Paisley Pattern Waistcoat Workshop Spring ‘24
Be inspired by the Paisley pattern and create your own waistcoat in the heart of the town that gave it its name!
Be inspired by the Paisley pattern and create your own waistcoat in the heart of the town that gave it its name!
The paisley pattern is an iconic choice for a waistcoat, from Georgian to modern day, as a lining or as the main fabric.
Taking place over the course of 4 days; this workshop focused on learning about patterns, choosing fabrics, cutting, and sewing.
It was a chance to learn about the construction of a waistcoat with the opportunity to go wild with colours.
Swiss Waist Workshop Autumn ‘23
In the Victorian and Edwardian eras, the Swiss waist, also known as the Corselette, became incredibly fashionable.
It is a separate waistband that goes on the outside of your garments, creating a nice V-shape at the waist, it is usually lined and boned to create a structured, yet light and wearable accessory.
In the Victorian and Edwardian eras, the Swiss waist, also known as the Corselette, became incredibly fashionable.
It is a separate waistband that goes on the outside of your garments, creating a nice V-shape at the waist, it is usually lined and boned to create a structured, yet light and wearable accessory. It was particularly fashionable in the 1860s then later in 1880/90s. The waist has been reimagined many times since, most recently with the popularity of steampunk and cottage-core fashion.
Structure
Workshop 1: Choosing Fabrics, Measuring, and Cutting
Workshop 2: Interlining, Boning, and Sewing
Workshop 3: Sewing
Workshop 4: Eyelets, Closure, and Trim
18th Century Fashion at Gladstones Land
I was invited to deliver a talk on 18th Century Fashion at the National Trust for Scotland’s Gladstones Land on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.
It was a pleasure to share with a lovely audience who asked wonderful questions in a lengthy Q&A.
18th Century Fashion at Newhailes House ‘23
I’m back at The National Trust for Scotland’s Newhailes House. This time dressed in my Miss Christian Dalrymple 18th Century outfit.
It is always a pleasure to be at Newhailes House this time delivering a talk on 18th Century Fashion to a new audience. It felt right to be wearing my outfit inspired by former owner of the house and estate.
Nobby Blouse Workshop Spring ‘23
The Shirtwaist Blouse grew out of the standard male Shirt but altered to suit the fashions of the day. The Edwardian era’s silhouette was considered, using gathers, pleats, and trim for a pigeon-breasted look, with a snatched waist, while still being practical and professional.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s there was an explosion in women entering the workforce, women had always been a large part of the workforce, but with the industrial revolution more women than ever entered both factory work as well as domestic labour being seen as a valuable resource.
A major symbol of this shift was the changes in fashion. Women were in need of a practical and professional attire, one that was in line with the social customs of the times, but wouldn’t hinder their work. And so, the Shirtwaist Blouse, also known as a Nobby Blouse, became the fashionable attire.
The Shirtwaist Blouse grew out of the standard male Shirt but altered to suit the fashions of the day. The Edwardian era’s silhouette was considered, using gathers, pleats, and trim for a pigeon-breasted look, with a snatched waist, while still being practical and professional. It was a garment both for the workers and the consumer. Women of all social classes would wear this blouse; it was immensely popular. For the first time, working women were leading the fashion evolution.
PCMS supplied a huge number of Draperies, Tailoring, and Millinery. The women working in the factory would work fast and efficient, and they were paid better wages than most other factories of the time. Blouses and Shirts would be made in bulk to order, or to measure if it was a particularly fancy blouse.
Each workshop was inspired by the different aspects of the PCMS Drapery department, and by the end the attendees had a Nobby Blouse for themselves, a friend, or just to show they could!
Monumental Paisley Spring ‘22
"Using recycled fabrics, costume designer Lilja Husmo has worked with a group of adults from ReMode to create outfits for three significant women from Paisley’s past"
“Using recycled fabrics, costume designer Lilja Husmo has worked with a group of adults from ReMode to create outfits for three significant women from Paisley’s past: Victorian philanthropist Jane Arthur; turn of the century sword swallower Maud D’Auldin; and 1940’s missionary Jane Haining. The costume designs have been informed by research into each figure’s life and work, as well as the fashions of the day. Photographs of the completed outfits being modelled at locations around Paisley town centre have been shared publicly to mark International Women’s Day 2022 and draw attention to three inspiring life stories. These images highlight how relatively few named women are celebrated in the public realm.” Read more about the project here:
I led a workshop in research, design and construction of historical costumes based on significant women from Paisley’s past.
Thanks to the following for making this project possible: the volunteers and staff at ReMode; KAIROS Women+ for sharing their historical research; historian Lil Brookes for sharing her expertise; Fraser Scott of Kick the Door for photography; our models Louise McWilliams, Rebecca Murphy and Emma Whitelaw; Beth Duffy for hair & makeup; Sma’ Shot Cottages; Paisley Methodist Church; and Paisley Abbey; our workshop attendees Lynda Black, Angela Mather, Mary Paterson, Jack Patton, Sonia Herne, and Evy Craig.
19th Century Fashion at Newhailes House
I returned to Newhailes House to deliver another talk. This time it focussed on 19th Century Fashion.
I once again took the audience through the decades and explored the cultural and societal changes that accompanied the shifts in fashion trends. I once again had a wonderful audience that engaged and asked insightful question.
Thank you to the National Trust for Scotland for having me back!
18th Century Fashion at Newhailes House
I delivered a talk at The National Trust for Scotland’s Newhailes House about 18th Century Fashion.
I went through the decades with visual examples for both men and women’s fashion. It was a sold out event with a great audience who were wonderfully engaged, asking interesting questions.
Gladstones Land: Living History Show & Tell
I brought items of 18th century fashion like my handmade stays and accessories. Wearing an 18th century gown I chatted with visitors about the different items and dressmaking in the 18th century.