Ladies, if you've ever struggled with what goes on before you put on your clothes, it's time to fix that. If you spend the day tugging up bra straps or end the day dying to be released from bra bondage, then, reader, this post is for you. We’re doing a first on my blog: going deep into the confusing world of bra-fitting (and, yes, this will have a historical connection and repercussions for at least one of my patterns!).

Customer Sheri A. created her Regency ensemble from the skin out, beginning with a chemise and short (transitional) stays, then making the lovely gown of dotted Swiss to go over both.

Thank you for the e-mail guidance on fitting my stays. I am delighted with the results. Here are pictures of me in the short stays and chemise. Also pics of Regency Society of Virginia ladies on a recent outing to James Monroe's home near Charlottesville, VA.

Here are the underpinnings you need to give you the proper Regency foundation! This package includes patterns for a chemise, short stays, and two chemisettes.

(Looking for the paper version rather than the ePattern? Purchase from one of our many retailers worldwide! Please note that Patterns of Time carries my entire line and is well stocked.)

This tutorial is here to walk you through all the steps of taking that pattern and modifying it to make your own Regency bodiced petticoat.