chemises and camisoles

[confedaughter]

I was just wondering if anyone during the period wore anything else under their corset, other than a chemise. I have heard references to some women wearing camisoles instead, but other people claim it was a sort of corset cover. Which is correct? Also, would today's unbleached mulslin be a good enough fabric to make a chemise with?

[catspjamas]

I have never heard of anything other than a chemise. Corset covers were later 1800s. I don't know the difference between unbleached muslin and muslin. I got plain, white muslin for my chemise, it's very light weight and comfortable. I had been using a 100% cotton t-shirt, as I hadn't made my chemise yet. Let me tell you, the muslin chemise is way more comfortable. If you sew alot, I recommend the site www.thesewingacademy.org The forum is great, you can get all your questions answered. They also have free patterns. I used the "make your own chemise pattern". You have to draft your own pattern, but it was really easy.

[confedaughter]

Amazing link!!!! Thanks, cp. I found answers to questions I didn't even know I had...

[johan_steele]

These are from my wifes "General Ladies clothing Favorites" links. Might be useful.

http://www.axfords.co.uk/
http://civilwarlady.com/
http://home.earthlink.net/~gchristen/
http://www.dresdendrygoods.com/
http://www.columbiacalifornia.com/fancy.html
http://www.thegracefullady.com/
http://www.octagonlr.com/index.htm
http://www.abrahamslady.com/
http://www.19th-century-us-history.com/wardrobe.htm
http://www.costumes.org/history/100p.../1850to70a.htm


These are in her "Ladies Garb Favorites"
http://www.buckaroobobbins.com/
http://www.uvm.edu/~hag/godey/fashion/index.html
http://pastpatterns.com/
http://trulyvictorian.netfirms.com/index.html


And the Holy Grail of Ladies Fashions...
http://www.elizabethstewartclark.com/

[confedaughter]

Great sites!!!! So many beautiful dresses...

[catspjamas]

/
And the Holy Grail of Ladies Fashions...
http://www.elizabethstewartclark.com/

www.thesewingacademy.org is Elizabeth Stewart Clark's forum page of her site.

[johan_steele]

Thanks for the addition to the links catspajamas; Mrs Clark is really an angel for those interested in the civilian side of the hobby. I strongly encourage anyone interested in the clothing of the period to talk w/ her.

[confedaughter]

I just wanted to thank you both for your help. I just finished my first set of undergarments using the patterns on Ms. Clark's site!!!!!

[catspjamas]

I just wanted to thank you both for your help. I just finished my first set of undergarments using the patterns on Ms. Clark's site!!!!!

Wasn't the chemise the easiest thing to make? I made two in one night.