Unboxing a VICTORIAN Clothing Haul | A Quick Lesson in Studying Antique Clothing
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- I have a (not so much) secret to tell you all...
I love buying antique clothing, it doesn't matter if it's from the 18th century, Victorian or Edwardian Era - if it's an old piece of clothing, I want it in my historic clothing collection and in my life. Studying old clothing helps make me a better dress historian and historical costumer, and by examining the different seams, stitching techniques, and analyzing the different types of fabric used in garment construction, I am able to improve my sewing skills. But, what fun is it if I keep all of those juicy knowledge bits to myself? It's not - it's a lot more fun to share! 😁
So, I figured how fun would it be to combine my shopping habits with my youtube channel and unbox this clothing haul while doing a quick garment assessment and construction overview. Being able to get into a museum to study original antique clothes isn't always a possibility for everyone, and so I just want to be able to share what I have and demonstrate my examination process.
In this haul from Witchy Vintage (www.etsy.com/s...) - I acquired a 1880s Black Silk Bodice, a Bustle Era Skirt, and a surprise pigeon breasted Edwardian bodice with delightful pintucks and puffy sleeves.
And, in case you're curious (and you've actually made it down this far...) I've been studying dress/fashion history for well over 10 years now, and I've been able to develop sort of a step-by-step process when examining antique clothing. I always like to start with the bigger picture and work down into the minutiae - What kind of fabric do I see? What is the fabric weave structure? Is the garment hand sewn or machine stitched? Do I see any big, glaring alterations? Does the garment have any damage? Does the bodice have boning? How did they finish the hem? What stitches were used? How big were the stitches? Are there any surprise pockets? How was the sleeve set it? Etc.
Since this is just an unboxing, I'm not taking notes or measurements, that will come later whenever I decide to reproduce the garment or if I want to make a sewing pattern.
If you would like to see more of a particular garment in this haul - let me know in the comments below & Thanks for watching!
Want to see how I store my antiques? Watch that video here: • How to Make Your Antiq...
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My Instagram: / abbyelyn
Witchy Vintage's IG: / witchyvintage
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Hey Everyone! I've been asked this a few times regarding my dress, so I thought I'd share it here - it's the Belemnite Dress by Marilla Walker. I made it out of red wool flannel and I *cannot* recommend this pattern enough - I *love* it! www.marillawalkerpatterns.com/collections/all/products/pdf-belemnite-dress-digital-sewing-pattern (She even has a free pattern addition with a new neckline and sleeve finishing!) ❤
Abby Cox “faille” in American English is usually pronounced like “file” or fīl or mile with an f. I hope that helps ^_^ It’s from mid 16th century old French and regular modern French breaks my brain so something I looked up. Also not knowing how to say something just means you’re well read. Thank you for the lovely video!
I also totally agree the skirt looks like a faille! It’s defined by it thicker weft yarns to it’s warp yarns, much like a taffeta on steroids. For modern ID I like pinching between my forefinger and thumbnail and pull along the warp/grainline and feel the staccato bumping over the ridges. Ti ti ti ti ti ti 😍
I wanted to know what your dress was, so thanks for this. It is stunning.
Thank you so much for sharing. I am totally IN LOVE with you dress and have been constantly distracted by it during your video. Also, it's so nice to hear someone get excited about original vintage pieces the way that I do. ❤️
Amazing, I just bought this because those sleeves made me swoon. Gotta have it 🖤
I wannntttt that surpriseblouse 😭
(new, like to wear every single day of my life because aaaaaaaa)
It would totally fit you...all we have to do is pull a pattern... 😎 #teamworkmakesthedreamwork
Oh wow! If you ladies team up pretty please film it! I’d love to see how you use an extant garment to make a pattern!
I'd totally watch a video of Abby pulling the pattern and Bernadette making this. Collaboration!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer Young and then make the pattern available to us to purchase, please!
Aaaaaaa!! They’re in the same place and same tiiiiimeeeee
Historybounding youtubers: this book says the stitches must catch only three threads of fabric so I am going to use this information amongst (literal full books) of other things to make sure my reproduction is perfect
Actual historical dressmakers: don’t match up warp and weft while piecing
Ohhh, this was lovely!! I could watch antique clothing closeups and Abby commentary for hours 😍
😭😭😭 Thank you, dearest! Also - am happy to oblige with more delicious antique clothing Broll and commentary - just let me know what you'd like to see! ❤❤❤
Same 😍! I hope there's more like this video !
Yes, yes indeed
I have always absolutely loved historical clothing. NOW, I have found all of you wonderful ladies, that answer and show me all of the facts to questions I have always wanted the answers to. Thank you so much. Abby, Bernadette, Morgan, Nicole, you all are my heros.
@@AbbyCox anything and everything, love it all. And all the commentary, it definitely adds to the experience. ♥️♥️♥️😀😀
I honestly love how nearly every female fashion youtuber gets lowkey excited about pockets. I'm with you, we need more pockets.
OMG Abby!! Please do more "garment archaeology" on examining these and any other historical garments you have. I love it! And it would also be wonderful to learn how certain techniques were accomplished. A third book perhaps? But shorter tantalizing vids here please! Thanks!
I am *more than happy* to do more in-depth videos on my pieces, and reproducing them (it's been a plan of mine for a while, so I'm happy to hear that other people are on board for it!) - but as for a third book? Not right now :( Maybe in the future when other things slow down! 😃
"This skirt has a pocket!"
Nothing makes me more excited than an antique skirt with pockets (extra bonus points if they're hidden!)😂
Pocket all the things! I reference Morgan Donner’s pocket all the things video on a regular basis depending on which pocket style I need. 🥰
Ohhhhhh I love it! I liked the first one best, oh the cotton sateen and the little pleatsicles on the peplum! And you, Ma'am, look effortlessly fantastic!
I really like the first bodice too - simple, chic, and effortless. I put her on my dressform with a proper bustle and those pleats were to die for.😍
Abby using conservation techniques for her antique clothes is my love language
I love watching people who genuinely are passionate about something geek out about their passion. Beautiful pieces
Abby seeing a new antique dress sounds exactly like most people meeting a baby for the first time
Better.
Those garments will never spit up on her, scream at 3:00 AM, or become a mouthy teenager. Historical garments for the win!
Faille can be pronounced like the word “file” or like the word “fail.” Vintage clothes are your thing. Words are my thing. :-)
There are at least three acceptable ways to say "Faille." IMO, it kinda depends on how stereortpically American you want to sound. The more French-ish (because we are all Word Thieves) pronunciation would have bit of a "yuh" sound at the end with no discernible "L."
Also, regional accents are real...the difference between "a" and "i" is sketchy to begin with. You do you.
Now about the way people pronounce "couture"... ****cringe****
It is lovely to see your vintage clothing treasure and watch you become giddy with excitement as you explore, explain and appreciate the skill in their construction. Bernadette was indeed right in referring to looking at old garments and reading their construction to detective work. Fascinating and fun!
Examining antique clothing will always make me giddy 😂 & Bernadette is right - it is total detective work 😍
Honestly i was really distracted by your red dress with THOSE SLEEVES ♥ and so happy i found your channel.
My grandmother's family had a bad habit of turning all their old clothes into quilts. I ought to point out that my grandmother died in 1972 aged 81ish. I've no idea what great clothes they cut up into little hexagons
Oh nooooooooo 😭 that's like the best and the worst thing ever - because at least you can study the textiles, but oof having the original garments would have been sooo much better!
It was the way of the times. The clothing had fulfilled its purpose. Now the fabric had a new purpose, keep the family warm. I'm sure that when the family looked at the quilts with all the familiar fabrics, many sweet memories were brought forth.
I'm sorry, but using clothing that has worn out or can no longer be worn to make functional items (such as blankets to keep your family warm) is not a bad habit or a waste.
I've been cutting up old t-shirts to make yarn to make into a rug. Same thing. I have no thought for people 100 yrs in the future that might be interested in exploring our old clothes.
The practice of reuse and up cycle was expected use of textiles of the time. They just didn’t have a modern name. This makes even more historically accurate. The garments had likely been passed down (brothers/sisters) and across (to cousins). Each passing would be newly fit and perhaps lines modernized. Is there anything more beautiful than having an ancestor quilt, knowing so many of your clan left memories and provide you warmth even now?
I am completely new to these sorts of clothing channels and I have no sewing experience beyond hand stitching a few things that were falling apart. Can you make quilts or something out of modern fabrics too? I have old yoga pants that have too many holes to wear but would make comfy lightweight blankets if cutting and stitching wouldn't ruin the fabric.
Just started watching, I'm just sewing my 1870's corset. In quarantine rn at my SO's without my machine so am hand sewing the entire thing!!
OH MY GOSH. That sounds like a great project (but also so much work!) ❤️
A perfect way to spend yr quarantine.
This is so lovely, omg your reactions give me life 🤣💕 I want every garment, brb dipping my toes into Victorian era shenanigans.
And the blouse you’re wearing. Girl yes!
😂 Thank you! It's the Belemnite Dress from Marilla Walker and it's an *amazing* pattern - I LOVE IT www.marillawalkerpatterns.com/products/pdf-belemnite-dress-digital-sewing-pattern
Seriously I am living vicariously through you Abby right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As someone who is almost 5ft 10" it's pretty tough to get this stuff for myself. I was literally almost in tears feeling your joy and your respect for these beautiful pieces. Well don you and thank you for sharing the love.
it's the same with manuscripts, every time I see a video or post and the person handling it doesn't wear gloves, as they shouldn't, there's always a load of people moaning about no gloves! I am like shush haha. What beautiful pieces! I would love to own Victorian or Edwardian pieces, but do not trust myself to take care of them.
I don't get to see the finishings on the inside of garment of historical clothes so getting to see this is a treat for me! Thank you 😍
Serious joygasm with the mystery gift!! Wow! 😊👍
Me: Sees the surprise blouse and gasps
Also Me: starts mentally patterning and constructing the surprise blouse.
Samesies 🤣 immediate screenshot and blow it up for details of textiles. Now I feel guilty, as if I violated Abby and/or the blouse in some way. I’m sorry 😐
@@PowerToolsnPearls just inspired by Abby and the blouse!!
Your enthusiasm is freaking adorable, and contagious.
Also, I choked on my dinner from laughing at the dial-up noises.
What treasures! I recently came upon a shift and corset cover at the secondhand shop for $5 each! You can bet I brought them home.
I love that the surprise is such an amazing piece! How kind a gift. The close-ups are exquisite. Thanks for sharing!
Ohhh those are are some great prices!! I'm glad you enjoyed the pieces! ❤️
I want your luck!
I typically have a habit of writing out somewhat long winded, over sharing, well thought out, and very descriptively illustrative comments. However, when I was actually trying to form the words in my brain to then share in this video's comment section, I could only think of this series of emojis... 👗👚😳🤤😍💗😭 I mean, all of these garments are just so beautiful!!!! 😭 Thank you so much for sharing these historic and drool inducing pieces. 🙌 I'll never be able to thank the Historic Dress and Vintage communities enough for sharing the time travel magic that is fashion history. 💗🤗 You have no idea (and probably never will truly understand the magnitude of) how happy videos and content like this makes my simple little heart. Words can not express. 😊 So thank you again, and I look forward to seeing more of the time travel goodness that you are generous enough to share with us. 😍 But until then, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 💗
I have no idea what you're talking about through most of the video but I enjoyed watching you explain it.
Wow, in just this brief video I got quite the education! I am a weaver using authentic 18th-century weaving looms to weave period cloth and that has been my focus for the last 25 years. However, you cannot ( in my humble opinion ) study weaving tools and techniques without eventually going down the period clothing rabbit hole which is where I have found myself these last two years or so. I love these videos and appreciate all who have gone before me to decode and share the knowledge of how, from what, when, and by whom these period clothes were made. I'm working up the courage to start sewing my own period wardrobe for daily dress ( eventually more like history bounding I suppose ) but the authentic period clothing first then my interpretation of it for daily wear. Anyway, I get your excitement and appreciate your sharing your knowledge and experience.
Yaaaayyyyyy someone who people trust with antiques agrees with me about the gloves issue!! :)
Heyho, I just came here after watching a panel from the CoCoVid which you also attended. I don't know whether you will ever read this at all but if you do so I first want to say to you it's great that you're here. And also this kind of video where you examine real antique clothes might be just what I searched and haven't found. Until now. I so do hope there will be plenty more of those videos as I enjoy looking at those garments one can learn so much in just lokking at them. All the best to you :D
Watching you open the package and exclaim over the stitching was a reward for me! How refreshing to see young people appreciate the time, talent, expertise, fabric and care that went into making these stunning pieces. And bless the vintage historian/collectors whose solicitude, reverence and love of sharing these items help educate us about the rich cultural heritage here in our own country. Thank you Abby.
I don't understand why watching someone ELSE get really excited about something can bring me such joy, but it does. And this did.
I could literally watch you unbox clothing for hours! Your passion for clothing Is so infectious!
Abby: stunning, beautiful work! & the bodice makes me want to cry as it is so incredibly gorgeous! I think my maternal grandmother was born in 1900 into a well to do plantation family in E TX. She was educated, along w her sister, by the Ursuline nuns on Galveston Island, in the rebuilt convent school destroyed during the most horrible hurricane in 1900 that killed all the nuns, but one, & most of the schoolgirls. (My grandmother was a complete hellion once she left home! What IS it with those girls?)
But, the nuns taught running a household, conversational skills, & incredible needlework. Even after she went blind & lost her eye due to glaucoma & was very arthritic, you could still see what her handwork must have been like in her prime.
She lived to see our older son, after he was born in 1978.
That bodice reminds me of photos of some of my Mom's paternal aunts, cousins?? wearing those incredible insertion lace bodices of the turn of the 20th C.
I need to go thru old photos & have one black/white photo blown up & framed... I'm a bit fuzzy on how these two beautiful young women fit in the family, but it's an awesome photo!
You're really contributing to my quality of life during this "interesting" time! God save us! 😉
As someone who attended a school established by Ursuline nuns, can confirm, we're all still hellions 😂
My jaw fell when I saw the bodice, and the amazing condition it is in. It reminded me of a garment worn by an actress who played a young and older version of a maid in a black and white film called nightmare castle. I am not sure how accurate the skirt of her costume was but her bodice is identical to this piece. The costumers for that film really did their research for that period horror film.
Ok the dial up noises had me dead XD
Was not expecting the emotion that overcome when you open up the first bodice i started crying like a baby and still all emotional . I love all of them truly amazing to be able to appreciate the beauty and work that has gone in to making all of them . The pin tuck bodice is my favourite .
The selvedge! :) Fantastic!
My Grandfather built his family's home. He was not a carpenter by trade, but talented and capable nonetheless. Growing up I only ever saw the craftsmanship of the built in bookcases, and the ironing board cupboard tucked into an interior wall. Clever. Great craftsmanship.
After my brother inherited the role of caring for the house, I was painting and I got to take a detailed look at the inside of the empty closets. The plastering of the interior corners, the closet ceiling, the carpentry of the custom closet racking and shelving... and I sat down in the closet laughing.
It was the epitome of work smarter not harder. It's all very sturdy and functional, but the plastering is as smooth as a first skim coat could manage, with no sanding. The carpentry joins are "pretty good". The front shelf edges are nicely beveled, but the slotting, while adequate enough to be level - is definitely not carefully fitted like the bookcases or furniture he built. The pencil marks bled through the paint, and there's only enough paint on the less visible sides to seal the wood so it never discolored any fabric stored on it. It's a closet. It will be full of things. Everything needs to be sturdy, but save your energy for the things you'll see.
These kinds of videos make me so happy! I've been really self-critical of my own sewing techniques, and seeing the same kind of stitches in historical garments makes me feel so much better! And oh that piecing on the skirt!
Three things I admire - those who speak French , those who can sing and those who can sew!!!!! I can’t do any of them. Your unboxing excitement was so contagious! I love looking at these clothes and trying to imagine the women who wore them and what Was happening at that time. Thank you for sharing !
The Silk Chiffon/Organza eyelet fabric is my absolute favorite part. I love eyelet fabric with my whole heart.
I really appreciate the seller sending that surprise to someone who could take care of it, but also give so many of us the opportunity to check it out.
I wish I had **ANYTHING** from my Great-grandmother's clothes. (1873 - 1961)
My Mom was a dressmaker and made numerous costumes for local theatre groups. She called faille fabric ‘file’ but I have heard it both fail and file.
Love your reactions to good dressmaking techniques! Thank you for sharing Abby!💜
These are all beautiful! I would like to learn more about each piece.
Excellent! I will definitely do more in-depth studies and analyses on these pieces! ❤️
I love that the tucks line up at the seam of the sleeve!
So im *OBSESSED* with history and this has just pushed me even farther 😂😂 i has no idea i was even interested or that i needed this in my life!!! Thanks!!
Hugely enjoyed the bonus footage at the end xD This was fun to watch!
If only these dresses could talk! Oh the stories they could tell ❤ i am so in love with these videos. The victorian and edwardian eras are my absolute obsession ❤❤
I appreciate that you took the time to explain about no gloves!
Wow!!! The bodices are stunning. Love all the pin tucks on the last one. Wow!!!
I. LOVE. This!! I can only sew straight lines but I love love love beautiful fabrics and clothing from any era. You are delightful to watch and I love how you gently teach about old fabrics and clothing. Thank you so much!!
Isn't it such a relief when you buy something antique and the sender actually takes the time to package it properly! I have had so many terrible experiences where you busy something special and the sender just throws it into a box without wrapping...without protection, with caring (!) It is so disappointing! Look at all those lovely plastic bags and tissue! Paula is a great seller!! And YOU are so cute!
Gobsmacked. The surprise is so gorgeous. How long was it before you called Lauren and the rest of the GIGOT GIRLS? And will you be updating us on the skirt repairs or using it as a pattern basis?
You are so delightful. So much fun joining you for this unveiling!!!
You have such fun energy.
Made my day brighter, these pieces especislly the surprise was aaaaammmaaaazzziinngg
Your knowledge and joy over these clothes is infectious. I want to be your friend and go nerd out over historical clothes (which I know nothing about besides being an actress and wearing modern-made costume pieces)
Thank you so much for this. I love these types of videos especially being from somewhere very rural where there are not many extant garments to be able to study!!! Plus your reactions are PURE GOLD!!!
So.... I LOVE "details" in clothing...pretty decorative collars, kick pleats, PINTUCKS, etc. It was such JOY watching you unpack and reveal this EXQUISITE garment!
I was cringing the whole time because you where wearing rings!!! Glad you added a text card about it though! I was just scared the whole time!
Wow! You really show & tell awesome stories! I have to learn to sew; I do. Thanks for your pleasant help!
Oh my! Happened to stumble across your channel and am in LOVE! I know nothing about antique clothing and am in complete awe! Thank you so much for providing such detailed information on the styles, techniques, etc. I so appreciate your "how to store" vintage dresses. I recently bought a 1908 Edwardian dress and had no clue how to take care of it, until I came across your channel! I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the dress :)!! Keep up the amazing work!
Your reactions made my day :) Thank you for sharing and showing the details of these garments absolutely beautiful.
That was a peek into history and I enjoyed sharing your enthusiasm! What a fun video!
This post made me want to follow you. So informative and personable. Keep on chugging! 💪🏾
Your love and enthusiasm makes me just as excited :3
Love watching you geek out over old clothes, you're awesome...
I love that last surprise piece! It is so beautiful
I love your commentary.
And I would love to see more of your collection of historical clothing.
Oh thanks 🥰 - I am happy to share what I have - just have to pick the next piece! 😃
Haha, your reaction to the second blouse is soo relatable, that was pretty much me every day at the museum last fall xD You got some amazing pieces there :)
LOL I knew you'd relate to this - and it's amazing how *it never gets old* looking at antique clothing. They're all so perfect and special and sometimes perfectly hot messes 😂😂
I absolutely love the surprise, it is just so awesome indeed !!!!
When my grandparents passed away we had the task of cleaning out the old house. The attic had a huge steamer trunk PACKED FULL of old dresses from who-know-when! Of course it all went into the trash pile! Oh well, live and learn. (back then there was no internet to spread how valuable stuff like that was.)
Lovely video, the Edwardian blouse is #goals tbh and also, loved your reaction to it, we all need joy and happiness, especially during these times... Thanks for sharing a bit of it with us!
It is totes #goals & thank you for your kind words! I'm glad I was able to bring some joy! ❤
Are these mourning clothes? Fabulous!
Omg, you're amazing!! I love your enthusiasm and the items we gorgeous. The surprise blouse in particular, amazing!!
Thank you so much!! 🥰🥰
The blouse is to die for, omg, so freaking beautiful
Those are gorgeous what treasures. And I loved your reactions with analysis of the construction and all alterations.
HIIII CONSTANCEEEEEEE 😍! I don't really know what else to say - other than hi - and I like being able to study original garments in the privacy of my own home so that way I can say all the silly stuff to myself without feeling like a bit of a dummy in front of curators.😂
hello my dear. It’s lovely to hear from you too. I’m delighted at these additions to your collection and look forward to your future videos. It’s lovely to feel so connected to people all over the world in this very strange time. xc
oh my god, you are sooooo funny! Especially at the end ;o))))) I liked the surprise the best!
I loved the Edwardian bodice the best! This was so fun to watch!
Very cool to watch you analyze the pieces, learned so much. And I'm dying over the sleeves on your red dress😍. If you made it, would you mind sharing the pattern?
Oh thank you! It's one of my favorite makes - the Belemnite Dress from Marilla Walker - it's amazing! www.marillawalkerpatterns.com/products/pdf-belemnite-dress-digital-sewing-pattern
I bought a Victorian blouse for this exact purpose, to study it and after watching this I'm so excited that I kept it in it's bag for this long. I feel much more confident going in now! Haha, thank you!
And your comments kill me😂
amazing! can you make a video about what to do with old cloths? steam? wash? xoxo Sending you 40 hugs from southern Sweden 🤩
I'm so glad that your Belemnite dress video showed up as a suggested video (yes, I'm weird; I like both fossils AND sewing)!
Wow this was so cool and exciting! I honestly love all three pieces and I am so happy that they have found a new home in Abby's collection!♡
🥰🥰 They are very happy and well loved in their archival boxes - I'm trying to decide which piece I want to reproduce first - the skirt or the 1880s bodice...🤔🤔🤔
Lovely video ! It is so fun to see you so excited, love your commentary as well! I wish I had all this knowledge to examine that one late victorian bodice I have!
I want that bonus blouse! Edwardian is my favorite style era. Every bit of it. I used to buy antique tops and (gasp) wear them because I could.
Ah that blouse! In black! With pin tucks all over *swoons*. Thank you for sharing.
Please someone tell me there are more videos like this on youtube?
I love the surprise blouse! It reminds me of something from Penny Dreadful
Wonderful!!! What beautiful pieces. You are such an adorable human being. ❤️❤️❤️
I love what you do, I have learned a lot during this episode
That was amazing! I’m completely green with envy.
I love how you love this. I could learn from you all day long. :D
My grandmother and aunt use to loan pieces to museums but not i can't even see the pieces she has. What i would do to look at boxes and boxes of dresses she has. Loved that blouse♡♡♡
I love the third one best. Also, I really appreciate how you viewed the skirt as "this has been loved." It made me think of a couple of my own very much loved skirts/dresses (not vintage, just my favorites, one of which I just finished repairing), I know that you said you found this dress via Instagram. If people are looking to sell vintage dresses/coats (because sadly I have no space to store them), what is the best platform for buyers and sellers to "meet up?" By buyers, I mean people who are likely to have the most appreciation for what they buy.
I'm late to the party, but I just loved the skirt!! Looks so fragile though...
And your editing, the hashtags... I had such great fun :) Thank you!
That mystery blouse is STUNNING
Lol love that your confusion sound is the internet dial up, which most young ppl won’t even know much less recognize. My brain loses connection too 😂 love the video
THAT was your bonus item?! AH-MA-ZING!!!
You are to adorable and you know your stuff! Very entertaining, looking forward to more.........🤗🇨🇦
Love Abby's reactions! All three pieces are lovely! Favorite is the Mystery Gift. PS- Merriam Webster says 'file'.
I love the *Mystery Gift* too - it's so pretty...(and at least I got the pronunciation right a part of the time? maybe? possibly? 😂)
I just love every second of this!!
That pintucked blouse is spectacular! 😍
Agreed! It's s t u n n i n g 😍