There's nothing wrong with making historically inspired clothes with found fabric and whatever is available. After all, they would have done that in the past!
Yeah, and if the patterns ended up looking "inaccurate", it was also perfectly normal. Women back then spent most of their childhoods learning to at least needlepoint, and if a woman couldn't hire a seamstress, she'd try her very best to eyeball what the present fashion looks like when sewing it herself. By the time the 19th century rolled around, sewing patterns emerged for sale, enabling even the most basic sewer to make slightly more accurate measurements. This isn't even to mention all the poor women who'd wear the same few dresses their whole lives, rehemming and taking in or out the fabric to keep up with trends. In American reenactment circles, we call those who wear anachronistic fabrics or accessories "farbs" for the little effort they put in to blending in. Whatever your budget and skill demands, I give no judgment.
@@BigGrabowski My grandmother knew a girl whose dress (singular) had sleeves a different shade than the dress. Her mom made it with 2 pair of sleeves, one short and one long, and because she had worn the dress every day, washing once a week for 6 months, the dress had faded but the replaced sleeves were like new.
I'm an upcycler, so a majority of my fabrics were once bedsheets, blankets, and upholstery remnants in a past life. 🤷 But I still try to match up fabric colors and patterns with outfits and time periods that they would fit best in. (For example, when dying cloth I use food remnants, like onion skins, avocado pits, and pomegranate rinds to get the natural colors used by Vikings and those in the Medieval period.) I think we just do the best with what we have. ☺️👍
@@kathyjohnson2043 Aw, I'm sure it looked okay. We'd call the difference in shades colorblocking today. It was pretty fashionable in the late middle ages, but maybe it was inspired by similar circumstances back then. Too bad about the longer sleeve, though.
This video couldn't have come at a more convenient time for me! Just yesterday I was accepted to a college for theatre costuming which I've decided to do after being inspired by You, Abby and everyone else for these past few years now and seeing your journey from the beginning has me very excited and looking forward to my own. I'd like to thank you for being a source of inspiration and helping me find something I love to do and learn how to do it well. I wouldn't have my current skillset and knowledge if not for your videos.
We have such similar stories! Last year (2022) was my 20 anniversary of re-enactment, and thus historical clothing sewing. I started out doing Viking and late 12th century (because if you don't do Viking in Ireland, you're not going to have many gigs to go to). I think it was around 2003 or 2004 I started making my real love, 1530s, and simultaneously making 13th, 14th, and 15th century clothing as well. From 2008-2013, I was making clothing from all over the 16th century, and a brief foray into the early 17th century for a particular gig. In 2013 I got into American Civil war re-enactment and started off with a ballgown, but then made everyday wear for being in camp. In 2015, my friend convinced me to go to the Georgian and Regency ball in Bath with her, so I started making stays and pocket hoops and a gown for the ball. Late 18th century has been my obsession now since then, and in 2018 I was pulled slowly into Regency. I dove headlong into Regency in 2020 and now have a wardrobe that I could wear something different every day for a week if I needed to (I'm hoping to go to Bath in September this year with a group of girls). I've been asked to do early 20th century (specifically the Irish Civil War and Bloomsday celebrations), but I had to draw the line somewhere!
"I had an event so I had to whip up a (fill in the century) outfit..." I fantasize about having the knowledge, skill, and assets to put "whip up" and "period clothing" in the same sentence that doesn't mean me going to a thrift store and cobbling together "ish" looks. Thank you for letting me live vicariously through you!!
You, my Lady, are a doer on an almost unimaginable scale to my lazy-self. That first piece was gorgeous - just beautiful. I understand you had a long way to go - in hindsight sitting where you are now with many years of dedicated research and practice you can see what you did wrong - but to my eyes it was just perfectly wonderful. Also love to see baby you 😊 It would be a shame for these gowns to be tucked away in the dark, they deserve to have their time in the public eye being admired and fussed over and loved by their owner - good luck with letting go!
Thank you for sharing all these lovely projects. It is important to look back once in a while, to see how far you have come. When you are just starting something new, it can easily feel overwhelming to see everyone at their current level of skills and expertise. That is why I think it is also super important for the more experienced people to share their journey, to show that everyone is a beginner at first. And with more and better resources available today, who knows how much faster the beginners of today can develop and progress!
This is why I make fashion dolls now, instead of full human sizes garments. Ran out of room with less than 30 garments. I have a many garments stored in totes. Even though I keep it down to the 16th century, quite of few changes over those 100 years. Thank you for sharing your collection and hope you can find new homes for them. All the luck!
What a lovely collection which represents an enormous amount of time, effort, and money. I'm glad you're proud of your efforts. You have every right to be.
Congratulations on 20 years of amazing work, fun, and learning! And thank you for sharing these beautiful creations with us. Even though I don't sew, I am always impressed by people like you who combine great passion with great skill in any field.
that blue 1860's gown is actually stunning, I'm never really a fan of the silhouette but that gown 😍It's the first time I've even liked a gown from that period and maybe *the* strongest case of instant lust I've felt for a gown, omgggg the shoulers are exquisite
Thankyou for doining this video!!!! Im glad im not the only one...your collections are truely stunning. However making all these before you tube exploded with costubers was an interesting exercise. My addiction to silk is beyond the pale!! However I have also found ways of being incredibly thrifty. Ive made everything from early season Outlander, Georgian, thru to 1970. (I did take out a first for my silk Georgian gown at the Royal Show last year in the costume category, and there was a LOT of entrants.). I too have been doing historical costuming for over 20 years, and I too have run out of room. I did costuming at a family level, not only historical but cosplay for the family. My husband is in either Original Trek or Zapp Brannigan and, the kids go to comic con in either Trek, LOTR (my daughter went as Arwen and she took out a first for stage/screen replica), Dr Who etc. I made an entire wardrobe of Victorian for our children too, lots of clothing there as we started doing this while our eldest was under 10, and they were still doing events with us when they were 17! The number of high quality garments Ive made is eye watering. . At last count Ive mad over 80 to 90 FULL costume sets, (including those for our children, and they needed a new set each year they grew. So the equates to approx 200 garments, and that doesnt include the garments Ive made for others as commissions or the ones for friends for our birthdays. I made 40 garments for my non sewing freinds for my Hobbit themed major birthday, and the previous major birthday was 1940's, and i made 6 gowns for that, and 3 sets of 2 piece sets. . (mine was an original ). Yet the addiction is still there. Then i discovered milinery about 12 years ago...and i quickly became the go to gal for bonnets. We are part of The Victoriana Society of South Australia and they started in 1985, and i joined in 2002.. The lack of room is my biggest issue as altho I now use our daughters old bedroom as my sewing room, I STILL dont have room for normal storage. The most precious of garments are inside I decided to take the hoops out of the crinolines and roll them up, tape the into a round, and fold the frilled skirts to put them away. I hadnt used them in over a decade mow as if i do any kind of Victorian event i use my rope one for 1930, or I do 1890's/Edwardian. The rest are in deep storage, or Ive sold off. that was HARD!! But we did this as a family, and now the kids have left home we have vintage cars and do mid 20th century costuming and am now a judge for a national Morris Minor rally here in April. Its definately a lifestyle, not a hobby. I want to take my costuming now in a different direction. Now I do more commissions than anything, but Its kept my alive in one of the most stressfull times in my life. Thx for the fashion show...your work is SO impressive!!
I bet there's some theater companies that would kill for some of these! Magnificent!!! I love so many of these. Congratulations, and keep up the excellent work!
I squeaked a little bit when you said you were at TeslaCon. I have been going since 2013 and it's been a huge part of my life. Seeing that there were two years in which we were both there may be very happy. Looking back I definitely remember your Harley Quinn outfit!
I remember following your blog for a lot of these dresses! I was hugely into 18th century costuming at that time and constantly used your blog for inspiration:)
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. It makes me feel not so bad for my very basic sewing skills, because I can see you have dedicated your life to learning and improving your skills. I only really sew these days to mend, though I made a few everyday things as a teen. I would love to have the confidence to try following a pattern one day. Your work is beautiful.
Hey Nichole! I love your videos and this is such a cool recap of all the time and effort you have put into your career! Just wanted to point out that about 25 minutes in, for the 1895 gown, you totally look like the Irene Molloy character from the 1964 Hello Dolly! musical!!
Thanks for the recap of your work. Are we going to see a Bailey's top 10 of your clothes bc I just know he has his/her favourites? And I'm looking forward to your vintage ones too.
i think it's pretty common for any crafters to have made tons of stuff, learnt thru them, never get to use them and they're all stashed somewhere taking up a lot of space.
I have really enjoyed your channel. This has been so educational and inspirational. Your interest in fashion has opened up a whole new avenue for me. You have made so many beautiful things. Your clothes are gorgeous! But...your extensive knowledge of under garments, hats, shoes and so many other items has been totally fascinating! What a joy and pleasure it has been hearing about your life and experiences. Thank you for sharing this truly interesting subject. I look forward to your future videos. 🙌🏻 🙌🏻 🙌🏻
I love making custom clothes and had my own shop twenty five years ago. I gave it up because of a customer that had me make a wedding dress black and blue. She loved the finished product! I hated it and decided to stick to my own choices.
That is a lot of clothes! Very inspiring, thank you for sharing. I'm just starting my journey on the world of fabric. Your channel teaches a lot. Appreciate.
I hope to eventually reach this point with my sewing, but I only started 2 years ago with pennies to spend, so it'll be awhile. BTW, the 1890s silhouette is particularly flattering on you.
I just want to say that it is very impressive that you have the knowledge and skill to hand sew so many different time period gowns. If we think back historically, people didn't have to know how to sew that many different style gowns, they only had to master their time period techniques. bravo! 👏
Thank you so much for showing us these amazing beautiful clothes, you seem to have been immensely talented from the get go- unfair but lovely to see xx
I feel a little bit mean, but I like that someone else also had big plans for 2020 and they didn't work out, a lot of people in my real life didn't have big specific plans for the year so they weren't completely devastated when it all fell apart so it's nice to empathize with someone else on that front
Omg I love this video- I’m planning to make an 1815 ish gown and spencer coat very soon and am only now considering the fact that I should probably decorate a lot more than I planned 😬
This is so incredibly inspiring. Your work is absolutely incredible and beautiful. It's inspiring me to finally start sewing historical costumes, which has been a lifelong dream, with whatever I can find without breaking the bank, just to get started.
Hey Nicole! I just wanted to pop in and recommend doing a sliding scale pricing model for BIPOC peeps who express interest in your clothing sale ❤ I think this would be an amazing way to promote diversity and representation in the historical costume community 💕 hope you consider doing something like this 😊
It does but I have limited patience and time management is a horrible skill I do not have. I love the work you put into everything you made and do wonder how many of the outfit you could mix and match across time periods. I still after years of being shown and told do not know how to read or follow patterns and I know that would help me out emencelly.
First I truly admire your work. My question is, if I may make bold to ask , is what would you advise those of us who have neither audacity, expertise, or youth on our side? When you talk of events to wear your lovely garments to, what is the entree to that magical world? Is that something other professionals do? I will never go to formal school for anything, but I do love learning, sewing, reading. Where does the beginner...begin? Of course I watch many UA-camrs, but I've never met anyone in the wild! What would you suggest, if you happen to have time to make suggestions? Again, love your channel, enjoy your content and thumbs up all the way.
The whiplash of being here as a historical dress fan and a Critical Role fan and seeing To Have and to Hold reenter my mind is truly amazing. RIP Travis' false facial hair, your costume looked dope man
I really wish I had met you back when I lived in Norfolk. I didn't learn to really sew until 2013 and if I could've learned how to sew far earlier in life. how did you get involved in the movie costumes? That's where I would love to end up and I have no clue how to get there.
+nicolerudolph *Thanks for the tour.* Speaking of Steampunk, would O·P·I® Products had executed a Union Pacific Collection for Spring 2019 - the projected ideal shades for the tips this genre would've been "Signal Red" (a semi-gloss red universal for the Class I roads o' the time, the UPRR included) and "Suzi-ized Iron" (an auradescent charcoal intended to approach the natural patina of Russia Iron, a sheet iron popular for exhaust tubing and boiler jackets o' the era).
*Addition:* Considered ye an online mercantile at Etsy® similar to Claire's at Woodshed Theory? The dresses your collection just need specific packaging to be factored into shipping and handling fees.
Ooh, would anyone be able to enlighten me on the style name (or any other info) of the hat/headwear accompanying the Tambour gown at 10:13 please? Never seen anything like it and a bit in love!
I was putting together an album of my costume sewing awhile ago, and Ialso did an insane amount of costume sewing in 2011. What was going on in that year? 😂
Considering that english is not my first language, i don't understand the difference in which way tailoring is meant in this video, how tailoring is considered different from costume making and not a part of it?
wow it really was a differnt time twenty years ago, if you were working part time in the early years and like... surviving. I literally cant imagine working any less than forty (probs more) hours to afford housing, much less yards and yards of silk
Oh, I was working full time, just not a 9-5 job at a site away from home. I did part time evening work and ran a business making costumes and teaching at events during the day. That one movie alone took up about 90 days of my life working 16 hours a day, but I earned half my annual income from it. And I'm pretty sure I didn't get any presents that weren't fabric for like 10 years 😂
Wow, this is so much fun to watch! I adore antiques and vintage clothing. I wish everyone would dress like this nowadays. Our modern clothes are so ugly.
I'm a newbie at sewing. My first foray into sewing was having to make a Victorian costume for a Dia de Los Muertos festival from a pattern I found at JOANN's. I had never even looked at a sewing machine before. The woman told me it would take about a week or so to completed. It took me TWO MONTHS. I was so nervous, I was sewing at a turtles pace, which made my stitches really nice. Luckily, a friend who sews ended up watching over me and giving me advice when I needed it. I made the jacket, pants, vest and shirt. It ended up looking pretty good. At the festival, people asked me where I purchased my costume. When I told them I sewed it, nobody believed me. I would immediately take the jacket off and show them the inside where there were a couple of places where I messed up. I guess most people don't expect a man to sew. I've made a couple of more costumes since. The most difficult (again from a JOANN's pattern) was a steampunk costume made in wide whale corduroy. The lapels and inside of the coat tails were vinyl that looked like riveted metal, as well as some leather trim. I broke a lot of needles making that one and almost gave up. I realized I wasn't doing too badly when someone offered me a nice amount of money to purchase it. I kept it. But when I'm feeling like I want to give up, I come here or Abby's page, watch a video, and I'm re-energized to continue. Thank you for your inspiration. I will never get to your level of ability, but these video do help me cross hurdles and make strides.
Good for you ! We need more men doing creative work. Don't know if you are familiar with Adam Savage, (formerly of Myth Busters), but he has a great channel here on UA-cam and he often sews for his costumes or any bags he may need. Less gender issues = more creativity in my book !
masculine historical and vintage clothing is so nice its a shame theres not much content of them on sewing youtube. i wish more men get on this thing. youre amazing for what you do!
A little over a year ago, I was in a bad accident and came across your channel while bed ridden for 2 months after surgery. It was after christmas, and I got hooked on the Muppets christmas carol series. During that period, I've binged all your videos and have been following ever since. I love the educational intros, as much as the hands on crafts... so I just wanted to say thank you, and that I really enjoy your work. Hug from Portugal*
I really love this. It's so easy to look at a CosTuber or someone on Instagram making gorgeous historical dresses, and miss the sheer amount of work and time and previous garments it took for that person to develop the skills to make that knockout ensemble that other people are swooning over. This entire video is such a beautiful way of honouring the effort and work that goes into building your experience and skill. It. Takes. Time.
This video is inspiring in multiple ways. Not only is it fun to see so many beautiful garments, but it’s a great reminder to do something you love. It’s ok to make mistakes and learn along the way. I’ve loved historical clothing for so many years but I’ve never tried making anything. This video inspired me to finally make something even if it isn’t perfect and I have nowhere to wear a costume. It’s ok to do something for the learning experience and joy of creating.
There is a fabulous community of people who sew historic costume for dolls. It gives "someone" a chance to wear the gorgeous outfits. Since the doll can range from a fabulous modern, like a BJD, to an antique doll from the Era, the varios doll costuming communities will be wildly different.
I was once asked why I supported you on Patreon. It wasn’t in a mean way, it’s just that channel is just WAY outside my normal interests. It might seem hyperbolic but I said that society needs to have people like you and a channel like this! If my little bit of support makes that happen then I’ve done my part.
Pausing to say I will never forget how fun that 1912 event was in 2012, and how in awe I was of your skills! 😊 It was such fun getting to geek over costuming with everyone! (I’ve pretty much dropped off the costuming radar as my life took a different path in 2013, so that particular 1912 event holds a special place in my heart as it was really the last time I made a full historic ensemble…)
OMG, you worked on the costumes for the movie that had Travis Willingham and Laura Bailey!? Now I have three reasons to wish this movie actually made it to theater!
You ever see one of those dresses like a Worth gown and think to yourself “what magician was capable of making that”? You would’ve been one of those magicians. You’re amazing. AMAZING.
Nicole: "I hope that this inspires you" Me: "Yes, yes it does." I have a 1927 Singer sewing machine, with all the attachments, that I am slowly learning how to use. And I am feeling extra inspired to make, eventually, an evening gown for the opera. I am thinking Edwardian style. I am so grateful to you and other youtubers for showing me that I can learn how to sew, learn how to make my own wardrobe, so I can have a wardrobe that is so much better, in many different ways, than what I can get in majority of the stores.
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary! The time thing only gets weirder. I am 54 and I still feel like exactly who I was when I was 35 except that I know more stuff now and I've also been traumatized by different events from 2016 and 2020. 😅 I'm so excited about this video! ❤
Oh my god…I’m a huge Critical Role fan and spotted both Laura Bailey and Travis Willingham in your screenshots from To Have and To Hold…the crossover is exploding my brain. Also, the clothes are beautiful and I love your work!😅
I hope you realize how extraordinary you are, Nicole. There are few people who would dedicate such time and effort to study and learn and grow as you have. I’m sure letting go of these pieces will be difficult but the next owners will be so fortunate to enjoy them.
If the production company that makes "The Great British Sewing Bee" ever makes a similar program here, such as for PBS, my hope would be that it has the two regular judges and a host, but also rotating guest judges so historic clothing youtubers like yourself, Abby, Morgan, Bernadette and more could get even wider exposure.
Astounding amount of work. I started following you in 2020. You inspired me to start sewing again for myself after stopping for 30yrs. I have learned with you and have grown and even if I’m no where near you level, I am having so much fun. Thank you
Just the little intro with the fashion show has made me love your brain even more. Good god, the treasure trove of knowledge and practical ability in there...
...and that's where I learned...and that's how I learned about...and so I learned lot... on and on all through this journey of two decades. and that's what it's all about. and we are now so lucky to learn from and alongside you, we are truly blessed.
There's nothing wrong with making historically inspired clothes with found fabric and whatever is available. After all, they would have done that in the past!
Yeah, and if the patterns ended up looking "inaccurate", it was also perfectly normal. Women back then spent most of their childhoods learning to at least needlepoint, and if a woman couldn't hire a seamstress, she'd try her very best to eyeball what the present fashion looks like when sewing it herself. By the time the 19th century rolled around, sewing patterns emerged for sale, enabling even the most basic sewer to make slightly more accurate measurements. This isn't even to mention all the poor women who'd wear the same few dresses their whole lives, rehemming and taking in or out the fabric to keep up with trends. In American reenactment circles, we call those who wear anachronistic fabrics or accessories "farbs" for the little effort they put in to blending in. Whatever your budget and skill demands, I give no judgment.
@@BigGrabowski My grandmother knew a girl whose dress (singular) had sleeves a different shade than the dress. Her mom made it with 2 pair of sleeves, one short and one long, and because she had worn the dress every day, washing once a week for 6 months, the dress had faded but the replaced sleeves were like new.
How interesting that 2 creators posted their costume collection today! Spring cleaning?
I'm an upcycler, so a majority of my fabrics were once bedsheets, blankets, and upholstery remnants in a past life. 🤷
But I still try to match up fabric colors and patterns with outfits and time periods that they would fit best in.
(For example, when dying cloth I use food remnants, like onion skins, avocado pits, and pomegranate rinds to get the natural colors used by Vikings and those in the Medieval period.)
I think we just do the best with what we have. ☺️👍
@@kathyjohnson2043 Aw, I'm sure it looked okay. We'd call the difference in shades colorblocking today. It was pretty fashionable in the late middle ages, but maybe it was inspired by similar circumstances back then. Too bad about the longer sleeve, though.
A pro with 20 years of experience shares her knowledge and insight for free with us youtube viewers, I can't express how grateful I am.
This video couldn't have come at a more convenient time for me! Just yesterday I was accepted to a college for theatre costuming which I've decided to do after being inspired by You, Abby and everyone else for these past few years now and seeing your journey from the beginning has me very excited and looking forward to my own. I'd like to thank you for being a source of inspiration and helping me find something I love to do and learn how to do it well. I wouldn't have my current skillset and knowledge if not for your videos.
Congrats and make it the best time of your life!
Congratulations! 🤗 I think its going to be so wonderful journey 🖖 im so happy for you ❤️
Congratulations! Best of everything and enjoy :)
Congratulations! Doing well what you love makes life more joyful. What you are already learning here is fabulous.
Congratulations, that's amazing!!!
We have such similar stories! Last year (2022) was my 20 anniversary of re-enactment, and thus historical clothing sewing. I started out doing Viking and late 12th century (because if you don't do Viking in Ireland, you're not going to have many gigs to go to). I think it was around 2003 or 2004 I started making my real love, 1530s, and simultaneously making 13th, 14th, and 15th century clothing as well. From 2008-2013, I was making clothing from all over the 16th century, and a brief foray into the early 17th century for a particular gig. In 2013 I got into American Civil war re-enactment and started off with a ballgown, but then made everyday wear for being in camp. In 2015, my friend convinced me to go to the Georgian and Regency ball in Bath with her, so I started making stays and pocket hoops and a gown for the ball. Late 18th century has been my obsession now since then, and in 2018 I was pulled slowly into Regency. I dove headlong into Regency in 2020 and now have a wardrobe that I could wear something different every day for a week if I needed to (I'm hoping to go to Bath in September this year with a group of girls). I've been asked to do early 20th century (specifically the Irish Civil War and Bloomsday celebrations), but I had to draw the line somewhere!
"I had an event so I had to whip up a (fill in the century) outfit..." I fantasize about having the knowledge, skill, and assets to put "whip up" and "period clothing" in the same sentence that doesn't mean me going to a thrift store and cobbling together "ish" looks. Thank you for letting me live vicariously through you!!
You, my Lady, are a doer on an almost unimaginable scale to my lazy-self. That first piece was gorgeous - just beautiful. I understand you had a long way to go - in hindsight sitting where you are now with many years of dedicated research and practice you can see what you did wrong - but to my eyes it was just perfectly wonderful. Also love to see baby you 😊 It would be a shame for these gowns to be tucked away in the dark, they deserve to have their time in the public eye being admired and fussed over and loved by their owner - good luck with letting go!
The haunted mansion bride dress is amazing. I go to Disney frequently and have never seen anyone wear something that fine.
You are amazing Nicole! Not only do you create historic clothing that you look beautiful in, but shoes too!
This historical costuming wardrobe is an amazing achievement! I never cease to be blown away by your skills!
Thank you for sharing all these lovely projects. It is important to look back once in a while, to see how far you have come. When you are just starting something new, it can easily feel overwhelming to see everyone at their current level of skills and expertise. That is why I think it is also super important for the more experienced people to share their journey, to show that everyone is a beginner at first. And with more and better resources available today, who knows how much faster the beginners of today can develop and progress!
Oh my goodness!!! Thank you for sharing some of your early history and work. It is absolutely amazing! ❤️
This is why I make fashion dolls now, instead of full human sizes garments. Ran out of room with less than 30 garments. I have a many garments stored in totes. Even though I keep it down to the 16th century, quite of few changes over those 100 years. Thank you for sharing your collection and hope you can find new homes for them. All the luck!
What a lovely collection which represents an enormous amount of time, effort, and money. I'm glad you're proud of your efforts. You have every right to be.
Congratulations on 20 years of amazing work, fun, and learning! And thank you for sharing these beautiful creations with us. Even though I don't sew, I am always impressed by people like you who combine great passion with great skill in any field.
that blue 1860's gown is actually stunning, I'm never really a fan of the silhouette but that gown 😍It's the first time I've even liked a gown from that period and maybe *the* strongest case of instant lust I've felt for a gown, omgggg the shoulers are exquisite
Thankyou for doining this video!!!! Im glad im not the only one...your collections are truely stunning. However making all these before you tube exploded with costubers was an interesting exercise.
My addiction to silk is beyond the pale!! However I have also found ways of being incredibly thrifty. Ive made everything from early season Outlander, Georgian, thru to 1970. (I did take out a first for my silk Georgian gown at the Royal Show last year in the costume category, and there was a LOT of entrants.). I too have been doing historical costuming for over 20 years, and I too have run out of room. I did costuming at a family level, not only historical but cosplay for the family. My husband is in either Original Trek or Zapp Brannigan and, the kids go to comic con in either Trek, LOTR (my daughter went as Arwen and she took out a first for stage/screen replica), Dr Who etc. I made an entire wardrobe of Victorian for our children too, lots of clothing there as we started doing this while our eldest was under 10, and they were still doing events with us when they were 17! The number of high quality garments Ive made is eye watering. . At last count Ive mad over 80 to 90 FULL costume sets, (including those for our children, and they needed a new set each year they grew. So the equates to approx 200 garments, and that doesnt include the garments Ive made for others as commissions or the ones for friends for our birthdays. I made 40 garments for my non sewing freinds for my Hobbit themed major birthday, and the previous major birthday was 1940's, and i made 6 gowns for that, and 3 sets of 2 piece sets. . (mine was an original ). Yet the addiction is still there. Then i discovered milinery about 12 years ago...and i quickly became the go to gal for bonnets. We are part of The Victoriana Society of South Australia and they started in 1985, and i joined in 2002.. The lack of room is my biggest issue as altho I now use our daughters old bedroom as my sewing room, I STILL dont have room for normal storage. The most precious of garments are inside I decided to take the hoops out of the crinolines and roll them up, tape the into a round, and fold the frilled skirts to put them away. I hadnt used them in over a decade mow as if i do any kind of Victorian event i use my rope one for 1930, or I do 1890's/Edwardian. The rest are in deep storage, or Ive sold off. that was HARD!! But we did this as a family, and now the kids have left home we have vintage cars and do mid 20th century costuming and am now a judge for a national Morris Minor rally here in April. Its definately a lifestyle, not a hobby. I want to take my costuming now in a different direction. Now I do more commissions than anything, but Its kept my alive in one of the most stressfull times in my life. Thx for the fashion show...your work is SO impressive!!
I bet there's some theater companies that would kill for some of these! Magnificent!!! I love so many of these. Congratulations, and keep up the excellent work!
I love that you are wearing your aesthetic gown! I want to live in that gown.
I squeaked a little bit when you said you were at TeslaCon. I have been going since 2013 and it's been a huge part of my life. Seeing that there were two years in which we were both there may be very happy. Looking back I definitely remember your Harley Quinn outfit!
I remember following your blog for a lot of these dresses! I was hugely into 18th century costuming at that time and constantly used your blog for inspiration:)
You are Amazing, by far my favorite Historical Garment / Sewing channel ❤❤❤
Wow what a journey. Thank you for sharing your amazing sewing, tailoring, research, skills and history. Wonderful 🙏
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. It makes me feel not so bad for my very basic sewing skills, because I can see you have dedicated your life to learning and improving your skills. I only really sew these days to mend, though I made a few everyday things as a teen. I would love to have the confidence to try following a pattern one day. Your work is beautiful.
Hey Nichole! I love your videos and this is such a cool recap of all the time and effort you have put into your career! Just wanted to point out that about 25 minutes in, for the 1895 gown, you totally look like the Irene Molloy character from the 1964 Hello Dolly! musical!!
Thanks for the recap of your work. Are we going to see a Bailey's top 10 of your clothes bc I just know he has his/her favourites? And I'm looking forward to your vintage ones too.
i think it's pretty common for any crafters to have made tons of stuff, learnt thru them, never get to use them and they're all stashed somewhere taking up a lot of space.
I have really enjoyed your channel. This has been so educational and inspirational. Your interest in fashion has opened up a whole new avenue for me. You have made so many beautiful things. Your clothes are gorgeous! But...your extensive knowledge of under garments, hats, shoes and so many other items has been totally fascinating! What a joy and pleasure it has been hearing about your life and experiences. Thank you for sharing this truly interesting subject. I look forward to your future videos. 🙌🏻 🙌🏻 🙌🏻
how amazing would a retrospective exhibition be? Would be so interesting to see the evolution of your skill and style.
I love making custom clothes and had my own shop twenty five years ago. I gave it up because of a customer that had me make a wedding dress black and blue. She loved the finished product! I hated it and decided to stick to my own choices.
That is a lot of clothes! Very inspiring, thank you for sharing. I'm just starting my journey on the world of fabric. Your channel teaches a lot. Appreciate.
I hope to eventually reach this point with my sewing, but I only started 2 years ago with pennies to spend, so it'll be awhile. BTW, the 1890s silhouette is particularly flattering on you.
I just want to say that it is very impressive that you have the knowledge and skill to hand sew so many different time period gowns. If we think back historically, people didn't have to know how to sew that many different style gowns, they only had to master their time period techniques. bravo! 👏
So, luv, since your out of room.....SELL US SOME of your beautiful creations.!!!!
What a fantastic video :-) thank you for sharing your journey
Thank you so much for showing us these amazing beautiful clothes, you seem to have been immensely talented from the get go- unfair but lovely to see xx
Soooo inspirational! Thank you so much for sharing!
I feel a little bit mean, but I like that someone else also had big plans for 2020 and they didn't work out, a lot of people in my real life didn't have big specific plans for the year so they weren't completely devastated when it all fell apart so it's nice to empathize with someone else on that front
What a lovely collection of one of a kind clothing you have. Congratulations on 20 years of growth and accomplishment.
You really inspire me to try things that feel intimidating.
Omg I love this video- I’m planning to make an 1815 ish gown and spencer coat very soon and am only now considering the fact that I should probably decorate a lot more than I planned 😬
This is so incredibly inspiring. Your work is absolutely incredible and beautiful. It's inspiring me to finally start sewing historical costumes, which has been a lifelong dream, with whatever I can find without breaking the bank, just to get started.
Hey Nicole! I just wanted to pop in and recommend doing a sliding scale pricing model for BIPOC peeps who express interest in your clothing sale ❤ I think this would be an amazing way to promote diversity and representation in the historical costume community 💕 hope you consider doing something like this 😊
Bravo! Great content and images. Honest. Brilliant. Determined.
It does but I have limited patience and time management is a horrible skill I do not have. I love the work you put into everything you made and do wonder how many of the outfit you could mix and match across time periods. I still after years of being shown and told do not know how to read or follow patterns and I know that would help me out emencelly.
That futuristic jacket is incredible!!! ❤
The most wonderful thing ~ 😊
First I truly admire your work. My question is, if I may make bold to ask , is what would you advise those of us who have neither audacity, expertise, or youth on our side? When you talk of events to wear your lovely garments to, what is the entree to that magical world? Is that something other professionals do?
I will never go to formal school for anything, but I do love learning, sewing, reading. Where does the beginner...begin? Of course I watch many UA-camrs, but I've never met anyone in the wild!
What would you suggest, if you happen to have time to make suggestions?
Again, love your channel, enjoy your content and thumbs up all the way.
I can’t wait to see the video with your vintage makes! This one was fantastic too
The fourth dress in the intro reminds me of Marie Antoinette.
You do such a beautiful job.
You are wonderful!!!!!
LOVE your tutorials. Thank you!!!!!!!
Wow! Beautiful
My wife and I had a chuckle saying "hey! We recognize that steampunk cigar display!"
Loved this video! Thank you.
The whiplash of being here as a historical dress fan and a Critical Role fan and seeing To Have and to Hold reenter my mind is truly amazing. RIP Travis' false facial hair, your costume looked dope man
Calling the non successes "wonderful failures" is a great way to look at it.
And here I thought you were going to open a museum. 😁
I really wish I had met you back when I lived in Norfolk. I didn't learn to really sew until 2013 and if I could've learned how to sew far earlier in life. how did you get involved in the movie costumes? That's where I would love to end up and I have no clue how to get there.
That brown printed dress is stunning to an absurd degree
all I can say is OY......such beautiful work!
"the next year I had some grand plans. It was 2020. . . " 'nuff said. 😂
Какое чудо! Наслаждение для глаз! Большое спасибо Вам!
С теплом и любовью из России!💝💝💝
1:19 woah, random laura & travis in the wild xD
Lovely❤
I didn't get why the yellow dress wasn't authentic...until I saw the second one. What imporvement!
'I didn't do much' [shows huge projects]
+nicolerudolph *Thanks for the tour.* Speaking of Steampunk, would O·P·I® Products had executed a Union Pacific Collection for Spring 2019 - the projected ideal shades for the tips this genre would've been "Signal Red" (a semi-gloss red universal for the Class I roads o' the time, the UPRR included) and "Suzi-ized Iron" (an auradescent charcoal intended to approach the natural patina of Russia Iron, a sheet iron popular for exhaust tubing and boiler jackets o' the era).
*Addition:* Considered ye an online mercantile at Etsy® similar to Claire's at Woodshed Theory? The dresses your collection just need specific packaging to be factored into shipping and handling fees.
Ooh, would anyone be able to enlighten me on the style name (or any other info) of the hat/headwear accompanying the Tambour gown at 10:13 please? Never seen anything like it and a bit in love!
Wonderful vlog♥️🇨🇦
I was putting together an album of my costume sewing awhile ago, and Ialso did an insane amount of costume sewing in 2011. What was going on in that year? 😂
Do not do it the fan yourself try and shower somewhere at them something good to confront it I learnt a lot for you❤
brilliant!
✨
Considering that english is not my first language, i don't understand the difference in which way tailoring is meant in this video, how tailoring is considered different from costume making and not a part of it?
oh shit! I went to Ball state too!
and is that Feast of the hunters moon? If so that's crazy cause my family works the fry bread booth most years
THE BEST BOOTH 😂
@@NicoleRudolph YESSS!! we're the one by the north gate and omg a fresh fry bread, apple butter, powder sugar and a bit a cinnamon! so good
OMG!!!
wow it really was a differnt time twenty years ago, if you were working part time in the early years and like... surviving. I literally cant imagine working any less than forty (probs more) hours to afford housing, much less yards and yards of silk
Oh, I was working full time, just not a 9-5 job at a site away from home. I did part time evening work and ran a business making costumes and teaching at events during the day. That one movie alone took up about 90 days of my life working 16 hours a day, but I earned half my annual income from it. And I'm pretty sure I didn't get any presents that weren't fabric for like 10 years 😂
respect from colleagues shoemakers 🪡🧵🔨👠
Wow, this is so much fun to watch! I adore antiques and vintage clothing. I wish everyone would dress like this nowadays. Our modern clothes are so ugly.
I'm a newbie at sewing. My first foray into sewing was having to make a Victorian costume for a Dia de Los Muertos festival from a pattern I found at JOANN's. I had never even looked at a sewing machine before. The woman told me it would take about a week or so to completed. It took me TWO MONTHS. I was so nervous, I was sewing at a turtles pace, which made my stitches really nice. Luckily, a friend who sews ended up watching over me and giving me advice when I needed it. I made the jacket, pants, vest and shirt. It ended up looking pretty good. At the festival, people asked me where I purchased my costume. When I told them I sewed it, nobody believed me. I would immediately take the jacket off and show them the inside where there were a couple of places where I messed up. I guess most people don't expect a man to sew. I've made a couple of more costumes since. The most difficult (again from a JOANN's pattern) was a steampunk costume made in wide whale corduroy. The lapels and inside of the coat tails were vinyl that looked like riveted metal, as well as some leather trim. I broke a lot of needles making that one and almost gave up. I realized I wasn't doing too badly when someone offered me a nice amount of money to purchase it. I kept it. But when I'm feeling like I want to give up, I come here or Abby's page, watch a video, and I'm re-energized to continue. Thank you for your inspiration. I will never get to your level of ability, but these video do help me cross hurdles and make strides.
Good for you ! We need more men doing creative work.
Don't know if you are familiar with Adam Savage, (formerly of Myth Busters), but he has a great channel here on UA-cam and he often sews for his costumes or any bags he may need.
Less gender issues = more creativity in my book !
That was an ambitious place to start your sewing adventures. Good for you.
If you put 20 years into your passion you might be surprised to see you catching up to her expertise 😉 have a wonderful adventure along the way!
A good number of men in New England have sewing and fiber art hobbies! Winters are long, quilting bees are social.
masculine historical and vintage clothing is so nice its a shame theres not much content of them on sewing youtube. i wish more men get on this thing. youre amazing for what you do!
A little over a year ago, I was in a bad accident and came across your channel while bed ridden for 2 months after surgery. It was after christmas, and I got hooked on the Muppets christmas carol series. During that period, I've binged all your videos and have been following ever since. I love the educational intros, as much as the hands on crafts... so I just wanted to say thank you, and that I really enjoy your work. Hug from Portugal*
I hope you are doing well
As a guy, the Muppets costume was a big help for my own life.
I really love this. It's so easy to look at a CosTuber or someone on Instagram making gorgeous historical dresses, and miss the sheer amount of work and time and previous garments it took for that person to develop the skills to make that knockout ensemble that other people are swooning over. This entire video is such a beautiful way of honouring the effort and work that goes into building your experience and skill. It. Takes. Time.
I audibly gasped at how beautiful some of these pieces are. If I was able to sew like this I don't think I could let any of these dresses go!
This video is inspiring in multiple ways. Not only is it fun to see so many beautiful garments, but it’s a great reminder to do something you love. It’s ok to make mistakes and learn along the way.
I’ve loved historical clothing for so many years but I’ve never tried making anything. This video inspired me to finally make something even if it isn’t perfect and I have nowhere to wear a costume. It’s ok to do something for the learning experience and joy of creating.
There is a fabulous community of people who sew historic costume for dolls. It gives "someone" a chance to wear the gorgeous outfits. Since the doll can range from a fabulous modern, like a BJD, to an antique doll from the Era, the varios doll costuming communities will be wildly different.
Wish I knew how to edit.
*various
@@trishwinstead28 you can click on the three dots at the top right of your comment and you can select "edit" or "modify", not sure of the exact word.
Wow, the remake of the lemon silk gown shows just how much you had learned. The line and fit are truly beautiful!
I was once asked why I supported you on Patreon. It wasn’t in a mean way, it’s just that channel is just WAY outside my normal interests. It might seem hyperbolic but I said that society needs to have people like you and a channel like this! If my little bit of support makes that happen then I’ve done my part.
Pausing to say I will never forget how fun that 1912 event was in 2012, and how in awe I was of your skills! 😊 It was such fun getting to geek over costuming with everyone! (I’ve pretty much dropped off the costuming radar as my life took a different path in 2013, so that particular 1912 event holds a special place in my heart as it was really the last time I made a full historic ensemble…)
An astonishing and inspiring amount of work, Nicole. Thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge. ❤
OMG, you worked on the costumes for the movie that had Travis Willingham and Laura Bailey!? Now I have three reasons to wish this movie actually made it to theater!
😭 one day we might be so lucky
You ever see one of those dresses like a Worth gown and think to yourself “what magician was capable of making that”?
You would’ve been one of those magicians. You’re amazing. AMAZING.
You've run out of room for your clothing. Uh oh sounds like you need a bigger closet. Time to move - or have an online yard sale that works too. 🤣👍
Nicole: "I hope that this inspires you"
Me: "Yes, yes it does." I have a 1927 Singer sewing machine, with all the attachments, that I am slowly learning how to use. And I am feeling extra inspired to make, eventually, an evening gown for the opera. I am thinking Edwardian style. I am so grateful to you and other youtubers for showing me that I can learn how to sew, learn how to make my own wardrobe, so I can have a wardrobe that is so much better, in many different ways, than what I can get in majority of the stores.
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary!
The time thing only gets weirder. I am 54 and I still feel like exactly who I was when I was 35 except that I know more stuff now and I've also been traumatized by different events from 2016 and 2020. 😅
I'm so excited about this video! ❤
Oh my god…I’m a huge Critical Role fan and spotted both Laura Bailey and Travis Willingham in your screenshots from To Have and To Hold…the crossover is exploding my brain. Also, the clothes are beautiful and I love your work!😅
Haha omg I didn't even realise that was Travis because I was so surprised to see Laura that she was all I focused on 😄
S A M E 🤣
I hope you realize how extraordinary you are, Nicole. There are few people who would dedicate such time and effort to study and learn and grow as you have. I’m sure letting go of these pieces will be difficult but the next owners will be so fortunate to enjoy them.
If the production company that makes "The Great British Sewing Bee" ever makes a similar program here, such as for PBS, my hope would be that it has the two regular judges and a host, but also rotating guest judges so historic clothing youtubers like yourself, Abby, Morgan, Bernadette and more could get even wider exposure.
Astounding amount of work. I started following you in 2020. You inspired me to start sewing again for myself after stopping for 30yrs. I have learned with you and have grown and even if I’m no where near you level, I am having so much fun. Thank you
Just the little intro with the fashion show has made me love your brain even more. Good god, the treasure trove of knowledge and practical ability in there...
...and that's where I learned...and that's how I learned about...and so I learned lot...
on and on all through this journey of two decades.
and that's what it's all about.
and we are now so lucky to learn from and alongside you, we are truly blessed.
Hi, Nicole! You're such an inspiration of fearless enthusiasm. Thank you for sharing your vast talent so generously. ❤️