As I started to learn sewing basics and being more confident in my sewing projects, I developed an interest in historical fashion. I was fascinated by how garments were made throughout history, as well as how and why they evolved. To increase the longevity of the clothes I made, I started implementing some of the historical techniques and tips.
Reflecting back on my sewing journey, there were things I wished that I had known earlier (e.g. making a mock-up), and things I wished were known outside the historical fashion community (e.g. the concept that the garment is shaped through the way it is cut and sewn, not because of a perfect body silhouette - corset!). So, in 2022, I founded Made Victorian to accompany people starting sewing (feeling overwhelmed and lost) and to share the tips, techniques and concepts that I am learning during my own sewing journey.
About me
My name is Emy, and I am a craft enthusiast - especially sewing and embroidery. I am fascinated by how people in the past lived and what lessons we can learn and use today.
Years ago, I had to learn sewing again by myself and it was more difficult than I thought. At the time, the sewing lessons I could find were either in Fashion Schools (which were too expensive), or in sewing clubs (where everyone in the class was making the same very simple garment or accessory). So, I decided to learn on my own, from home, and using resources from books and websites.
I was puzzled to find out that most of the patterns available to beginners were for very simple and almost plain clothes. Patterns for garments that I liked seemed too complicated for my very low sewing level. When I finally decided on a sewing project, the pattern itself and the instructions were confusing. I didn’t know what type of fabric to use or how much of it I needed. I got quickly overwhelmed.
I was puzzled to find out that most of the patterns available to beginners were for very simple and almost plain clothes. Patterns for garments that I liked seemed too complicated for my very low sewing level. When I finally decided on a sewing project, the pattern itself and the instructions were confusing. I didn’t know what type of fabric to use or how much of it I needed. I got quickly overwhelmed.
My story
When I was a teenager, my mom (who is a professional seamstress) taught me the basics of sewing. She taught me how to make simple garments and how to mend them. When she had a lot of work, I would help her with easy tasks. For example, I would undo seams, mark the fabric to cut out or the garment to alter, sew hems and buttons, and iron garments once everything was finished. I loved being able to make something with my hands, to see the evolution of a project, and being in contact with customers.
When I started Uni, I had less time to help her. My visits to her “Atelier” were less frequent. In 2015, I moved to the UK to study, and completely stopped sewing. With time, I fell out of practice and eventually forgot most of what she taught me.
A few years later, I became interested in sewing again. During one of my trips back home, I went pattern and fabric shopping with my mom. Once back in the UK, I would make my first trousers, by myself. I had settled on a pair of cigarette pants (or pencil pants) with an elastic waist and chose a black polyester with a lovely honeycomb texture to make it.
This was a disaster! 1) I had difficulties understanding and following the pattern instructions, so I had to undo my progression a few times. 2) I chose the size I would get for skinny jeans in shops. Unfortunately, my fabric wasn’t stretchy. I had picked the wrong size, and the trousers were too tight. 3) I didn’t have enough fabric. I couldn’t do the pockets, nor re-cut the waistband. 4) The fabric wasn’t thick enough, so I needed to line the trousers if I wanted to wear it during winter. 5) This was the first time I was sewing something on my own. I had instructions I didn’t really understand, some safety pins, a small pair of paper scissors, a 30cm ruler and a new sewing machine, I didn’t know how to use.
Honestly, failing to make these pants discouraged me from sewing. I thought I had chosen a very easy project, a lovely fabric and I thought my past sewing experience at my mom’s “Atelier” was all I needed. So, I concluded I wasn’t good at it, gave up making my own clothes, but continued enjoying watching videos of people making theirs. I didn’t stop sewing completely, I made some bags, tea towels and hand towels. Nothing fancy, but it helped me build up my confidence slightly.
During this period, I stumbled upon fashion history and historical costuming. I enjoyed watching people trying to replicate historical garments. I became fascinated with the processes of making clothes (including weaving and dying fabrics) during various time periods and its evolution until now. I also became fascinated with the people making the garments, as well as the fashion social markers throughout time.
One day, I got the itch to sew clothes again. Before starting cutting fabric, I took the time to do some research, to plan my project and to take notes of interesting information when watching videos about fashion and designing clothes. I decided to start (again) by making a Corset (or a corselette) using fabric up-cycled from an old pair of trousers and an old scrap of fabric for lining.
This time around, it all went well. The instructions were still confusing, but I was able to find video of people using the same pattern, and that was helpful. At the end I had a corset that I liked and I could wear. After that project, I became more confident in my sewing skills and I’ve enjoyed each project I’ve done since. I am proud of how much I improved, proud to wear what I made. I, now, have a constant flow of ideas of garments to make, techniques to try, and even new craft to indulge into.
I created Made Victorian to accompany people on their learning journey. I want to pass on resources, techniques, tips and interesting information, which I felt were missing when I started sewing. It’s a way for me to help my past self when I was sewing on my own for the first time, and I hope you will find it helpful and useful too.