The calico jacket and petticoat ensemble page is all up and finished! Slowly but surely I’m getting through them all.
If you take a look through the page and there is anything that doesn’t make sense, please ask about it and I will answer as best and promptly as I can!
Rockin' the Rococo 
Ruth Said:
on June 29, 2010 at 11:34
Thank you for writing all this down. I am about to start making an 18th century dress for my final year project at uni and your website is so helpful.
Elena Said:
on July 24, 2010 at 11:31
not sure if you ever look at this anymore, but i am in the process of sewing wedding costumes based on this time period. I had a question about the hoops you used and would have emailed but you don’t have a contact. (perhaps that’s wise, lol). anyway if you can either email me or answer here that’d be awesome. basically, i want to know whether you ended up making an oval hoop at all and if so where did you find a pattern or did you have to make your own based on museum specimens/drawings/extant examples? thank you!
brocadegoddess Said:
on July 24, 2010 at 22:12
Hi Elena,
I do still poke my head in here, and am aware that I am grossly overdue in getting pages up for everything. There is to be a page for the hoop petticoat, the shift, and a pocket. I did go with an oval-shaped hoop after all. I reproduced a specimen I examined in Edinbourgh during which I sketched it and took in-depth measurements. Pocket hoops are both much easier to make, and I believe easier to wear, certainly lighter. I believe you can also find patterns for them, as opposed to the oval hoop crinoline style.
I hope that might help even a little,
Carolyn
Elena Said:
on July 25, 2010 at 09:09
Yes, I have found several patterns (both on line and commercial patterns) for pocket hoops. The oval seems like it would be more comfortable to wear if you’re walking a lot, but perhaps not? Expound on the “easier to wear” part, please. 🙂 Thanks!
María Said:
on August 9, 2010 at 12:02
Hello! I see your work is amazing. I follow your blog from time to time and want to make a question. I love the edges of some of your gown ruffles like the blue sack dress and I don´t know if you do them with pinking shears or a pinking machine with different blades. I´ve been recently looking for this kind of “scissors” on internet, and I couldn´t find out where to obtain them. Today, I´ve bought a pair of simple zig-zag pinking shears in my own town, but I see this is not going to satisfy me. Would be useful to achieve one of those machines or I can find pinking shears with wave patterns like yours on internet? I must say I live in Spain and theese things aren´t popular at all.
Thank you for your attention.
María.
brocadegoddess Said:
on August 9, 2010 at 12:36
Hi Maria,
I actually used a small reproduction pinking tool. It has one repeat of the scalloped/shell pattern with sharpened edges. You strike the other end of the tool with a hammer against the fabric to cut it in the shape. It is quite time-consuming to do one scallop at a time, but once you develop a rhythm it goes quicker. I bought my tool from an online store in the US called Green Man Forge. Here is the link:
http://www.greenmanforge.com/
María Said:
on August 10, 2010 at 14:02
Hello Elena,
thank you very much for your help. I encourage you to keep on your project. You´re great!
Genevieve Said:
on September 30, 2010 at 13:53
Thanks so much for sharing that awesome experience with us.
You got me the kick I needed to do my 1845 dress replica. Tough I am a bit less crazed (the good way) I plan on making it for my doll. A bjd elfdoll Soah of 60cm. I hope to be able to show something eventually.
thanks again,
Genevieve
Alison Said:
on March 5, 2011 at 09:11
Carolyn-
I stumbled upon this blog while researching 18th century stays for an Independent Study. I am in awe of your talent and amazing creations! Your blog has inspired me greatly. I even managed to track down a PDF of your thesis and I’ve enjoyed that immensely. Thank you so much for keeping this material available for those of us who have gained from your insights.
Vivian Said:
on January 16, 2014 at 05:18
Hi
thanks for the information. I am making a copy of a mantua dress for a doll. It will be used to enable people with sighr problems to feel what a mantua looks like. We have a few genuine dresses but visitors are not allowed to touch them so said it would be helpful to touch one to see scale of side extension.
I am modelling it on the Rockingham Mantua and hope to pick up some tips.
Not the same as a life size one but quite challenging because of its small size..