Jumpstart your 2023 goals now with this exclusive offer - try Skillshare free for 7 days and then get 20% off your first year! skl.sh/vbirchwoodhistoricalfashion720 What are some surprising benefits of wearing historical fashion that you've discovered?

@ragnkja

Жыл бұрын

While I don’t wear historical fashion (yet), I do wear wool practically every day (literally every day except in the summer), and it’s such a wonderful fibre. It keeps me warm without being clammy, but unless I’m exposed to direct radiant heat I’m unlikely to get too warm because my body can regulate itself easily. However, this is only true for pure wool and not wool blended with plastic; those blends do tend to get clammy and make it harder for the body to regulate its temperature.

@Kaczyfunny

Жыл бұрын

Dear V! You are a great content maker! Im glad i found you. Im just browsing your videos and in one of them you mentioned that corset is good for your back when you working on laptop. Have you ever considered to reneact a painting , or a scene from your favorite novel of romanticism or else? But with your laptop. Would be hilarious. Anyway I wish you health and happyness. :-)

@michaelmoore7975

Жыл бұрын

Wool is the only material that can keep you warm even when wet.

@ragnkja

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelmoore7975 Silk can do so as well, as can other fibres of animal origin.

@catherineleslie-faye4302

Жыл бұрын

I simply feel comfortable in historical fashion, modern cut garments always seem to rub me wrong no matter how well fitted they are.

An unexpected observation of my own: Historical garments _can_ be more disability-friendly. The choice of how clothes function, from clasps, and buttons, to simple ties, makes clothing more adjustable and therefore easier to wear. Everything is made for your body, so there's no worry about fitting standard sizing. The layering makes it easy to keep body parts covered or warm, and piecing, wrap closings, and huge pockets give plenty of room for medical devices. Linen can even be washed in hot, making linen base layers wearable in hospitals.

@AlexandraLynch1

Жыл бұрын

Part of the reason I'm shifting to historical fashion is that I'm losing weight, and my body is very oddly shaped for modern fashion right now. As I lose, I don't have to keep buying clothes; I just tie things tighter, or take a tuck in, or repleat. I like that.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

So true! Thanks for sharing ❤️

@GoingGreenMom

Жыл бұрын

I am shifting to hand-making clothes for the adjustability. It's awesome how historical garments work.

@bossyboots5000

Жыл бұрын

One of my goals this year is to do what I've clumsily referred to as "disability sewing" (better name to come) to create or revise existing garments to have disability friendly features - like places for tubes or alternative fasteners or clothing for people confined to a seated positions. Your comment opened my mind to go back into historical fashion for ideas, thanks!

@GoingGreenMom

Жыл бұрын

@@bossyboots5000 I actually just watched a tedtalk by someone who was working on doing just this (only with modern fashion). I don't remember her name, but her son was born with a degenerative disease that made it hard for him to do things like buttons. She was making use of magnets where buttons would normally be, giving different options for closure locations, etc. I'm not sure how well magnets and such would wash, but my main things are needing adjustability in size, ability to get dressed even if I am dealing with dislocations, and not dislocating things to do things like fasten a bra..... or put a front closing bra on. Back support I have a feeling will be helpful as well since I am a 38HH. Oh, and the biggest combination making it almost impossible, I'm plus sized, tall, and react to synthetic materials or materials processed with lots of chemicals. I'm hoping to get an adjustable fit, fully natural fibered, woven bra made this year, as well as hopefully a front closing bodice.... in addition to a couple skirts and shirts. We'll see.... I'm still fairly new to hand sewing, so pretty slow.

As a young man I truly enjoy wearing a 1910-1940s style on a day to day basis which I found to be loved by the older generations that came before me and looked at like a nerd by those of my age. I'm not a very outgoing person so the added attention isn't naturally well excepted by myself however I'm trying to get used to it because the old school dress is worth it in my eyes. I'm curious how did you get used to dressing in such a extravagant way in public?

@jezinamo9206

Жыл бұрын

I always tried to seek out for the smiles and compliments from people that liked the way I dress because it helped me to see that there are indeed other people who like what I like so that gave me confidence what I used to ignore the people that didn't like what I was wearing. Because then I knew I was not alone in my opinion about liking something so that I could stand up for myself a lot better. Hope that makes sense.

@jezinamo9206

Жыл бұрын

Also wearing something extravagant in a region where it is normal to be extravagant helps a lot. Like really big cities or the university or something like that. I was born in a small village in Germany and there it can be quite conservative. So moving to Hamburg which is a really big city helped a lot because people there were used to seeing extravagant people. So it was quite normal for most people. So being comfortable in a situation where it is a lot less abnormal to be abnormal helps a lot in building enough confidence in a situation where it is more abnormal

@morrisonghost3348

Жыл бұрын

I don’t have any advice but i just wanted to say your doing something really cool, I usally look feral or grunge or like a stereotype southerner, if I saw someone like you out in public I’d not only be impressed, I’d be envious

@nickmoore5105

Жыл бұрын

That sounds really cool, where do you find these sorts of clothes?

@captain61games49

Жыл бұрын

Where have you been buying those garments? Or have you been making them yourself? I'd like to know.

I'm from Kazan, Russia living in the US. It was unexpected to hear you talk about your interest in traditional Tatar stitching, cause it feels like nobody knows about Tatar culture here in America. The video is very interesting, I didn't know that there's so many benefits to wearing historical looking clothes. Kudos to you for having your unique style and skills!

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

I’m in the U.K., and there’s a small Tatar community here but it’s not active 😊 we do exist though in other places certainly! I’ve been working on reconstructing and researching all types of Kazan Tatar historical garments actually, and plan to make an episode on the fashions in fact for my “500 Years of” series. I basically have the two main books available on the subject, and one of them is out of print, so research is very limited. Super cool that you’re from Kazan! My family is actually from Bashkiri, but as you probably know, many Tatars live there 😊

@user-nb7gp4fk7j

Жыл бұрын

@@VBirchwood is the book you have mentioned unavailable even online? I have some bitter experience with some rare or narrowly specialised book, but just in case, maybe some online libraries out there could help with an out of print book?

@albigucko9518

Жыл бұрын

@@VBirchwood woow, I had a thought that you look tatar and instantly forgot it. Hi from Chelny!

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

@@user-nb7gp4fk7j I own the one out of print book thankfully! I managed to find one of the few used copies online in Turkey and got it shipped over.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

@@albigucko9518 hi! It’s kind of wild how similar many of us Kazan Tatars look. I’m even mixed with other things because of my father’s genetics but I still look soooo Tatar 😂

After making a wool medieval kirtle I fell in love with historical fashion. Wool is my favourite fabric it is just amazing. I’d love to have the confidence to go outside in historical fashion.

@jaehaywardkent

Жыл бұрын

wool medieval kirtles seem sO comfy omg, i should get round to making one at some point

@carolyng5133

Жыл бұрын

I say "go for it!" The more people wear historical fashion, the more the general public will accept it!

@hannahbradshaw2186

Жыл бұрын

Same! I wear mine around the house. It's so comfy 😍

@somethingclever8916

Жыл бұрын

I need to get over my sticker shock of wool. I love working with it and it lasts a long time

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Perhaps a little historybounding could be a nice way to ease into it? 😊 I’ve never worn a kirtle but they seem super comfy!

Yes, I love my body SO much more in my historically inspired clothes despite being called ‘princess’ (as a woman who was a tomboy it irked me) and being called Amish (which don’t dress like me), I find I’m more comfortable in myself. I also find that I can dress more ‘cute’ because the modesty of the clothing pieces balances it out and as a petite woman, I love. This was a great video, I love hearing about your experiences~.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

So glad you loved the video Makeda! Awesome to hear too how much historically inspired clothes make you feel great 🥰

@cecilyerker

Жыл бұрын

You are a princess 👑 in the best way

@JayVal90

Жыл бұрын

I find this comment hilarious being I live among an Amish community.

@jeanrock3047

Жыл бұрын

Oh I've been called Amish sooo many times...

My favourite fabrics: Day wear - Cotton, Linen, wool, organza. Evening wear - Satin, silk, fur, tafetta, chiffon.

@MALICEM12

Жыл бұрын

Sounds expensive

@leenmattar3983

Жыл бұрын

@@MALICEM12 I like quality fabrics, unlike the ones we get today, which are full of polyester and other synthetic fibres. I like high-quality, which lasts a lifetime.

@GCarty80

Жыл бұрын

@@leenmattar3983 Why would synthetic fibres be inherently lower quality than natural ones?

@leenmattar3983

Жыл бұрын

@@GCarty80 Firstly, It got a different feel to it. For example, I got satin made of polyester and it felt crumbly and crunchy like a plastic bag. Secondly, it doesn't absorb sweat as natural fibres do. Thirdly, they hold-up over time, unlike synthetic fibres, which could shrink and lose their shape.

@GCarty80

Жыл бұрын

@@leenmattar3983 I think my question was more a rhetorical one, that you'd expect our materials scientists to be able to produce fabrics superior to natural ones.

I don’t think I own any historical garments, but the corsets I own are so comfy to wear when I’m dealing with chronic pain. The compression really helps

I'm a Civil War reenactor, so I love historical clothing. I actually started wearing it before I became a Reenactor. I normally dress in 1870's type clothing. But being as I live in western Iowa it covers a broader range of time up into the 1920's and 30's. I wish I had gotten into this before my Great Grandpa died as he was born in '22. As a guy I don't really get many comments but I do look sharper in it as Vests are less common now. I have had people tell me that they aren't brave enough to dress like this on a daily.

I absolutely agree on the corruption of the fashion industry. It often reflects the sweat shops. The fashions of past generations had more elegance and beauty as compared to so many of the sloppy styles of today.

Sun protection is a big one here in the desert. Especially at the start of the summer when we hit our hottest days, just before monsoon season starts. Last year I was wearing a cotton skirt I made specifically for working in the garden and we got rained on. I haven't found a blouse or shirt pattern yet that I like so I was wearing a regular cotton lycra tank top. Like most weather during the monsoon season, within 20 minutes the sun came out again. By then we had finished planting our tree and my skirt was the first thing to dry out. I often find I got a lot of comments about how cute my clothes are from other women when I got put into public. I'm not sure if it's because I have a more cottage core look about me when I wear historical clothes or if it's the fabrics I choose. I think self expression is probably the best thing about historical fashion. You have a certain amount of self confidence and you hold yourself in such a way that displays confidence. It's liberating to not care about what society wants you to look like. Anyways I love your hair, it looks so cute on you. 😍 see you in two weeks and hopefully Rùna too 😉❤️

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

I can imagine the sun protection aspect is huge in the desert yes! 😊 so glad you enjoyed the video. See you in two weeks 🥰❤️

I'm currently building up my historical wardrobe and I've noticed that I really do enjoy wearing garments I made myself out more than other clothing. It's indeed some sense of pride because you made that. It's a unique item that I made for myself and how I wanted it. Whenever I put on an edwardian or victorian skirt it's like an immediate boost in my confidence and I really enjoy it

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Love that! 😊

I wore a civil war navy uniform daily for years as a museum interpretive coordinator. One advantage of wool we found useful is it's ability to keep your warm, even wet. If I got soaked in the rain, I could wrap up in two wool blankets in my hammock in my wet clothing, and the wool blankets both warm you, and wick all the wet out of your uniform.

I have started wearing long, full skirts with petticoats to walk in (with modern walking boots) and they are so much more comfortable for long distance walking in all weathers - temperatures are more stable, i.e. wind proof without being sweaty, warm when cold but protection from sun when hot, easier to pee al fresco, and....so pretty! I just change my boots for shoes when I reach my destination and I'm all dressed for lunch with friends. Love this video.

I have done all of my own sewing for the last 15 years, but am only getting into historically inspired garments since I found your channel (you are such an inspiration). Thank you so much for putting yourself out there and giving us so much inspiration.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Awww thank you so much!

I get all these same benefits by wearing modern clothing in a modest way, meaning skirts below the knee with knee-high stockings or tights, or in the winter, matching leggings and super-wash merino wool socks (I'm allergic to regular wool) under heavier skirts. I also wear 3/4 length sleeves in the summer and long sleeves in the winter (usually beneath a sweater, usually a cotton-poly blend for strength and wearability--they don't shrink, become misshapen, or fade), both with a neckline that covers the collarbone (high crewneck), with the possible addition of a knitted neck-warmer, depending on how cold it is. Finally, I wrap my head in scarves, lightweight cotton or hemp in the summer with tails tucked in for a turban look, and heavier wool pashminas (or multiple lightweight scarves) in the winter with tails down to keep my neck warm. They absorb sweat, and keep my head and ears warm. I get comments, but they're usually nice comments about how people like my head wraps because they're not used to seeing them.

@GCarty80

Жыл бұрын

Has covering your head ever caused someone to think you were Muslim?

@ari_0172

Жыл бұрын

I would love to see a reference

@EternalShadow1667

Жыл бұрын

Like everything, ultimately, modern fashion isn’t necessarily bad: it depends on what kind of clothes is bought and used. Not everyone wears fast fashion or buys rubbish cheap clothes

If that is why it's called a shift, you have further proved somethings about history can only be learned by living it. Like Abby Cox and leaning forward in a corset when you're full Also the reduced laundry must save money, especially with the dryer. So all of us trying to save money should try historical clothing practices if/where we can

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Definitely saves money! I don’t even own a drier for instance (which is quite usual in the U.K. as few homes have driers). I also usually wash my wools on a short wool setting and typically in cold or low temp water which probably helps too both with the eco footprint and with the money aspect. So there are many of these hidden benefits it seems! 😊

@Alice-gr1kb

Жыл бұрын

@@VBirchwood Does washing them on that setting prevent them felting into a big blob? I’ve been trying to figure out how to wash my wools without that happening.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

@@Alice-gr1kb in my experience, yes, for my own garments if it’s a wool that’s okay to wash and only on a specific wool setting I haven’t had issues. Though this isn’t advice and I’m not responsible for any damages that might occur as I’m not a professional 😊

@cecilyerker

Жыл бұрын

You can always hand wash wool in a bathtub and that subjects it to less agitation

@MiljaHahto

2 ай бұрын

​@@Alice-gr1kb At most 40°C for wool, and wool cycle if you have it - even handwash cycle is good, and delicate cycle if you have neither of those. Those do not agitate as much. And the washer should be only 1/4 full. This applies even to wool that's certified as machine washable. If you buy from a small manufacturer, it might not be, and you should handwash it (or possibly handwash cycle on the machine).

I don't wear historical reproduction, but all of these benefits apply to my handmade wardrobe. I love sewing and have made a large amount of the clothes i wear. not only are they all natural fibers, but like you said, they can easily be mended and because i know how to construct them correctly, they will most definitely outlast my store bought clothing items 👍 And you know what, the no catcalling thing is totally a benefit! I never really realized that until you just said it, but it is totally true! 🙃 Totally agree with the zipper point. I hate zippers because they literally break so easily and they are a pain to replace when they break. buttons and elastic (i know its not historical) are my go-tos.

@SusanYeske701

Жыл бұрын

Elastic may be more historical than you think. In the past year or so I have seen several Costubers examining historical garments with elastic and some of them were way older than I thought elastic existed. Including a very pretty pair of elastic sided ladies shoes/boots

@ragnkja

Жыл бұрын

Rubber elastic is historically appropriate from about 1844, when the vulcanisation process was patented.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your perspective Jennifer! 😊 and as others have said, elastic is totally “historically accurate” by the mid-1800s 🥰

@crazychicken4063

Жыл бұрын

🤔 I've sewn many dresses over the years for my daughter and myself and a good percentage of them had a zipper. I've never had any trouble with them at all.

@crashofthemoons

Жыл бұрын

@@VBirchwood oh this is so awesome!! Just learned something new 😊

I’ve been learning how to sew and have been wearing historically inspired garments. I use a lot of repurposed fabric from second hand stores. For instance, I recently made a beautiful nightgown from a cotton flannel sheet I got at Goodwill. It’s beautiful and nicer than anything I could buy. I love wearing it so much I don’t want to get dressed in the morning. It has pin tucks and lace and ruffles, all bought second hand. The only element that is new is the thread. I recently went out for an outdoor Christmas event with some steam punk folks. It was cold outside and so I had to dress warmly. I don’t yet have proper petticoats so I used two appropriate summer skirts beneath my outer skirt plus the open bloomers. I was completely comfortable outdoors in them. I thought about how people used to dress indoors in the winter and started wearing more layers than I have in the past. I found that I was very comfortable at lower temperatures indoors and my heating bill was much lower. I do a lot of gardening and construction type work around the house and prefer my modern clothes for that but now that I’m learning to sew, I’m finally getting to dress the way I’ve long wanted to dress, which is more of a late Victorian/Edwardian style. I think it’s beautiful and I like the way I feel when I dress like that. Wearing clothing that is beautiful, comfortable, and that I made myself lifts my mood, makes me feel calm, and feeds my creative nature. Total strangers compliment me and start conversations with me. Thank you for providing information and inspiration.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

All such beautiful reasons to turn towards historical clothing. Thank you for sharing 🥰

Happy New Year The catcalling thing is so true and winters are so much more comfortable I actually can add two more things: 1. I'm seen as older. I'm training to become a teacher for children between the age of 11 and 18 and I'm often mistaken for 18 or under, which is a littlebit unpleasant. And even just a highwaisted skirt kinda stops that. 2. I really hope that by wearing "abnormal" clothing, I inspire a few students to experiment with their clothing and style. That by seeing an authority figure feel comfortable and confident in their style, the students at least think about their relationship with themself and their own clothing. I wish you a happy year with lots of love, laugh and new experiences🍀

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

These are both beautiful points! Thanks so much for sharing them 🥰 happy new year!

@Manospondylus

Жыл бұрын

Doesn't seem like a teacher's job.

@raixira27

Жыл бұрын

@@Manospondylus How do you mean?

part of my transition to sustainable clothing has been making sure that what I own is timeless. For that, I've been looking a lot at historical fashion, since anything from history that remains popular is probably going to stay that way. I admire your style so much! its so pretty

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! That’s a wonderful reason to wear more historical clothing, absolutely. It’s very liberating to no longer have to care about trends.

I think your style is too underrated and ironically ahead of our time. It’s very cool to see a woman like you wearing this all the time. God bless you and your loved ones 🙏❤️ Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

As someone from a Mennonite community the historical elements of my clothes are still "me", and totally different from what anyone else I know wears. My family and I love history so much that we began an annual living history event, and kept it running for 10 years! We ended up with around 150 volunteers. Some acting as interpreters, others as support staff. But most of us had some form of "costume" to wear. It was lots of work, but also lots of fun!

I have found that even a relatively recent vintage cape discourages cat callers and gropers.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Very true!

Nary a month goes by that I don't get at least a few compliments on my cloak and/or traveling cape. And while my favorite dress isn't period accurate but is basically a Halloween costume that is a black and purple dress I call my "sorceress dress," I always get compliments on it when I choose to wear it out and about.

How long did it take you to build the confidence to be nonconformist? I spent most of my life in earth tone, no print t-shirts and jeans until I realized I don’t care what other people think or say. Although my wardrobe is incomplete, my fedora is one of my favorite things to wear. 100% beaver felt has some very interesting benefits.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

I've been non-conformist my entire life honestly! My dad is a hippie and so I was raised in a very free-thinking environment around a lot of free-spirited people. Even when I wore "modern" clothes, I was still dressing in rather non-conformist ways for most of it.

Well said! I'm not sure how this video ended up in my recommendations but much of it resonated with me. I'm not sure my typical attire is exactly "historical" but I've taken to wearing tweed suits pretty much every day apart from the summer, when I switch to lightweight wool or linen suits. This confers many of the benefits you highlight here. People seem to be surprised by the fact I go out walking and even wild camping in tweed suits, but it's actually an extremely practical fabric for outdoor pursuits, and of course it's what it was originally designed for (although the traditional hunting / shooting / fishing use cases really aren't my scene - I'm a vegetarian!). Tweed is warm, breathable, actually slightly waterproof, it doesn't get stinky if I get a bit sweaty, it doesn't tear easily if I encounter thorns and if it gets muddy I just wait until it dries and brush it off. If I'm on a walk in a posh bit of countryside like the Cotswolds where the pubs are more like smart restaurants I just stroll right in and typically look better dressed than most people who showed up by car! Most of all though I absolutely love the look of tweed, and I love people dressing in any kind of individual or different way. The world is in danger of becoming an increasingly boring and homogeneous place when it comes to the way people dress so please keep doing what you're doing!

I’ve been experimenting with my own ethnic fashion, like wearing Aran Jumpers and flat caps. My handmade Aran jumper is somehow both warmer and cooler than my sweater from a fast fashion place.

Omg yes, I dress 1900 daily and it's so incredibly comfortable. I can literally wear the same clothes in both Winter and Summer (in a temperate country/region, Southern France)! It's so practical to curate the wardrobe, and it also feels both much more comfortable and good for my self-perception because I don't have to deal with a permanent "oh your hips and thighs are quite tight in these jeans" (I always had strong thighs and all, and I literally have at least a size of difference between my waist and my hips/thighs - plus I'm a horserider, which doesn't help because ✨️muscles✨️). I am slowly overhauling my wardrobe, the next step is to put money aside to get a bespoke corset. I will need to experiment modern toilets with split drawers though, because the longer Edwardian corset will make it a bit harder for me to remove modern underwears in the current manner lol but it's also true that I only wash the underwears and blouses/shirts, so overall everything is easy to maintain (and linen is wonderfully easy to keep clean and neat).

@finnyyyyyyy

5 ай бұрын

Im also an equestrian and my legs are so muscular so they look big it's such a struggle :,)

I came home today with backpain after a busy because my abs forgot to do their job today unless I focused on them. I put on my corset and it was instant relief. I won't wear it everyday but for lazy-abs days it's a life saver!

I live close to Kazan, so I'm super interested to hear and see more about your journey with your ethnic dress!

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

How cool! My family is from Bashkiri 🥰

@bee__soup

Жыл бұрын

@@VBirchwood I've never been to Bashkortostan sadly, I'm from Nizhny Novgorod. This video makes me wanna know more about my local ethnic and traditional dress! So thank you🥰

@MCKevin289

Жыл бұрын

@@VBirchwood There a KZreadr Eli from Russia who’s half Tatar, half Russian. Not sure if she’s Bashkiri too. The ethnic dress of the tatars is gorgeous.

Pointing out the negative effects of fast fashion and consumerism isn't digressing - it's teaching the truth. Well done. Happy I've found your channel. :)

Happy New Year! The connection with like minded people is awesome! I went to the grocery store with my kiddos while wearing a floral dress with a petticoat and we met a fantastic lady who knew I was going for cottage core and let my three year old shake “hands” with her frog purse. It really made my day!

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

What a sweet moment! 🥰

the going to the bathroom part was incredibly surprising! it's crazy how easy clothes back then were for that (atleast for women)

Fast fashion clothes coming apart is so true. I had a sports bra come apart WHILST i was in the gym. The zipper couldnt handle my "bounce" and broke in half. I decided i would not be bested by this sports bra and I'm making it into a "corset sports bra" and I'm using broken clothes hangers as the boning.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Oh no!! How frustrating! Awesome idea about the corset sports bra

@ah5721

Жыл бұрын

I had a hook and eye sports bra come undone just while shopping for fabric 😬. luckily I was wearing a loose fitted shirt but It is awful ! I would love to see how a sports bra tuned corsetlet comes together .. very curious now how to manage it

@michellebyrom6551

Жыл бұрын

@@ah5721 check out Mariah Pattie.

@CHLOEDEATHGOD

Жыл бұрын

@@michellebyrom6551 honestly what an inspiration Mairah is.

@CHLOEDEATHGOD

Жыл бұрын

@@ah5721 I honestly am not doing anything amazing. This is my first attempt at anything corsety. I've just watched people sew corsets that I'm using very basic knowledge of that. I'll let you know how it turns out and if it was worth my time. But yeah a bra coming undone even under clothes is so embarrassing and uncomfortable.

Here’s my catcall for ye: Forsooth, fair maiden! Thy smile is a gift from God to brighten a dark day.

I don't have any historical clothing (yet) apart from one cloak but the thing about natural fibres is so true. In the last few years i have prioritised getting clothing with only or predominantly natural fibers and they just feel so great. Wool like you said especially is just 👌 Also your outfit and hair in this video is super cute, big red riding hood vibes.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

One cloak is an awesome place to start as they are so versatile and really can make any look have a historical flair! Thanks so much 😊

I wear reconstructed fast fashion ("thrift flips", etc). They do start wearing out fairly quickly.

Man. KZread algorithm really bringing me to some uh, very interesting corners of the internet. I think it's because I searched Mary Poppins yesterday...

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

This is honestly the fun corner of the internet! 😀

I've been trying to wear more natural fibres for a while now and there's definitely a noticeable difference already

I especially like the natural fibers, used to make historical clothing, allow the garment to "breathe."

The term “fast fashion” is one I’ve not heard before but is the perfect description. I’ll enjoy seeing your chain stitch embroidery. My grandmother taught me embroidery stitches almost 60 years ago. I honestly have to say I have yet to master the use of a thimble?? (although my grandmother always used one) Could you explain how to properly buy and use a thimble when showing us your embroidery? Thank you☺️

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Sandy! Regarding a thimble and embroidery, I find that antique thimbles fit a lot better for smaller finger tips (mine are quite small so I never found modern metal thimbles fit well). You can find antique ones sometimes for good prices on eBay. Depending on the type of embroidery too, I don't always use a thimble, in particular if the fabric is very light or gauzy like the one I was using because I want to have a bit more control over my needle and I find with how light the fabric is, the needle doesn't hurt my hands. Leather thimbles also seem to work pretty well and can be a bit more "custom size" as they tend to mould more to your own finger tip shape.

@blowitoutyourcunt7675

Жыл бұрын

I regularly use leather gloves (thrifted) to make thimbles out of the fingertips! I'll never go back to metal thimbles, as I push the needle thru the fabric with the side of my ring finger and the needle never seems to grip a metal one, it just slides everywhere : | Leather can also be sewn to size for a perfect fit, I used to sew a new thimble for myself every year before I discovered leather gloves at the thrift store!

@ragnkja

Жыл бұрын

@@blowitoutyourcunt7675 I’ve found leather to be too soft for me to use as a thimble, but I’m sensitive and use the thimble slightly differently (middle finger instead of ring finger) and am also lucky that a thimble my grandmother gave one of my older sisters in their childhood happens to fit me, because that one is much more densely stippled than the ones I can find nowadays. A too coarse stippling pattern on a thimble makes it harder for me to angle the needle correctly since there are fewer dimples to put it in.

@maryhodge2625

Жыл бұрын

I recall that there used to be a brand of quilter's thimbles that were made in many different sizes. I heard many good things about them but never got one because my fingers are an average size.

@sandydee8003

Жыл бұрын

@@maryhodge2625 Thank You.

I'm currently wearing a wool caplet and apron dress I made all nice and cozy in my terribly cold bedroom but not overheating its great !! . I love making my own clothes too as I have wider than "standard " shoulders a sway back and small chest. finding clothes that fit this combination is very difficult so I hope to sew more clothing soon .

One of the favorite garments I own is a wool poncho. The versatility of a poncho is great, you can wear it as a warm top layer, throw it over your shoulder if you are too hot and wear it as a cape, it not only covers your top half but if you are sitting it covers your legs too, take it off and cover up as a blanket, roll it up and use it as a pillow. Not to mention just how wonderful wool is, it regulates body temperature very well (warm in winter, cooler in warmer weather) its really durable, and alpaca wool is very soft.

I grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and I always found visits to “Old Salem” - the historical core of the city - especially appealing, not least because many businesses and workshops there were staffed by people in “colonial” garb. You look great too! Now, at 70+, it’s nice to see that youngsters with interests like yours still exist… ❤

Thank you so much! I don't do historical clothes, but knit a lot for myself, and is solves so many problems and gives similar benefits to what you mentioned. I'm also autistic and disabled, and it is crucial that with homemade clothes I can take into account all my needs and specificity. Thanks for giving the information in a clear and concise manner, it's great to learn from you.

Didn't know that this was becoming a trend. Personally, I'd love to have custom shoes, because hardly anything is actually good to my feet. The next biggest desire for custom made attire would be a coat. It's basically impossible to get a fitting one in my case and even more so a long one with some functional extras.

Hello! I discovered you by a KZread recommendation, as I am a huge history buff, and have been involved with historical recreation groups in the past such as Rendezous and the Society for Creative Anachronism where I also sewed my own historically period garments. I find your channel entertaining and informative, and look forward to watching some of your older content as well.

I have been wearing a corset pretty much daily for a couple weeks now, and find it so supportive! I plan to get myself sewing more of my own clothes in more natural fiber cloth as it is so much more comfortable!

2:15 I do really appreciate you mentioning this because there's a lot of us that are living in very low income families and it's nice to be acknowledged. ❤ But I thrift most of my clothes and I love what you mentioned about making your own clothes.

@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar

Жыл бұрын

Oh sweet! I was looking for a skillshare deal!

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome! I grew up in a household that constantly struggled with finances, and I even lived in my car for a year when I was 18, so it’s something I definitely think about a lot as that was most of my experience until the last 5-6 years or so ❤️ Hope you enjoy the Skillshare deal! I love the platform and courses 😊

Wearable art! This is exactly how I think of my own fairly flashy style, especially ideas for things I want to try to make in the future. I don't wear historical fashion though, I'm a mashup of several more modern alternative styles.

I am so delighted to have run across your channel. If only this had existed forty years ago, I would have definately have wanted to try out historical fashion. But I am 68 with carpel tunnel and arthrithus, I could crochet a little but had to stop because turning my wrist quickly becomes painful. However I intend to view your videos and admire your decision to choose historical fashion.

Well I'm new here was searching for sewing videos and landed her anywho....love it and can't wait to browse through all your videos, I love historical things they always bring me joy 💕

Historical clothes look so badass, especially compared to the boring and bland crap most of us wear these days lol.

Just discovered your channel and this is the first time I've ever seen someone wear historical fashion outside of acting and LARP-ing. From how you describe it, I'm actually surprised I've not personally seen anyone do this before and adopt this as a kind of lifestyle. I've often watched films and shows and been in love with people's outfits, fantasizing about dressing like them. Thinking about it more I think its so strange just how rare it is to see such clothing like this in the modern day. Clothing norms are so strange with what's deemed 'normal' or not. I've also gotta say that this year I've wanted to begin learning how to sew my own clothes and now after watching your video I feel the trajectory of the journey ahead of me has been altered greatly! I've subscribed and I'm looking forward to diving deeper into your videos and learning more. I'm incredibly grateful for you making these videos sharing what seems to be something you are very passionate and proficient at. I am incredibly inspired by your attitude and mindset on this in general also! Your garments look amazing and although I am a man and hope to have plenty of fun creating garments that suit me personally as a male, I adore your clothes that you shared in this video. So sick, so stylish, so elegant. main character vibes fr

@MALICEM12

Жыл бұрын

Culture is a hell of a drug

I absolutely LOVE your cloak! ❤❤❤❤ I have quite the amount of ponchos and a cloak myself, I feel much better in those than in a coat. Thank you so much for giving me the confidence in wearing "unusual" things out in the open! ❤❤❤❤

Well, that's a KZread first, found a video discussing the benefits of historical fashion and liked and subscribed within the first minute. Loved the video!! And great breakdown on all the benefits as well!

Hey, i just graduated highschool and was hoping you could maby make a video on how to get into historical dress, especially on a budget. I recently feel more in a rush to dress historically because i find it more and more difficult to get clothes in normal stores that fit me, like the shape of the model used to pattren the clothes has changed it seems.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Congrats on graduating! My biggest recommendation would be to find garments that have historical elements at thrift shops etc and “flip” them. Make small changes like altering little bits here and there if possible or switching out the buttons to something more historical looking. You can sometimes find cheap antique buttons on eBay. Also, even just pairing a Victoriana style blouse with a long pleated skirt could be a nice way. Additionally, you could make some simple historical garments like a pleated skirt and a couple of bed gown working class blouses or simple button up blouses. A lot of fabric can be thrifted from old duvets or sheets in charity shops and you can sometimes find good fabric deals on sites like FabricMart and Facebook Marketplace 😊

@CaraTheStrange

Жыл бұрын

@@VBirchwood Thank you so much!

Number 10 is my new obsession right now. It's summer here in Australia and rediculously hot where I live. So my mission is now to cover myself head to toe in Linen 😆

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

A very suitable fabric choice! 😄

So many great benefits, thanks for getting the word out. For my outdoor adventure use, I can't find anything as durable and versatile as my historical fashions. Cheers!

Happy 2023! Looking forward to your projects this year.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Fi! Happy 2023! Looking forward to sharing 🥰

Great interesting topic, good editing, nice graphics and sound. This is quality entertainment right here. :)

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I appreciate the recognition of all the little details that I spend so much time including 😊

@HellbergProductions1

Жыл бұрын

@@VBirchwood You have a high quality production. You deserve more views!

I would love a video about mending a garment, I think that is a difficult subject right because the fast fashion is almost imposible to mend sometimes

What you're doing is beautiful. I'm always wanting to find little ways to live a little bit more like earlier times & didn't even know this was an option. Thankyou for having the courage to be yourself proudly, & thereby act as a shining light to reveal one such path to those of us looking for them.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

this is such a random but typically youtube 2023 video to appear in my feed lol. Good on you

I would like to see more of this embroidery you're doing and the garment it is for.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

I'll definitely be showing it at some point in the future for a video 😊 It's just one of those slow side projects I have going.

@CakeKitty135

Жыл бұрын

I've tried embroidery. It's hard. If you're wondering the project, I'm making Mirabel's skirt from Encanto. I started the candle last summer and haven't touched it since 😅

@susan4593

Жыл бұрын

@@VBirchwood I'm looking forward to it. .....The fabric , the colors choices, the pattern, not to mention the construction.... Even if you are not anywhere ready to show it, know that a friend that you probably will never meet in person thoroughly enjoys the clothes that you make and wear and watching you do so. That almost sounds really creepy, but I'm sure everybody knows what I mean and feels the same way. LOL.

@susan4593

Жыл бұрын

@@CakeKitty135 I enjoy embroidery. I have done a few tablecloths & tea towels. They do not at all look anywhere near professional, but nobody sees them but me.

@CakeKitty135

Жыл бұрын

@@susan4593 Well, at least you're better than me lol :)

I just stumbled upon your channel and I have to say I respect you for what you do, and your passion to wear the kind of clothes you want! I sort of do the same, but not to that extent. Everyone tells me I dress like a 50s greaser (I'm a guy), and I guess I kind of do. I drive a car from the 50s, and trucks from the 60s so I kind of adopted that style the past few years. It is a lot more pleasing than just wearing graphic t shirts and hoodies. Haha You have another subscriber, even though I can tell your content is targeted towards women.

Happy New Year! I've been learning about historical clothes and how to sew them. I still have a long way to go, but you have inspired me to go a step further and especially look into my ethnic/traditional dress more. Thank you! Greetings from Belgium!

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Happy New Year! How lovely! I think that’s a wonderful idea 🥰

@noblethoughts4500

Жыл бұрын

@@VBirchwood I really want to do this too. I'm trying to figure out how to get started. Irish is what I'm after. I wonder if you could give some research tips as I haven't found very much information or direction yet. I'm patiently waiting for your next video about making a historical Irish outfit!

Just found out about you and you are delightful. I wear more 1930s-1950s themed clothes, but have been interested in Victorian clothes as of recent.

I am starting to get into making my own clothes, and you've been a big inspiration, especially the cloak you made. Do you get your fabrics in person or know of any good online fabric shops?

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I primarily buy fabric from an online shop in the U.K. called AmoThreads

I love historical clothing! This is the first video of yours I've seen, I look forward to more.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Welcome to the channel! Lots of old videos to go through 😊

Happy new year to you too

god I love historical fashion. I wanna make my own im just so lazy and sewing is sooooo hard

@hannahbradshaw2186

Жыл бұрын

Start with the simple things like petticoats or shifts/chemises. That's how I taught myself and got more confident. You can do it 💪

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

I second what Hannah says 😊 start small and go from there! I started sewing 2.5 years ago and I promise it gets easier over time, especially for the essentials!

I am just beginning on my sewing a wardrobe for myself journey. I’m still unsure if I want to wear “modern” under garments or historical ones. I like the idea of wearing them, I’m just worried that after I have my surgery in a couple of months, which is double below the knee amputations, that wearing historical undergarments would be harder to put on and move around in. I’m planning to try them by making with cheap fabric super simple versions to try first, and go from there.

@michellebyrom6551

Жыл бұрын

Old sheets - cheap in thrift stores if you don't already have them - are great for mockups of all kinds. Above the knee with elastic bloomers will always keep your modesty. Or you could try French knickers and teddies from the 1920s/30s with press stud fastenings at the crotch. Only you will know what best suits your needs. If you need a wheelchair a lot, making a longer back waist to seat might help with comfort/draughts.

@defineddisabledlife3463

Жыл бұрын

@@michellebyrom6551 thank you for your advice. That’s a great idea to recycle using old sheets! Thank you for the advice of creating different historical undergarments from different eras. If I was to make them I would probably base them on 17/18 century “underwear”. I am still learning how to sew clothing so if I was to make historical undergarments I would wait until I have some more experience under my belt.

@bossyboots5000

Жыл бұрын

Just wanted to wish you a safe and successful surgery. I hope you find a style that works for you and your changing body 🙂

@defineddisabledlife3463

Жыл бұрын

@@bossyboots5000 thank you very much. So do I lol

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

I hope you have a successful and safe surgery! 🥰 Regarding cheap fabrics, old thrifted duvet covers can really come in handy 😊

I'm a menswear enthusiast whose style often dips back into the past couple of centuries, ranging from Victorian and Edwardian eras up into the 1920s through the 60s. I've enjoyed making and modifying my own clothes and accessories. I like knowing that in most cases, I can repair and customize virtually anything to fit my needs. I've experienced some, but not all, of the benefits you list!

Thats so cool! I just thought the other day wouldnt it be cool, if there was a fashion trend wearing historical clothing? And here we are, just discovered this channel!

Okay, I'm going to disagree with you over something; a bit of the battle of the sexes here ! For a gent going to the loo can be a bit of a nightmare. Multiple buttons, braces, a long shirt, and nightmare upon nightmare long lacey sleeves. Never leave going to the toilet to the last moment, especially if its a portaloo 🤨

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

I can definitely imagine it’s a very different experience for menswear! 😅

Can confirm. I started wearing a codpiece this year and experienced all of the benefits mentioned.

KZread decided I needed to see this, and I got to agree. What a fascinating young woman. I didn't even know this was a thing! So often I have thought that I would like to wear historical clothing. Many of the things you mentioned are the same reasons. I have washed all my clothes by hand for decades now and the concept of small clothes is not lost on me. Plus I like the styles! Sewing is a skill I don't have and at my age, and with my vision problems I don't see me trying to learn a new skill at this point. I say that and I'm learning bookbinding now. LOL I can't keep buying all these different tools to try to learn something. But you have caught my attention. I am sure I could not afford to have someone skilled make me clothing. Sadly I have a lifetime supply of shirts and things now, so it doesn't seem environmentally responsible to not wear them.

Being this early feel illegal lol

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Lol! 😂 glad you're here!

@CakeKitty135

Жыл бұрын

@@VBirchwood I'm happy to be here too!

Your observations about wool are spot on.

Bravo for you! Living in Texas and what I do, my opinions are fairly limited. One thing I do wear is a western style duster for those occasions when downpours, along with cold and windy days. I get odd looks, but I'm comfortable in them and don't care. Have no idea how you came across my feed, but I'm glad about it.

That's very good, especially the last part of the video about the authentic self.

Excelent video and great argument on zippers! I hadn't considered ease of repair but you made very convincing points!

Really neat video. I don't know anyone who dresses historically on a day to day (besides Mr. Townsend), but great explanation! Well done.

I'm excited to see your embroidery when it's done. I don't have any historical clothes. I wish I did. I try to find natural fibers whenever possible.

Wow, this was the best sponsor plug I've ever viewed. I was actually interested in the sponsor because you related so personally to it.

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I genuinely love Skillshare and watch courses a lot 😊

Amen! I will show this to my wife!! Thank you.

Wool also tends to be flame resistant. That is, as apposed to synthetic fibers like acrylic or polyester.

It's nice to see more people embracing timeless fashion, especially Victorian Era outfits, (I'm not an expert on the time frames, but I have seen plenty of 1800's photos). If I could afford such a thing, I would have to try it out.

Thoroughly impressed with this young lady. Seen a lot of her videos now. I have always been fascinated with everything 1800 's.

Thank you for sharing these insights

Good points. My wife is also a fan of wearing historical, natural fiber clothing. She left the military in 2010, and started researching natural fiber clothes. This led her to dresses, and eventually to her current style of Nordic/Viking era dresses. She likes them because of their simplicity, and few if any fasteners. She wears mostly Linen and Wool dresses now. It is funny how you mentioned people asking if you are Amish. My wife was just asked the same thing at a Grocery store last week. :)

Love the cape! Wanna bring those back. Wish there was a shop that sold this stuff near me.

Historical fashion is the best and something I’ve considered trying for a while now. Just no clue where to begin other than thrift stores. And no clue where to find a tailor until I’ve taught myself how to do that kind of work myself

Oh, I love chainstitch embroidery! I just happened to discover the technique while trying to preserve the names written on my signature quilt. I experimented with outline stitch, satin stitch and others, but eventually realized that chainstitch offered the most flexibility and simplicity. I could blend colors, vary thickness using one to six strands of floss, and best of all, it stayed put without snagging or shifting. It was as simple as drawing with a needle and embroidery threads. Thank you for sharing your talents with us! 🙏🪡🪡🪡👏

@VBirchwood

Жыл бұрын

Aww thanks for your comment! It’s such a cool stitch, isn’t it? And has such an old history as well!

@annmeacham5643

Жыл бұрын

@@VBirchwood Where could I find more information on its history? I love your show. I always wondered why the French Can Can was considered so scandalous . . . until I learned about split drawers. 🤣 We can learn so much when wearing reproductions. A friend of mine who portrays General Lee was given permission to examine the general’s actual greatcoat and noticed missing buttons behind the collar’s lapel. You could see where they’d been removed but why was a mystery. 🧐 My friend was later able to call them with the solution . . . They’d been removed because the collar wouldn’t sit right/flat with them present!

It's not just that modern stuff is made crappy, i think people used to be around fire alot and that gets overlooked. I used to have a metal job where i caught on fire alot and got scared to wear many of the cheesy modern fabrics that contain long chain polymers. Those catch fire easy and melt to your skin and hurt lots even it a small fire or welding sparks. Cotton can burn, be put out easily, and won't melt into your skin. Then i learned about how fast fashion goes back to cotton oversupply which goes back to u.s. slavery. So i wear lots of vintage wool now. I'm still comfy when it's 40F and wet out and i never catch on fire. Wool is amazing,even better if you can get it without metal on it. My wool overalls outlasted my carharts, which are basically what jeans material used to be, and why jeans got popular.

We just came through a cold snap here in Vermont with -20°F daytime temperatures and high winds. I have all the fancy techno-gear, but it’s my old woolen cloak I bought at the Ren faire thirty years ago that was the only garment that could keep me comfortable working outside.

I made a cloak for halloween and that was the most comfortable thing I’ve ever worn. I unfortunitely didn’t use deadstock or natural fabric (except the linen outer layer), but I am plan to use it when I wear dresses to fancier places, especially if we’re outside.

thank you and keep going! 🌷💕🌺🌺🍄🍄🍄