Welcome to Great Auntie Maude’s Curious Compendium of Mid-19th Century Knowledge!
Great Auntie Maude is a little prim, but she’s a reliable guide to the world of the mid-19th Century (1830-1870). Here you’ll find projects and articles to help you meet your own historical goals. Each has researched historical techniques, geometry, and notes. We believe Original Practice makes a lot of sense, and we encourage you to give it a try.
As with all our resources: each PDF is protected by copyright and licensing rights. They are intended for personal, non-commercial use. Do not make items for sale from these resources. To share the resources, please refer your friends directly to this site, so they will always have access to the most current version! Do not rehost, publish, or sell these PDF resources.
Draft-Your-Own with Elizabeth Stewart Clark
Draft-Your-Own Split Drawers — Split drawers are vital for the 1860s, and they’re best made custom to your figure needs. Click the image to view or download this project.
Draft-Your-Own Chemise — Every wardrobe needs chemises. You can draft and sew this simple version with an integrated armscye gusset and set shoulder band in just a few hours, then make them in quantity to suit your wardrobe needs. Click the image to view or download this project.
Draft-Your-Own Petticoat — A plain white cotton petticoat, full-gathered, is the basis for skirt support all through the mid-century. Make yourself a set with easy-to-follow instructions. Click the image to view or download this project.
Garment Study Projects
Garment studies are detailed looks at a specific garment, with notes to help you replicate it as closely as possible. We choose items for study that are typical for the era, and make note of the variations that keep you within the typical and in harmony with your own personal style of beauty as well!
The Mahaffie Sunbonnet — Make a sunbonnet with features from a mid-century bonnet in the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Hand- or machine-sewn, with options for a plain or ruffled edge, you’ll use simple techniques to create your own 19th century sun protection. Click the image to open the PDF.
Technique Sheets
Using original practices is a great option for all historical garments. Here are some quick helps for your work!
4-Step Offset Placket — Many dresses utilize an offset placket. Here’s a quick set of steps to do an offset placket in any front-closing dress. Click the image to open the PDF.