so much again.... im am nearly finished with the mock-up of my 18c shift, and delighted they fit (no pattern, just followed the directions on the internet on how to cut). Well... I've babbled on... and said more than planned... but from the bottom of my heart, thank you!!
Thank you so much for this awesome comment! I feel your struggle! I have never been thin, so I don't have the same experience, but I do understand how much wishing to be smaller can make us wait to work on projects. Best of best of luck in your sewing adventures! ♥️♥️♥️
Preach it, sister. The note about the unexpected addon expenses is so true. Extra boning, extra fabric, additional interlinings to add structure. As a lover of all things hand sewn, that point a little over half-way through stitching down a waist band is usually when the regret kicks in. But then I just try to remember that when I see others in their costumes. Because everybody has their hurdles and these happen to be mine. So I just need to be extra proud of myself when I'm able to manage getting over them. This video has definitely left me inspired to go make something extra awesome.
I cried when I saw you video for the first time, and it was you who made me finally take the leap and create a youtube acct so I could subscribe. The relief i felt...esp after watching the likes of BB. Ive been doing historical costuming for 20 years, (Georgian to WW2) but could never tolerate seeing photos of myself. I want to do history bounding, but i feel so self conscious, so I wish there were more of us doing channels to help remove the stigma we feel. I wish i had your self confidence. Well done to you, and youve done more than you know for others
@@PocketFullofPoseys I have therefore today, since watching this video again, gone thru my HUGE fabric stash, and committed to completing my basic 1940's wardrobe. I split my fabircs into projects and got out my original 1940's pattern books. I shelved it a year ago when uni started (as i was finishing my med sci degree) and lack of events became that one last nail. However, I own a 1940's car, and our car clubs are starting events again, and Im just gonna do it. So thankyou for the motivation.
I just wanted to add - as someone who is perpetually too hot - that even though you shouldn't really take away undergarments, there are a lot of ways to try to stay cool. Besides using natural fibers like cotton and linen, you can use lighter weight materials for your undergarments, make ventilated corsets/summer corsets (which have mesh panels or even cutouts to allow for even more airflow), or try using large inset (cotton) lace panels on shifts, drawers and petticoats. Be creative! I am just getting ready to try making my first ventilated corset and I'm very excited!
'We are not made of magic, we are made of practice.' -Zoe Hong I love this quote. And I loved how you liken practice about playing a musical instrument.❤❤
For cheap mock up fabric, go to a thrift store (especially on sale days) and buy sheets! Depending on what you're making, you may be able to use the mock up as undergarments (petticoats, corset covers, etc) so you don't waste all the time making the mock up
Ha ha! The wrapping paper with grids is something I had never thought of. Wonderful tip! Also glad you mentioned Black Snail. I have found her PDF patterns piece together like a dream.
Thank you so, so, so much for the list of pattern companies. That has been one of my biggest stumbling blocks stopping me from making a historical costume.
I was delighted by this video. You've won a new subscriber, for what that's worth. I also appreciate knowing that Truly Victorian had sizes that Victoria Regina could have actually worn throughout her life.
That's so crazy because I was just thinking during this video of the irony that our stereotype of a "Victorian" figure doesn't even describe Victoria herself!
Isn't this great to see ? Thank you for creating this video and the examples here which will encourage so many to get over the additional challenges and fears faced everyday, and all day. Smiling that you are modelling to those who've put it off, Do The Thing and do it now !
Thank you for this video. I especially appreciate the recs for places to get patterns. It feels like such a high bar to entry for a new sewer when there's no place to find existing patterns which have a hope of fitting you.
I laught when you said that you hated sewing as a teen, same here lol. You giving me the little push i needed to to start sewing patterns from the past. As a lacemaker I am used to the long hours of work (historically) before seeing your masterpiece . Thank you for this video,your honesty makes me want to sew ,even with my plus size figure.
Wonderful video, thank you so much. Especially grateful for the list of size inclusive patterns; I do theatrical costuming and am forever cursing the big 3 for their minimal sizing. I hope that everything going on in the world subsides soon, but without it I don’t think I would have found all of these creators. CoCoVid was such a good idea and I’m really glad the algorithm got something right for me.
I didn't get a chance to watch this during CoCoVid but wanted to applaud you for your encouragement. I'm a theatrical costume designer and I know that all of my performers are worthy to be dressed beautifully, regardless of size and that's totally true for anyone who is interested in wearing historical dress.
Great video, and your costumes are beautiful! I think that a lot of people don't realize that in the past everyone wore the same styles of clothing, regardless of size, so thank you for bringing that up. It's all about getting that silhouette right!
this has been FABULOUS. thank you. I used to not wear nice clothes - modern or historical because I wanted to lose weight and then a lightbulb went off. We are worth nice things. all of us.
I'm so glad I found your channel! I love watching Bernadette, etc., but I'm never gonna look like her! By the way, I LOVE the blue walking skirt and white blouse!
I highly recommend J.P. Ryan patterns for 18th century garments. They go up to a pretty generous plus size, although I do usually have to augment a bit. 😉 Their instructions are sometimes a little confusing, but the outcome is so worthwhile!
I was going to recommend J.P. Ryan, but I had not used one of their patterns for myself. I did use their Caraco pattern for my friend, and it was a nice pattern! I will add them to the list in the description! Thanks!
I love the blouse you are wearing. It is so beautiful and flattering! Thank you for taking the time to share this video, these tips, and your love of sewing with us.
Pocket Full of Poseys I was just looking through you channel and realized you have a whole video making the shirt lol. I’m new to your channel. Thank you! Did you pair it with the Victorian corset you made in your other video?
@@hemadodd2578 Yes, but not in the video of the making of the Shirtwaist. I hadn't finished the corset at that point. 🙂 But I wore the corset with it in this video.
Oh my gosh! I needed to hear this so much! Everytime I pick up a pattern magazine I get so frustrated, because all the plus size patterns are more or less the same baggie thing and that makes me question whether I can or can not sew something i aktually like for myself... Thank you for this video!
Garment pattern drafting requires math I just can't do. I recently drafted my first corset pattern and stopped dead when I realized just how much fairly advanced math was necessary. I mean, they were talking about millimeters! Thirty-seconds of an inch!. For about a minute I was stymied. That's how long it took to pull up the calculator on my phone. Problem solved. I feel for the ladies who think they have to wait until they've dropped to the sizes society deems "acceptable" before they can begin making themselves beautiful clothing. To this I say, "PISH!" Take a look at the surviving portraits of women throughout the ages. Hello! Plump, rounded, statuesque, and stout--we are all THERE. It's only in the 20th century that the very thin woman became stylish. Thinner women back then sewed padding into their clothes so they would look more like us! I suggest any woman who thinks she's too large for that exquisite Victorian gown to look up Princess Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck. The lady was THE style icon of her time and she undoubtedly was what we would call "plus sized". She proudly wears every fashion of her day and she looks GORGEOUS. I'm not reed-slender myself, and even if I were, my DDD bra size would still change my category. Neither am I an outstanding sempstress, but I still wear my creations with pride. Each thing I make is a step forward. I've only been active in the historical costuming world (by way of Steampunk) for 9 years and don't hand me the story that you're too old to start, because you are NOT older than I am. I'm 72. If I can, you can. So pay attention to what Rebecca says. Her advice is excellent.
I loved this video! I've been sewing for 50 years but just got into historical sewing in the last two years I'm working on a regency gown for myself and then a regency suit for my husband. I want to go to CoCo next year. I have to measure the pattern before I even pin it to mock up fabric so I know if it will fit. Then I just got from there. I'm not big on math either, but I do it when I have to. It also helps that my husband is a math whiz. I love Laughing Moon patterns and Black Snail!! I also have to figure out to wear my costumes in a wheelchair or using my walker or cane. Thank you so much for this video, because so many times people either don't see you or they do see you and have some snarky comment to make. I'm just going to enjoy myself!
Wheelchair or cane don't cause me to much of a problem but the walker, especially the wheeled rollator that you can sit on to rest when needed, is something else. Anything with a wide hemline is a problem because it gets caught up in the wheels and ends up dirty. Canes were common in the day but I imagine that a Tudor lady onwards reliant on a bathchair /wheelchair would need to leave off their hooped petticoats at the very least. I find myself relying more and more on two canes or crutches (if the sleeves will fit in the arm cuff) simply because of the problem with the walker, while a day out means a wheelchair and wide skirts tucked very carefully around my legs or else they also get caught up in the small front wheels, and those wheels will tear lightweight fabrics or get grease on the hems which doesn't come out.
@@musicandbooklover-p2o I know exactly what you mean!. That walker is a rolling nuisance! I rarely use mine anymore because it's a royal pain. My cane and my wheelchair are the more reliable ones! I think I'm going to stick mostly with eras that don't require a huge bustle or hoops or panniers. Can you imagine trying to get pocket hoops to fit in a wheelchair? LOL
I decided to stick with early Norman. Long flowing under dress beneath a much tighter (hem not much more than hip round) over dress which shows a bit of the under dress but not enough that it gets caught up in anytbing. I can wear the anachronistic breast bags (my version at least) underneath and the cut hides the fact that the figure is different to one wearing a modern underwired bra. Though I am working on front laced short regency stays as well, again support and comfort plus ease of use. Arthritis and back fastening g be as brad equal my daughter helping me to dress, very unamusing. The only plus to the wheeled walker is at historical events when I can carry my b adkets, lunch etc, on the seat while walking and remove them to sit when needed. The wheelchair pusher doesn't always want to go to the same tents and stalls that I do, and vice versa. Makes for a day with spirited debates, and the wheelchair occupant can't win. Take care, stay safe.
I started sewing at 8 (in 1960) for MY Barbie doll. Just saying! I would KILL (okay, maybe not kill, but ....) for those SD size Diors! I have BJDs I sew for now LOL
This is so hopeful! Thank you so much for making this video. As a curvy person who loves historical dress, I've always struggled with finding patterns with a range of sizes. You've given me a lot of confidence. ❤️ Happy sewing!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that blue walking skirt and white blouse, they are beautiful and you look gorgeous in them! (I am still catching up on my CoCoVid videos - you are amazing - I am so glad I found you)
Thank you for posting this video. You are exactly the inspiration I need to get started on my costume. I am a historical romance writer, who writes about the 1870's frontier/pioneer. I need a costume for an arts festival this fall. I have sewn costumes for high school plays but never for myself. Thank you for the tips on the patterns. Great job. You are delightful.
You look gorgeous in historical clothing!! I haven’t made a dress since high school (50years ago), but I’m getting supplies together, as my Christmas presents, and going to dive right in the deep end. 😂 I hope it’s like riding a bike and my skills come back. My projects were very good then. Thank you so much for your videos! From one fluffy woman to another, you are inspirational!!! ❤️😁🤗😘
You’re lovely! Then you so much for this video. It’s terrifying for me thinking of wearing anything historical because of my weight. Thank you so much!!
Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom. You look absolutely gorgeous. I love your choice of fabrics and the swishing noise they make as you move.
I am neither into sewing nor am I that much into historical garments (I find them fascinating but don’t wear them myself) and I just stumbled upon your vid by chance but I just have to say that you look absolutely fantastic in those clothes. You fit the whole aesthetic so perfectly and your whole demeanour is just lovely. Rock on!
Wow thank you, I have just come across your channel as I've decided that I'd like to dress in the 1790's ish .... my house was built in 1760 so I'm fascinated by it. I am a plus size woman so your advice is brilliant thank you .... from a now happy lady in Wales In the UK.
Thank you for this. I want to make a floofy frock and have let my size stop me. Watching this, and you, I realizedi see myself on the screen. I'm gonna do the thing!
Loved this! You spoke to some of the concerns that were holding me back, thank you! And I love that advice to start simply, with some easier aspects. I have a shift and a corset cover cut out, and I will try to finish those instead of starting with the stays. You are lovely, thanks for the great info! PS, love how your silks rustle. What a cool sound!
This is such a great video! I want to make a specific dress from a tv show set in the early 1900s so this is really giving me the confidence to try it!
I was SO excited to see this video on the list of videos for CoCoVid. I've been interested in historical costumes, but it's been really discouraging that I could never find anyone with a build that was at all like mine. This video (and watching the rest of your channel) has made me feel a lot better, and more excited to try sewing more costumes for myself! Thank you so much. 💖
I loved the video, and I love how beautiful you look. This encourages me not just to make clothes for myself but also to get on youtube since I love the costuming community so much. It’s just so nice to see women like me represented.
It seems that even size inclusive patterns assume the bust is around 10" larger than the waist. Mine are pretty similar. I feel like I see plenty of women shaped like me in the wild, so what gives? I recognize that I can grade between sizes, but I feel like grading across 5 sizes is not exactly what they intended. "Just put a little curve to join the two sizes..." "You mean a rounded off 90 degree angle?" I just feel like, if I'm going to have to do that level of grading, and also a full bust adjustment (although some pattern makers are now including A, B, C cup versions - that's still not quite representative of my bust), I'm not sure what I was paying anyone for. Sure, mock ups and fittings help, but my poor math skills are better than my comprehension 3D human body curved geometry. It seems like my best chance at patterns that come really close to fitting on the first try would be to pad my bust - and while it might work for some period silhouettes, I feel ample enough already. Does anyone have any knowledge of if women are actually on average that different bust vs waist, or is this an ideal, or based on the non-inclusive surveys done back in the day?
I'm not sure when the size measurements were adopted. I have had some success in cutting out the back in one size and the front pieces in a larger size since I carry most of my weight in the front, but short of drafting my own patterns, which I haven't attempted yet, I do a lot of trial and error mock-ups. Doing the slash and open adjustment has worked well for me to accommodate my stomach while keeping the bust size close to my measurements. It is definitely frustrating sometimes. Best of luck!
@@PocketFullofPoseys I found something! Curvy Sewing Collective dot com has some suggestions for which pattern companies draft for which body shapes. Apparently the issue I/we are up against is that most companies are drafting for an "hourglass shape" - regardless of being size inclusive, or providing multiple cup size options. It hasn't provided me answers on who drafts for my apparent "triangle" shape which seems not to be quite the same as a "pear", but it does acknowledge that I'm not losing my mind - and give me some terminology to work with in looking for companies that draft for shapes other than an hour-glass. I had not considered cutting the front and back from different sized pattern pieces. I'll take some measurements on my next attempt and see if that might help in any way. Thanks! The slashing you showed makes sense, and will help I'm sure.
I feel your pain here, I'm quite apple shaped: larger bust, larger stomach, narrowish hips and legs. Most patterns just don't cater that type of shape at all.
Thank you so much for the information you shared. I'm venturing into my first attempt at historical costuming and as a plus plus size person it's doubley nice to know some of the tricks to make fit better.
Seeing how amazing your garments are in this video is really inspiring. I am just about to start (after years of putting it off) getting some historically inspired clothing made. Thank you for your encouragement. It's really appreciated.
I'm really glad to hear about your experiences with Laughing Moon Mercantile! I've had great experiences with their patterns myself, but knowing a bit about sizes, that they work in the smaller sizes doesn't not guarantee they work in the larger (and vice versa).
Thank you for making this video!! I always thought, since I was of the bigger persuasion, I would never be able to make a historical costume.. this really did answer a bunch of questions that I had. ❤️
Thank you sooooo much for all your wonderful information in here for all of us who do not fit the mould of being the size to grace Vogue's cover! Your lovely blue walking skirt and blouse look ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS on you!!!!! They are so very flattering, I was quite taken aback. The Butterick pattern you showed with it measurements was in Australian sizing and England's sizing is virtually identical to that too. Again, thank you for your plethora of info for we regular non-stick-figure people :) Just discovered you and have subbed. Looking forward to more binge watching inspiration before I go shopping for materials etc. Cheers from Australia, stay safe :)
Thank you so much. I started with cosplay first and all the patterns from the big three are tiny sizes. So I made some gorgeous costumes for my nieces, but never for myself. "I'll loose some weight first, maybe in the future" I have started, with my underwear and I look forward to my journey. Thanks for the encouragement
This was such a great video for me to see. I have been watching a lot of channels about historical dress/costumes (I found them because I was interested in history more so than sewing) and had started to think about if I could do something myself. Mostly to add pockets to stuff if I'm honest! But it always irked me that there was little mention of plus sizes. The people are lovely, but it's so lovely to see more diversity.
Oh wow! I’m so glad I found your video! I’m starting back into sewing and am starting with the 1950s and 1940s as I love the fashion of that time but you’ve inspired me to purchase some of the patterns from the companies you mentioned. I’ve been worried about trying historical costuming as a plus size woman, but you’ve inspired me to try!
Thank you for this video. What is nice are when patterns have adjustment lines built in. Knowing where the increases needs to be made is useful advice and I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has to adjust the front of bodices. Having fun with a pair of stays where I increased equally around and now it's too big in the back!!
Thank goodness it's not just me who can't fit 'my size' in 'normal' patterns! According to the size chart for the shirt I just had to size up, I'm DOUBLE my store-bought size! Demoralising. Subscribing because you're awesome, and it's so good to see someone like me looking so gorgeous in historical costumes!
Thank you so so much for making this video! I've been delving into historical costuming and historical sewing and wanting to actually make things for myself but I've been so worried because I'm plus sized. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this video!
Thanks so much for these tips and guidance. I'm moving into a new historical period for something I want to portray, and people you recommended as size inclusive had exactly the patterns I needed! I appreciate that, and I told them you sent me!
Thank you for all of your information. I have made costumes for my daughter and granddaughters the do reenactments and they always want me to make a costume and go with. I am a bit fluffy and need plus sizes. At 70 I will order my linen and underware patterns,
Sewing weights are good for working with fabric and a roller cutter is a must to speed up the cutting process as is a straight edge meter or yard stick so you can cut it faster. I would recommend a see through quilting ruler ((24 inch or 60 cm)
I think that the first dress you were wearing in this video is one of the best plus sized historical dress I have ever seen. Good Job! I agree with how frustrating the commonly available pattern sizing is. I have tones of gorgeous patterns I have bought over the years that there is no way I will be able to fit into because of the way they are sized. I promised myself that one day I will ether lose weight or finally properly learn how to resize them. My attempts at resizing patterns are a bit finicky and frustrating. I really need to check out the sites you have listed.
This was so inspiring! I am new sewer who is also struggling to figure out how to adapt patterns to fit ME. Your tips were super helpful, and the demonstration of how you added your inches to the front made it so much clearer!
I'm still in the beginning stages of wanting to do historical costuming so this video was very helpful. Thank you for the website/store recommendations. :)
A great video, thank you! Something I would add in terms of "flattering" or picking a style that suits I will always say to someone that you need to stop thinking about what the modern ideal of "flattering" is. We now live in an age where you are encouraged to change you than change your clothes to change the silhouette. It is only a recent change in history where that has occurred. Also go back and look at the art of the period you are interested in, not everyone is skinny, because skinny has not always been the ideal. Medieval and Renaissance loved Rubenese silhouettes because they were more fertile or considered healthy because you obvious ate better! For those that are wanting to do earlier periods than mentioned in the video a good pattern company for 15/16th Century is Margo Anderson, her sizes go up to Bust of 57 inches and 47 inch waists.
I agree! I think I look good in all of my historical costumes, even the ones that wouldn't be considered "flattering" by today's standards. Thanks for the pattern recommendation!
@@PocketFullofPoseys it took me a while to get my mindset out of the 20th century, especially as a lot of the 15th century styles I liked made the belly pronounced, but now I love it. Also when you get your head around the fact that you make your clothes give you the silhouette you want, and not change you!
You are wonderful! My darling daughter is plus size and wanting to LEARN to sew Cosplay. I have sewn for years bit i am a basic 14-16, she is a bit nervous and i will be passing on your info to her , very impressed with this video! Thank you!
You're a godsend! I've been wanting to get into 1850's gowns and I've been cursed with h cups and its a nightmare to try and deal with. I just gave up on making an over just corset and bought an underbust one because I didn't want my chest to look like a table. 😭
What a lovely video by a lovely you! Your two outfits in the video are just gorgeous! I especially like the blouse and the walking skirt at the end, as I’m eyeing making something similar in the (relatively) near future. Thanks for demonstrating the pattern adjustment as well. I’ve read some about that, but it always helps to see it in person.
I really enjoyed this, thank you so much. Because I want to wear what I make every day, I feel that I'm going to be sticking to around very late Victorian and Early Edwardian skirts and blouses or dresses. They have to fit in with C21st living. Plenty of walking skirts etc. Included in blouses will be a couple of Armistice blouses, for their sheer practicality in every day wear. I bought a very large metreage of clotted cream coloured linen lawn for both blouses and a poofy dress/skirt one day. It's all scary, but exciting too.
I have that very Butterick pattern you held up :). I bought it to make costumes for a production about the Bronte sisters that I was in a few years ago. Out of the three of us I could only use the actual pattern sizes for two of us, the other girl was a larger size girl and I had to size it up to a size 30. Tricky, but I managed it. I had to tweak the pattern too so that the three dresses all looked slightly different. Mine (I played Emily Bronte) had a detachable lace collar and no cuffs..
As a plus sized, and mature(ish) woman, I found this very helpfull. I have to loose weight, because of health issues, but I do not intend to put my sewing life on hold untill that happens. I so far have done Regency becaus I am in a Regency reenactment group, but I want to venture into Edwardian for my own fun. And if it works for you, it can work for me. Thank you, it’s very encouraging.
Thank you!! All of this is amazing, but I especially love the pattern altering tutorial. It’s much needed. I’ve spent hours looking through patterns, and I rarely find what I need for both design and body type.
You are an absolute delight! Like sprinkles and sunshine! Gorgeous outfits. I actually like corsets (i'm basically an apple shape) but can never find the right type since there seems to be more than one i.e longline, those shorter ones etc.
Tank you SO much for doing this video for COCOVID! I am going to make an outfit or two for an historical volunteer opportunity and I wasn't sure where to start!
I’ve made myself several kilts over the past ten years or so, over which time my waist has expanded “somewhat” and where before the standard 8 yards of tartan was sufficient, over time that became 9. Currently, I am not able to fit any of my kilts but I simply cant afford to buy TEN yards! So, kilts are off-limits at the moment... 😉 The banyan I’m about to start is another matter: a generous, loose fit is de riguer... lol Excellent vid. 👍
EXCELLENT video! Something I've learned as a plus size sewer is to be careful of how patterns are graded. Patterns are graded assuming a body gets wider and taller all over as the size goes up. But for someone like me who is simply fat, when I pick a pattern based on bust and waist measurements, I get a size with way too wide shoulders and a way too-long back length. That is, I may be size 22 wide because of my bust, but my bones are still size 14-16 short-waisted petite. I find I need to measure the pattern carefully for shoulders, length, bust points, etc., then do adjustments to give myself more width in the bust and waist.
Yes! I'm not sure why pattern companies assume that you also gain height when you go up in sizes. Clothing companies do this too. I'm 5'6", so average height I would say, but Torrid pants, for example, are so long! I'm too tall for their short inseam and too short for regular! 😂
@@PocketFullofPoseys Yep, yep, yep. I mean, I get that there are very tall, very big people who need that extra length in the waist and arms and legs. But I didn't understand this concept of length versus width for a long time. I have a sewing tutor. We were fitting a pattern and she said I had narrow shoulders and a small back length and suddenly BOOM I got it. On your BACK get the length and shoulders correct. I'm very big busted, I take pattern size NOT from overall bust but from my upper bust (i.e., what my chest would be without boobs) and do an FBA. There could be an entire channel dedicated to this topic!
Thank you for your post. I guess I would not have found your channel had it not been for the CoCoVid videos, have been off down a whole rabbit warren of patterns from your links. I hope to see more on your channel as I will certainly be checking out all your past videos.
I just want to say how lovely and refreshing it is to see a larger person doing historical clothing and even just being on TH-cam. So often, larger people (women especially) are socially pushed into '"hiding" and discouraged from being on screen/out in public, unless they are being funny. So yeah, thank you for this video
What a lovely thing to say! Thank you! Welcome!
There are a few woman I watch on TH-cam that are plus sized and are making historical dress👍❤️
I have been OBSESSED with historical fashion for years and have dreamed of making historical garments for myself to wear. But I have always told myself that I need to lose weight before I did. This year I finally said screw it...I'm sick of not doing what I want to do because I am bigger so I have finally decided to try my hand at it! Thank you for this video! And your outfits are beautiful!
Thank you so much! You can do the thing! Best of luck! ♥️
Looking forward to seeing what you make.
Yes, do the thing! Also, I have found historical costuming (and making my own clothes generally) has helped a good deal with my body image. So maybe now is the best time to start!
Thank you for saying this! I had always told myself the same over the years and dieter off and on but only seemed to get bigger. This year I'm going for it! Or anyway start learning how to sew all the things and just live with the fact that if I wanna wear it, I gots ta make it!
I'm the same! But I have a disability that limits my mobility and absility to exercise, plus a mild(ish) chocolate addiction, so it's not happening. But I just turned 44 and I've spent my whole life being dissatisfied with how I look, and now I've decided sod it, I'm going to wear the things I want! And make the things I want to wear! So this video was brilliant
Thank you so much for posting this. Many years ago, I worked in a living history museum and dressed in period dress with corset everyday. I made a beautiful wardrobe for myself on my great great grandmothers 1904 singer treadle machine which I inherited. Flash forward 20 years to today. A decade ago, I had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer. Then menopause hit and I gained over 40 pounds. Needless to say, I no longer possess the corseted, hourglass shape depicted in all the fashionable historical clothes patterns. In my mind, my body shape has become an intimidating stumbling block to any new sewing I would do for myself. Somehow, I stumbled upon this video today. For once, I see examples of real people with larger bodies in beautiful period dress clothes. Such wonderful encouragement and simple advice on modifying the historical patterns I have. Can't thank you enough! I look forward to seeing your future projects.
I'm so happy this was helpful to you! ♥️♥️♥️
Bless you.. Chemo and radiation SUCK!! I had uterine and cervical cancer two years ago and while my chemo was low dose I had high dose internal radiation and it fried my already fragile hip joints. My memory is also not what it used to be. Watching these young women create these beautiful costumes helped me to have hope, even when all the doctors said that I would never go back to work. That still stings my pride a little, but I'm much happier sewing. The steroids that I have to take keep adding the pounds and there's not a blessed thing that I can do about it.. Just sew... just make you happy.. be kind and gentle with yourself and heal mentally and emotionally.. I'm jealous of your treadle machine. My great grandmother taught me to use her's over 40 years ago.. I have no idea where it went when she died..
Cancer is so heartbreaking...I lost both of my grandmothers to ovarian cancer. My mother had ovarian cancer as well but was incredibly lucky and chemo was successful and has now been healthy for 6 years. I, myself, had endometrial cancer and had a hysterectomy at 30. Thankfully I didn't have to do chemo or radiation and have been cancer free for nearly 10 years now. Hugs to both of you! Thank you so much for your comments!
I’m excited for you to start enjoying historical clothing again!
Lynette - that corsetted hourglass figure is all a lie! Its all the padding and the wide shoulders and hips that give the illusion! And that illusion goes back a long way! You start seeing it in the 14th Century and onwards.
Plus sized women were around throughout history. However, just like today, the fashion plates only show petite thin waisted women. Even modern commercial patterns assume a plus sized women has a thinner waist than they actually do. My wife is plus sized, and always has to adjust the waist on any commercial pattern that she buys. She sometimes resorts to buying a pregnancy pattern, and takes the waist IN, to make a garment that fits her figure.
Absolutely! ♥️
Oh, that’s brilliant! I wouldn’t have thought of making a maternity pattern smaller! I may have to try that.
Just to add to this thought... fashion plates were generally hand drawn to an "ideal" look of the time. Kinda like the airbrushed and photoshopped photos of today. Those people don't actually exist, so we should all just admire them as a single artist's/designer's ideal and move on.
Adjusting maternity wear is a genius idea! I have friends that regularly shop in the maternity stores just because the loose and flow-y tops and expanding bottoms are more comfortable on their bodies - they are not (and likely will not ever be) pregnant.
I buy patters by Bust and hip measurements and then adjust the waist to fit. I just find it easier than adjusting armholes for example. :)
AWESOME... FINALLY a plus sized video for us women who are in that catergory of bein plus-sized. I firmly believe that if one who is so plus-sized, can make herself look fantastic and shine in these costumes. Rather than, being shoved into the background and forgotten. I long to sew something that suits my 'plus-size', but found that patterns didnt fit or were the wrong size to begin with. I hope that one day, I will have the courage to make a go of sewing a costume that will look fantastic on me. Thank you so much for sharing this video. Angela, from Australia.
Girl, I want to give you gigantic hug!! I needed to watch this so bad. I held off watching, as I was not really ready to "hear it", but man... such a great video! As a woman who was quite thin until he mid-20s, and wore historical garments regularly, as I gained, I dressed up less and less.
I remember making a Civil War dress, along with my best friend who made hers (and is quite thin, and shaped like Audrey Hepburn) and going to a ball... I took helped all the ladies do their hair and they all looked beautiful in their gowns. Me... my hair looked horrible, because I used up all the time doing their hair, and I felt like a frizzy (I have naturally very curly hair) sweaty, gigantic whale. Now they were sweet and said Iooked lovely, but down deep inside I was crushed (especially after seeing the photos). I think that was one of the last time i dressed up historically.
Now a few years later, I did loose some weight and made a corset, late 1880s bustle, and petticoat, to make a TV bustle dress,, but alas, i went to see if they fit recently, and... ha!!! No way did they fit not even close...
So... I am starting over. I am not going to try and focus on looking thinner, but to look absolutely fabulous where I am, and make the garments that make me feel like a beautiful woman, even if I am a bit squishy (or stout as the CoCoVid said women of large proportion were called historically). I will take the extra time I need to get ready to make sure I too look fabulous, rather than using up all the time to make others look great (i will help, but not let myself be last, as I did).
Thank you so much again.... im am nearly finished with the mock-up of my 18c shift, and delighted they fit (no pattern, just followed the directions on the internet on how to cut).
Well... I've babbled on... and said more than planned... but from the bottom of my heart, thank you!!
Thank you so much for this awesome comment! I feel your struggle! I have never been thin, so I don't have the same experience, but I do understand how much wishing to be smaller can make us wait to work on projects. Best of best of luck in your sewing adventures! ♥️♥️♥️
Preach it, sister. The note about the unexpected addon expenses is so true. Extra boning, extra fabric, additional interlinings to add structure. As a lover of all things hand sewn, that point a little over half-way through stitching down a waist band is usually when the regret kicks in. But then I just try to remember that when I see others in their costumes. Because everybody has their hurdles and these happen to be mine. So I just need to be extra proud of myself when I'm able to manage getting over them. This video has definitely left me inspired to go make something extra awesome.
I'm so glad you feel inspired! ♥️ Thank you for your lovely comment!
I cried when I saw you video for the first time, and it was you who made me finally take the leap and create a youtube acct so I could subscribe. The relief i felt...esp after watching the likes of BB. Ive been doing historical costuming for 20 years, (Georgian to WW2) but could never tolerate seeing photos of myself. I want to do history bounding, but i feel so self conscious, so I wish there were more of us doing channels to help remove the stigma we feel. I wish i had your self confidence. Well done to you, and youve done more than you know for others
Thank you so much! I cried reading your comment. You are worthy to wear all the beautiful things!
@@PocketFullofPoseys I have therefore today, since watching this video again, gone thru my HUGE fabric stash, and committed to completing my basic 1940's wardrobe. I split my fabircs into projects and got out my original 1940's pattern books. I shelved it a year ago when uni started (as i was finishing my med sci degree) and lack of events became that one last nail. However, I own a 1940's car, and our car clubs are starting events again, and Im just gonna do it. So thankyou for the motivation.
Yes!! That sounds fantastic!
I just wanted to add - as someone who is perpetually too hot - that even though you shouldn't really take away undergarments, there are a lot of ways to try to stay cool. Besides using natural fibers like cotton and linen, you can use lighter weight materials for your undergarments, make ventilated corsets/summer corsets (which have mesh panels or even cutouts to allow for even more airflow), or try using large inset (cotton) lace panels on shifts, drawers and petticoats. Be creative! I am just getting ready to try making my first ventilated corset and I'm very excited!
I have a video coming out Friday in which I make a summer corset. 🙂 Best of luck with yours!
I find that when undergarments are worn properly, it actually helps with temperature control.
also! starched or stiffened petticoats (or hoop skirts or etc) that stay OFF your legs and help air flow will help
@@fabricdragon Definitely!
Thank you so much for this! It’s so discouraging to see a pattern you like and see that the largest size is still way too small. These are great tips!
I'm so happy it was helpful! ♥️
Yes! I’m a UK 14/16 (US 10/12 I think) which isn’t really plus size and there’s a lot of historical patterns where the largest size doesn’t fit me!
@@RageQuitGirlOfficial That is definitely frustrating!
I was thinking the same thing! I have a slew of 40s & 50s repro patterns that just wont work because of size. This is so helpful!
@@kly2728 I'm so happy this was helpful!
'We are not made of magic, we are made of practice.' -Zoe Hong I love this quote. And I loved how you liken practice about playing a musical instrument.❤❤
Great quote! Yes, to do anything well requires practice. ♥️
For cheap mock up fabric, go to a thrift store (especially on sale days) and buy sheets! Depending on what you're making, you may be able to use the mock up as undergarments (petticoats, corset covers, etc) so you don't waste all the time making the mock up
Ha ha! The wrapping paper with grids is something I had never thought of. Wonderful tip! Also glad you mentioned Black Snail. I have found her PDF patterns piece together like a dream.
I really enjoy her patterns. The only issue I've had with them is the neck measurements for the Victorian blouses are always too small for me.
Thank you so, so, so much for the list of pattern companies. That has been one of my biggest stumbling blocks stopping me from making a historical costume.
Yay! I'm glad I could be helpful! ♥️
I was delighted by this video. You've won a new subscriber, for what that's worth. I also appreciate knowing that Truly Victorian had sizes that Victoria Regina could have actually worn throughout her life.
Thank you so much for subscribing! I'm glad you liked the video! ♥️
That's so crazy because I was just thinking during this video of the irony that our stereotype of a "Victorian" figure doesn't even describe Victoria herself!
Isn't this great to see ? Thank you for creating this video and the examples here which will encourage so many to get over the additional challenges and fears faced everyday, and all day. Smiling that you are modelling to those who've put it off, Do The Thing and do it now !
Yes! Do the thing! ♥️
I needed this video so much!!!!
I'm so glad you liked it! ♥️
Thank you for this video. I especially appreciate the recs for places to get patterns. It feels like such a high bar to entry for a new sewer when there's no place to find existing patterns which have a hope of fitting you.
You're welcome! ♥️
I laught when you said that you hated sewing as a teen, same here lol. You giving me the little push i needed to to start sewing patterns from the past. As a lacemaker I am used to the long hours of work (historically) before seeing your masterpiece . Thank you for this video,your honesty makes me want to sew ,even with my plus size figure.
I'm so happy it was helpful! ♥️
Wonderful video, thank you so much. Especially grateful for the list of size inclusive patterns; I do theatrical costuming and am forever cursing the big 3 for their minimal sizing.
I hope that everything going on in the world subsides soon, but without it I don’t think I would have found all of these creators. CoCoVid was such a good idea and I’m really glad the algorithm got something right for me.
Yay! I'm glad CoCoVid was useful to you!
I was so glad to find your channel, I have been costuming for over 30 years and you have inspired me to start my own channel.
I'm so glad! Best of luck and welcome!
I didn't get a chance to watch this during CoCoVid but wanted to applaud you for your encouragement. I'm a theatrical costume designer and I know that all of my performers are worthy to be dressed beautifully, regardless of size and that's totally true for anyone who is interested in wearing historical dress.
Awesome! Thank you! ♥️
Great video, and your costumes are beautiful!
I think that a lot of people don't realize that in the past everyone wore the same styles of clothing, regardless of size, so thank you for bringing that up. It's all about getting that silhouette right!
Thank you! ♥️
this has been FABULOUS. thank you. I used to not wear nice clothes - modern or historical because I wanted to lose weight and then a lightbulb went off. We are worth nice things. all of us.
Yes!! That is so true! We are ALL deserving of nice things!
I'm so glad I found your channel! I love watching Bernadette, etc., but I'm never gonna look like her! By the way, I LOVE the blue walking skirt and white blouse!
Thank you! Welcome! There is room for all sizes in historical costuming!
Yes absolutely. Her stuff can be intimidating so this is really nice to see.
I highly recommend J.P. Ryan patterns for 18th century garments. They go up to a pretty generous plus size, although I do usually have to augment a bit. 😉 Their instructions are sometimes a little confusing, but the outcome is so worthwhile!
I was going to recommend J.P. Ryan, but I had not used one of their patterns for myself. I did use their Caraco pattern for my friend, and it was a nice pattern! I will add them to the list in the description! Thanks!
Cool... will keep watch
I love the blouse you are wearing. It is so beautiful and flattering! Thank you for taking the time to share this video, these tips, and your love of sewing with us.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
Pocket Full of Poseys Yes I love your blouse. What pattern did you use?
@@hemadodd2578 Black Snail Patterns Victorian Shirtwaist.
Pocket Full of Poseys I was just looking through you channel and realized you have a whole video making the shirt lol. I’m new to your channel. Thank you! Did you pair it with the Victorian corset you made in your other video?
@@hemadodd2578 Yes, but not in the video of the making of the Shirtwaist. I hadn't finished the corset at that point. 🙂 But I wore the corset with it in this video.
Oh my gosh! I needed to hear this so much! Everytime I pick up a pattern magazine I get so frustrated, because all the plus size patterns are more or less the same baggie thing and that makes me question whether I can or can not sew something i aktually like for myself... Thank you for this video!
Yay! You're welcome! ♥️
Garment pattern drafting requires math I just can't do. I recently drafted my first corset pattern and stopped dead when I realized just how much fairly advanced math was necessary. I mean, they were talking about millimeters! Thirty-seconds of an inch!. For about a minute I was stymied. That's how long it took to pull up the calculator on my phone. Problem solved.
I feel for the ladies who think they have to wait until they've dropped to the sizes society deems "acceptable" before they can begin making themselves beautiful clothing. To this I say, "PISH!" Take a look at the surviving portraits of women throughout the ages. Hello! Plump, rounded, statuesque, and stout--we are all THERE. It's only in the 20th century that the very thin woman became stylish. Thinner women back then sewed padding into their clothes so they would look more like us! I suggest any woman who thinks she's too large for that exquisite Victorian gown to look up Princess Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck. The lady was THE style icon of her time and she undoubtedly was what we would call "plus sized". She proudly wears every fashion of her day and she looks GORGEOUS. I'm not reed-slender myself, and even if I were, my DDD bra size would still change my category.
Neither am I an outstanding sempstress, but I still wear my creations with pride. Each thing I make is a step forward. I've only been active in the historical costuming world (by way of Steampunk) for 9 years and don't hand me the story that you're too old to start, because you are NOT older than I am. I'm 72. If I can, you can.
So pay attention to what Rebecca says. Her advice is excellent.
Thank for your awesome comment! Rock on!!
Thank you for sharing your story! This is so heartening to read. 💖💖💖
I love the green striped dress and pink underskirt! Gorgeous choice of materials, and the dress looked amazing on you!
Thank you!
I loved this video! I've been sewing for 50 years but just got into historical sewing in the last two years I'm working on a regency gown for myself and then a regency suit for my husband. I want to go to CoCo next year. I have to measure the pattern before I even pin it to mock up fabric so I know if it will fit. Then I just got from there. I'm not big on math either, but I do it when I have to. It also helps that my husband is a math whiz. I love Laughing Moon patterns and Black Snail!! I also have to figure out to wear my costumes in a wheelchair or using my walker or cane. Thank you so much for this video, because so many times people either don't see you or they do see you and have some snarky comment to make. I'm just going to enjoy myself!
Yes! Enjoy yourself and don't sorry about anyone else's opinion. Do what makes you happy! ♥️ Best of luck with your Regency sewing adventure!
Wheelchair or cane don't cause me to much of a problem but the walker, especially the wheeled rollator that you can sit on to rest when needed, is something else. Anything with a wide hemline is a problem because it gets caught up in the wheels and ends up dirty. Canes were common in the day but I imagine that a Tudor lady onwards reliant on a bathchair /wheelchair would need to leave off their hooped petticoats at the very least.
I find myself relying more and more on two canes or crutches (if the sleeves will fit in the arm cuff) simply because of the problem with the walker, while a day out means a wheelchair and wide skirts tucked very carefully around my legs or else they also get caught up in the small front wheels, and those wheels will tear lightweight fabrics or get grease on the hems which doesn't come out.
@@musicandbooklover-p2o I know exactly what you mean!. That walker is a rolling nuisance! I rarely use mine anymore because it's a royal pain. My cane and my wheelchair are the more reliable ones! I think I'm going to stick mostly with eras that don't require a huge bustle or hoops or panniers. Can you imagine trying to get pocket hoops to fit in a wheelchair? LOL
I decided to stick with early Norman. Long flowing under dress beneath a much tighter (hem not much more than hip round) over dress which shows a bit of the under dress but not enough that it gets caught up in anytbing. I can wear the anachronistic breast bags (my version at least) underneath and the cut hides the fact that the figure is different to one wearing a modern underwired bra. Though I am working on front laced short regency stays as well, again support and comfort plus ease of use. Arthritis and back fastening g be as brad equal my daughter helping me to dress, very unamusing.
The only plus to the wheeled walker is at historical events when I can carry my b adkets, lunch etc, on the seat while walking and remove them to sit when needed. The wheelchair pusher doesn't always want to go to the same tents and stalls that I do, and vice versa. Makes for a day with spirited debates, and the wheelchair occupant can't win.
Take care, stay safe.
To see a beautiful TH-camr who wears '50's patterns check out Jessica Kellgren Fozard, she uses a wheelchair sometimes. Enjoy her!
Hey you were ahead of the times. Dior’s newest collection has a corresponding miniature garment. You made Barbie haute couture before it was cool
😀 That's cool!
I started sewing at 8 (in 1960) for MY Barbie doll. Just saying!
I would KILL (okay, maybe not kill, but ....) for those SD size Diors! I have BJDs I sew for now LOL
This is so hopeful! Thank you so much for making this video. As a curvy person who loves historical dress, I've always struggled with finding patterns with a range of sizes. You've given me a lot of confidence. ❤️
Happy sewing!
I'm so glad! Best of luck! ♥️
I’ve also used sheets of plywood on my bed to make a cutting table
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that blue walking skirt and white blouse, they are beautiful and you look gorgeous in them! (I am still catching up on my CoCoVid videos - you are amazing - I am so glad I found you)
Thank you so much! Welcome!
Loved EVERYTHING about this. I'm excited to be a new subscriber via CoCoVid!
Welcome! Thank you!
That green-striped gown with the pink floral petticoat is an amazing look! I love it!!
Thank you! I love it too!
Thank you for posting this video. You are exactly the inspiration I need to get started on my costume. I am a historical romance writer, who writes about the 1870's frontier/pioneer. I need a costume for an arts festival this fall. I have sewn costumes for high school plays but never for myself. Thank you for the tips on the patterns. Great job. You are delightful.
Thank you! I'm so happy you found it helpful!
I love this, especially the tummy adjustment demo, thank you so much 😊
You're welcome! Hope it's helpful!
Ditto... a GREAR HELP!!!!!
This is the BEST costuming video I've seen in a long time!
Wow! Thank you so much! ♥️
OMG!!! I found you not long ago, and now I find out that you are a musician, too! I have sewn all of the costumes for my Victorian caroling troupe.
Awesome! ♥️
You look gorgeous in historical clothing!! I haven’t made a dress since high school (50years ago), but I’m getting supplies together, as my Christmas presents, and going to dive right in the deep end. 😂 I hope it’s like riding a bike and my skills come back. My projects were very good then. Thank you so much for your videos! From one fluffy woman to another, you are inspirational!!! ❤️😁🤗😘
Thank you! I'm sure it will all come back to you! ♥️
Oh, and you look amazing in that blue skirt and blouse! That is as historical as I want to go so now I want that skirt in that color!
Thank you! ♥️
You’re lovely! Then you so much for this video. It’s terrifying for me thinking of wearing anything historical because of my weight. Thank you so much!!
Thank you! You are lovely! I hope you give historical costuming a try! ♥️
Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom. You look absolutely gorgeous. I love your choice of fabrics and the swishing noise they make as you move.
Thank you! It is a luscious sound, isn't it?
I love the walking skirt on you!
Thank you so much! It's one of my favorite pieces!
I am neither into sewing nor am I that much into historical garments (I find them fascinating but don’t wear them myself) and I just stumbled upon your vid by chance but I just have to say that you look absolutely fantastic in those clothes. You fit the whole aesthetic so perfectly and your whole demeanour is just lovely. Rock on!
Thank you so much! ♥️
I absolutely love your color choices for that first dress. So beautiful!
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for doing this video! From one large woman to another- I really appreciate it!
I'm so glad! Thanks for watching!
Wow thank you, I have just come across your channel as I've decided that I'd like to dress in the 1790's ish .... my house was built in 1760 so I'm fascinated by it. I am a plus size woman so your advice is brilliant thank you .... from a now happy lady in Wales In the UK.
Welcome! Happy you're here! ❤️
Thank you for this. I want to make a floofy frock and have let my size stop me. Watching this, and you, I realizedi see myself on the screen. I'm gonna do the thing!
Yay!! Do it!! ♥️
Loved this! You spoke to some of the concerns that were holding me back, thank you! And I love that advice to start simply, with some easier aspects. I have a shift and a corset cover cut out, and I will try to finish those instead of starting with the stays. You are lovely, thanks for the great info! PS, love how your silks rustle. What a cool sound!
I'm happy to be helpful! Ha ha, the silk rustling! My husband was like, "What is that noise?!". 😂
This is such a great video! I want to make a specific dress from a tv show set in the early 1900s so this is really giving me the confidence to try it!
I was SO excited to see this video on the list of videos for CoCoVid. I've been interested in historical costumes, but it's been really discouraging that I could never find anyone with a build that was at all like mine. This video (and watching the rest of your channel) has made me feel a lot better, and more excited to try sewing more costumes for myself! Thank you so much. 💖
I'm so happy you found it helpful! Best of luck on your sewing adventures! ♥️
I loved the video, and I love how beautiful you look. This encourages me not just to make clothes for myself but also to get on youtube since I love the costuming community so much. It’s just so nice to see women like me represented.
Awesome! The more the merrier!
Excellent video. Thank you
You're welcome! ♥️
This is so helpful! I am "midsized" but have been anxious about starting. This is so encouraging! I am bringing your videos lol
I'm so glad! You can do the thing! ♥️
It seems that even size inclusive patterns assume the bust is around 10" larger than the waist. Mine are pretty similar. I feel like I see plenty of women shaped like me in the wild, so what gives?
I recognize that I can grade between sizes, but I feel like grading across 5 sizes is not exactly what they intended.
"Just put a little curve to join the two sizes..."
"You mean a rounded off 90 degree angle?"
I just feel like, if I'm going to have to do that level of grading, and also a full bust adjustment (although some pattern makers are now including A, B, C cup versions - that's still not quite representative of my bust), I'm not sure what I was paying anyone for. Sure, mock ups and fittings help, but my poor math skills are better than my comprehension 3D human body curved geometry.
It seems like my best chance at patterns that come really close to fitting on the first try would be to pad my bust - and while it might work for some period silhouettes, I feel ample enough already.
Does anyone have any knowledge of if women are actually on average that different bust vs waist, or is this an ideal, or based on the non-inclusive surveys done back in the day?
I'm not sure when the size measurements were adopted. I have had some success in cutting out the back in one size and the front pieces in a larger size since I carry most of my weight in the front, but short of drafting my own patterns, which I haven't attempted yet, I do a lot of trial and error mock-ups. Doing the slash and open adjustment has worked well for me to accommodate my stomach while keeping the bust size close to my measurements. It is definitely frustrating sometimes. Best of luck!
@@PocketFullofPoseys
I found something! Curvy Sewing Collective dot com has some suggestions for which pattern companies draft for which body shapes. Apparently the issue I/we are up against is that most companies are drafting for an "hourglass shape" - regardless of being size inclusive, or providing multiple cup size options. It hasn't provided me answers on who drafts for my apparent "triangle" shape which seems not to be quite the same as a "pear", but it does acknowledge that I'm not losing my mind - and give me some terminology to work with in looking for companies that draft for shapes other than an hour-glass.
I had not considered cutting the front and back from different sized pattern pieces. I'll take some measurements on my next attempt and see if that might help in any way. Thanks! The slashing you showed makes sense, and will help I'm sure.
@@lynn858 Awesome! I will check that out! Thanks for the info!
I feel your pain here, I'm quite apple shaped: larger bust, larger stomach, narrowish hips and legs. Most patterns just don't cater that type of shape at all.
@@ulla7378 True.
Thank you so much for the information you shared. I'm venturing into my first attempt at historical costuming and as a plus plus size person it's doubley nice to know some of the tricks to make fit better.
Seeing how amazing your garments are in this video is really inspiring. I am just about to start (after years of putting it off) getting some historically inspired clothing made. Thank you for your encouragement. It's really appreciated.
Yay! You can do it! ♥️
I'm really glad to hear about your experiences with Laughing Moon Mercantile! I've had great experiences with their patterns myself, but knowing a bit about sizes, that they work in the smaller sizes doesn't not guarantee they work in the larger (and vice versa).
That is true. Sometimes the pattern grading doesn't work.
Thank you for making this video!! I always thought, since I was of the bigger persuasion, I would never be able to make a historical costume.. this really did answer a bunch of questions that I had. ❤️
I'm so glad it was helpful! Go forth and make the costumes! 🙂
Thank you sooooo much for all your wonderful information in here for all of us who do not fit the mould of being the size to grace Vogue's cover! Your lovely blue walking skirt and blouse look ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS on you!!!!! They are so very flattering, I was quite taken aback. The Butterick pattern you showed with it measurements was in Australian sizing and England's sizing is virtually identical to that too. Again, thank you for your plethora of info for we regular non-stick-figure people :) Just discovered you and have subbed. Looking forward to more binge watching inspiration before I go shopping for materials etc. Cheers from Australia, stay safe :)
Thank you so much! Welcome! ♥️
That underskirt is LOVELY!!!!
When I make a mock-up I tend to do it with fabric decent enough to WEAR said mockup.... LOL
Thank you! I bought the fabric on eBay.
Thank you so much.
I started with cosplay first and all the patterns from the big three are tiny sizes. So I made some gorgeous costumes for my nieces, but never for myself.
"I'll loose some weight first, maybe in the future"
I have started, with my underwear and I look forward to my journey. Thanks for the encouragement
You're welcome! You can do it! ♥️
Thank you so much for your valuable advice! New sub here...love your attitude and down-to-earth advice. Stay safe and best wishes from Down Under🇦🇺👗🌸😎
Thank you for your nice comment!
Finally! A plus size historical garment making gal!!
Happy to be here! Thanks for watching!
This was such a great video for me to see. I have been watching a lot of channels about historical dress/costumes (I found them because I was interested in history more so than sewing) and had started to think about if I could do something myself. Mostly to add pockets to stuff if I'm honest! But it always irked me that there was little mention of plus sizes. The people are lovely, but it's so lovely to see more diversity.
Welcome! Thank you for watching and for your nice comment!
Oh wow! I’m so glad I found your video! I’m starting back into sewing and am starting with the 1950s and 1940s as I love the fashion of that time but you’ve inspired me to purchase some of the patterns from the companies you mentioned. I’ve been worried about trying historical costuming as a plus size woman, but you’ve inspired me to try!
I'm so glad! Sew all the things!
Thank you for this video.
What is nice are when patterns have adjustment lines built in. Knowing where the increases needs to be made is useful advice and I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has to adjust the front of bodices. Having fun with a pair of stays where I increased equally around and now it's too big in the back!!
Yeah. I really appreciate patterns that walk you through fit adjustments. Good luck with your stays! ♥️
Thank goodness it's not just me who can't fit 'my size' in 'normal' patterns! According to the size chart for the shirt I just had to size up, I'm DOUBLE my store-bought size! Demoralising. Subscribing because you're awesome, and it's so good to see someone like me looking so gorgeous in historical costumes!
Thank you! Welcome! Yes, it definitely can be frustrating finding patterns that fit.
Thank you so so much for making this video! I've been delving into historical costuming and historical sewing and wanting to actually make things for myself but I've been so worried because I'm plus sized. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this video!
I'm so glad! Welcome!
@@PocketFullofPoseys as a side note I did spend the entire afternoon perusing historical patterns and I might be stupidly excited to get started. 😳
@@ChristineGroome That's awesome! Good luck! ♥️
Thanks so much for these tips and guidance. I'm moving into a new historical period for something I want to portray, and people you recommended as size inclusive had exactly the patterns I needed! I appreciate that, and I told them you sent me!
Wonderful! I'm glad you found some good patterns!
Thank you for all of your information. I have made costumes for my daughter and granddaughters the do reenactments and they always want me to make a costume and go with. I am a bit fluffy and need plus sizes. At 70 I will order my linen and underware patterns,
I'm so glad you found it useful! How great to join in with your daughter and granddaughters!
Thank you for your amazing video. I am a plus size woman and it is hard for me to purchase clothing. So thank you so much
Sewing weights are good for working with fabric and a roller cutter is a must to speed up the cutting process as is a straight edge meter or yard stick so you can cut it faster. I would recommend a see through quilting ruler ((24 inch or 60 cm)
I think that the first dress you were wearing in this video is one of the best plus sized historical dress I have ever seen. Good Job! I agree with how frustrating the commonly available pattern sizing is. I have tones of gorgeous patterns I have bought over the years that there is no way I will be able to fit into because of the way they are sized. I promised myself that one day I will ether lose weight or finally properly learn how to resize them. My attempts at resizing patterns are a bit finicky and frustrating. I really need to check out the sites you have listed.
Thank you! I hope you find some good patterns so you can start making all the beautiful things! ♥️
This was so inspiring! I am new sewer who is also struggling to figure out how to adapt patterns to fit ME. Your tips were super helpful, and the demonstration of how you added your inches to the front made it so much clearer!
I'm so happy it was helpful!
I'm still in the beginning stages of wanting to do historical costuming so this video was very helpful. Thank you for the website/store recommendations. :)
You're welcome! 🙂
Thumbs up for surprise Thor content! And also for the excellent content. So much great advice.
He is incapable of being away from me for very long. 😂 You're welcome!
A great video, thank you! Something I would add in terms of "flattering" or picking a style that suits I will always say to someone that you need to stop thinking about what the modern ideal of "flattering" is. We now live in an age where you are encouraged to change you than change your clothes to change the silhouette. It is only a recent change in history where that has occurred. Also go back and look at the art of the period you are interested in, not everyone is skinny, because skinny has not always been the ideal. Medieval and Renaissance loved Rubenese silhouettes because they were more fertile or considered healthy because you obvious ate better! For those that are wanting to do earlier periods than mentioned in the video a good pattern company for 15/16th Century is Margo Anderson, her sizes go up to Bust of 57 inches and 47 inch waists.
I agree! I think I look good in all of my historical costumes, even the ones that wouldn't be considered "flattering" by today's standards. Thanks for the pattern recommendation!
@@PocketFullofPoseys it took me a while to get my mindset out of the 20th century, especially as a lot of the 15th century styles I liked made the belly pronounced, but now I love it. Also when you get your head around the fact that you make your clothes give you the silhouette you want, and not change you!
You are wonderful! My darling daughter is plus size and wanting to LEARN to sew Cosplay. I have sewn for years bit i am a basic 14-16, she is a bit nervous and i will be passing on your info to her , very impressed with this video! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. it really encourages me to just try something. you are beautiful. your. sewing is too.
Thank you! I'm so happy you found it helpful!
I've seen (and love) a lot of the other major costubers, but it took CoCoVid to find you, and the urge to start history/fantasy-bounding rises.
Yay! I'm so glad you're here!
You're a godsend! I've been wanting to get into 1850's gowns and I've been cursed with h cups and its a nightmare to try and deal with. I just gave up on making an over just corset and bought an underbust one because I didn't want my chest to look like a table. 😭
I'm glad it was helpful!
What a lovely video by a lovely you! Your two outfits in the video are just gorgeous! I especially like the blouse and the walking skirt at the end, as I’m eyeing making something similar in the (relatively) near future. Thanks for demonstrating the pattern adjustment as well. I’ve read some about that, but it always helps to see it in person.
Thank you so much! ♥️ Glad it was helpful!
I really enjoyed this, thank you so much.
Because I want to wear what I make every day, I feel that I'm going to be sticking to around very late Victorian and Early Edwardian skirts and blouses or dresses. They have to fit in with C21st living. Plenty of walking skirts etc. Included in blouses will be a couple of Armistice blouses, for their sheer practicality in every day wear. I bought a very large metreage of clotted cream coloured linen lawn for both blouses and a poofy dress/skirt one day. It's all scary, but exciting too.
Oooh! That sounds awesome! Best of luck!
I have that very Butterick pattern you held up :). I bought it to make costumes for a production about the Bronte sisters that I was in a few years ago. Out of the three of us I could only use the actual pattern sizes for two of us, the other girl was a larger size girl and I had to size it up to a size 30. Tricky, but I managed it. I had to tweak the pattern too so that the three dresses all looked slightly different. Mine (I played Emily Bronte) had a detachable lace collar and no cuffs..
It is a nice pattern. Well done with sizing it to fit three different people! ♥️
As a plus sized, and mature(ish) woman, I found this very helpfull.
I have to loose weight, because of health issues, but I do not intend to put my sewing life on hold untill that happens.
I so far have done Regency becaus I am in a Regency reenactment group, but I want to venture into Edwardian for my own fun.
And if it works for you, it can work for me.
Thank you, it’s very encouraging.
I'm so glad it was helpful to you! Make all the costumes! ♥️
Thank you!! All of this is amazing, but I especially love the pattern altering tutorial. It’s much needed. I’ve spent hours looking through patterns, and I rarely find what I need for both design and body type.
You're welcome! I'm so happy you found it useful!
You are an absolute delight! Like sprinkles and sunshine! Gorgeous outfits. I actually like corsets (i'm basically an apple shape) but can never find the right type since there seems to be more than one i.e longline, those shorter ones etc.
Thank you so much! I've only made one corset thus far, a mid-Victorian style.
Tank you SO much for doing this video for COCOVID! I am going to make an outfit or two for an historical volunteer opportunity and I wasn't sure where to start!
I'm so happy you found it helpful! Have fun on your sewing adventures! 🙂
Thank you so much for this , I almost cried . Thank you for making me feel normal and I can wear / make these clothes
Now, I'm crying. You are so welcome! You can wear and make these clothes! ♥️♥️♥️
I’ve made myself several kilts over the past ten years or so, over which time my waist has expanded “somewhat” and where before the standard 8 yards of tartan was sufficient, over time that became 9. Currently, I am not able to fit any of my kilts but I simply cant afford to buy TEN yards! So, kilts are off-limits at the moment... 😉 The banyan I’m about to start is another matter: a generous, loose fit is de riguer... lol Excellent vid. 👍
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
EXCELLENT video! Something I've learned as a plus size sewer is to be careful of how patterns are graded. Patterns are graded assuming a body gets wider and taller all over as the size goes up. But for someone like me who is simply fat, when I pick a pattern based on bust and waist measurements, I get a size with way too wide shoulders and a way too-long back length. That is, I may be size 22 wide because of my bust, but my bones are still size 14-16 short-waisted petite. I find I need to measure the pattern carefully for shoulders, length, bust points, etc., then do adjustments to give myself more width in the bust and waist.
Yes! I'm not sure why pattern companies assume that you also gain height when you go up in sizes. Clothing companies do this too. I'm 5'6", so average height I would say, but Torrid pants, for example, are so long! I'm too tall for their short inseam and too short for regular! 😂
@@PocketFullofPoseys Yep, yep, yep. I mean, I get that there are very tall, very big people who need that extra length in the waist and arms and legs. But I didn't understand this concept of length versus width for a long time. I have a sewing tutor. We were fitting a pattern and she said I had narrow shoulders and a small back length and suddenly BOOM I got it. On your BACK get the length and shoulders correct. I'm very big busted, I take pattern size NOT from overall bust but from my upper bust (i.e., what my chest would be without boobs) and do an FBA. There could be an entire channel dedicated to this topic!
That Edwardian costume looks great on you. One of my favorite eras.
Thank you so much!
Thank you for your post. I guess I would not have found your channel had it not been for the CoCoVid videos, have been off down a whole rabbit warren of patterns from your links. I hope to see more on your channel as I will certainly be checking out all your past videos.
Awesome! CoCoVid has-been awesome! I have a video coming out next Friday about making a summer corset. ♥️
@@PocketFullofPoseys That is exactly what I need. will make sure not to miss it.
I am just about to make the walking skirt from Laughing moon and was stressing over it. This really helped. :)
Yay! I'm so glad!
I LOVE that blue skirt and white blouse I wear that style of clothing everyday and always have just because I am most comfortable in those long skirts
I really like it too. 🙂
Excellent great content, videography and enabled closed captioning! I subscribed!
Welcome!