This was my first entirely hand-sewn historical garment. I used the Regency chemise pattern. I also used the e-pattern and printed it out, taped the paper pieces together and used the pattern from there!

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.

My husband and I went to a pioneer ball, and I made all of our clothing for the event even down to his tie and my head ornament (made of salvaged antique lace). I originally bought the Regency pattern to make two brides maids dresses for my wedding in 2008. I was really excited to break out the pattern again, this time for myself!

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.

A pattern for a ladies' combinations: corset cover and drawers with drawstring waist. This is ca. 1908 and is much simpler than the voluminous drawers of the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras.

1904 "combinations" for a young girl, circa 1904. These combined drawers and undershirts into one garment, with a drop seat in the back that buttoned closed.

Here are two 1910 pattern ads from a magazine. The first is a girl's day dress; the second is for "combinations" (underdrawers and corset cover).

1912 underthings from an original catalog in my collection. Lots of petticoats and corset covers. Note the long, columnar shape now that the S-bend has gone out of fashion. I just adore the deep lace flounces with ribbon through entredeux at the top. Heavenly!

Here's a great 1912 corset ad from a catalog. Note the corset on the lower left for nursing moms. Flaps unsnap to provide access for breastfeeding. These corsets are extremely rare and valuable now.

I made this out of a beautiful fine weave cotton lawn and actually lined the skirt because I am going to be making a pretty gauzy dress over it, encouraged by your suggestion/mention of this common fashion