The first thing we, as costumers, always recommend to those new to it is to make your underpinnings first. That’s usually the chemise, drawers (or combinations), a petticoat, and a corset. It can all be intimidating to someone new to it. I think making a chemise can be a good place to start. You should be wearing one of those under your corset to protect it and prevent chafing, and also to protect the dress fabrics. After many years of wearing my combinations, I have returned to a chemise and drawers again. I’ve been relying on my older Regency shifts because of the drawstring neckline that I needed for many of my Victorian dresses. I decided now that I have some extra time before another event, I should make some new ones.
Being lazy these days, I pulled out the very first Truly
Victorian pattern I’d bought, #102, for my chemise. This was so quick and easy
to put together, I cut it out and finished it in one day.
Basically, you turn the edges under around the
necklines of the front and back pattern pieces, sew the side & shoulder seams
together, and then sew on a short ruffly sleeve to it. Another option is to
just turn those edges around the armholes under too. The pattern also suggests an option to add a
self-fabric or lace ruffle to the hem. I chose to have just a plain hem.
You do have to have a drawstring channel sewn around the neckline, and the pattern offers a quick and easy way to do that. Use beading lace that you top sew to the neckline and then run a pretty color ribbon through it. Done!
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There you go! Take that first step!
