A Revolutionary Dream...

If I lived in the mid-18th century, I imagine I'd look a little something like this.

I made this during the summer of 2004 after vacation to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. This is almost 100% historically accurate, with the only alterations being that unseen seams are machine-stitched and my shoes are actually 19th century brogans instead of straight-last. But all visible seams are hand-stitched, and let me tell you...my fingers were incredibly calloused after I finished.

Materials used were:
Under petticoat: Wool
Outer petticoat *as seen above*: Raw silk
Shift, cap, and kerchief: Linen
Jacket: Cotton
Apron: Homespun linen
Stay/Corset: Thicker linen with plastic boning (whale bone is a bit illegal in this day and age)

I didn't make the stay on my own, it was a family project, but it was hand-stitched and now we know why men made them and women bought them. I also didn't make the first under petticoat (I borrowed it from my mom who used to reenact) the straw flat hat (bought at Williamsburg, but decorated by my mom and I), and the stockings (borrowed from a friend's mom).