Anyone here into historical reenactment?

[DarkLight]

I’ve been looking to get into civil war era reenactment. But it is rather expensive, unless you have a lot of time and ability to sew.

And it is so hard to find appropriate dress information if you’re not going for the “belle of the ball” look.

Though I suppose adopting the habit of a Sister within the context would also not be inappropriate.

 

[alice24]

I’ve been looking to get into civil war era reenactment. But it is rather expensive, unless you have a lot of time and ability to sew.

And it is so hard to find appropriate dress information if you’re not going for the “belle of the ball” look.

Though I suppose adopting the habit of a Sister within the context would also not be inappropriate.

Luckily, there are a lot of old fashion plates in the magazines of the 19th century digitalized. I will look if I find something for you. Many companies offer easy sewing patterns based on originals of the period - truly victorian is one company for example, but also mc calls, simlicity etc have them. And for the details, if you want to do it one day, feel free to ask, I have tons of material from my study years here
The cost problem is serious, yes. Without do it yourself I wouldn´t be able to dot it.
The sister idea is great, I always complain that we see not enough sisters in reenactment!

 

[DarkLight]

My trouble is I’m generally not interested in being the sort of lady who makes the fashion plates. So I was trying to recreate an outfit for, say, a maid-of-all-work at her duties - perhaps doubling as a nurse. She would hardly be an icon of fashion! Plain black calico and a muslin apron would be more likely, and probably faded in spots.

From looking at things, I could likely get away with a lightweight canvas hand dyed and then an apron out of muslin. But the sewing might be beyond me. Then again, such a role would have more excuse for bad clothes.