My oldest daughter has been studying Colonial New York and will be focusing on the Revolutionary War next. The students have been assigned the task of creating costumes to wear for Dress-Up day and my daughter has been assigned Abigail Adams, President John Adams wife.
I'm in the process of looking around the net for ideas for the costume. Here is my dilema. I have never sewn a single piece of clothing in my entire life and I'd like her costume to look as authentic as I can get it. Can anyone give me pointers and maybe some ideas. I'm clueless on how to make any clothing. I'm even hoping this will give me motivation to possibly start making clothes for the girls so they have some stuff made by me. I hope you can help.

Thanks...

Look at the costume patterns in Butterick, Simplicity and McCall, I'm sure they'll have a pattern that will work. The instructions are usually pretty easy, you shouldn't have a problems. Be prepared for lots of yardage for dresses though.

I posted a link in the links area for frontier clothes . Their patterns are are about $16. They have some wonderful dresses that woud be perfect.

You quilt, you already know how to sew!!!!

Get a pattern as suggested, the enclosed directions offer step by step instructions and are usually user friendly. I need to tell you, though, the seams are 5/8 inches not the 1/4 inches that we are all so used to. You will do great!!!!!

If you get into a bind with some direction, just post a question and I know one of us can help you. Years ago, I sewed garments (even took Sewing in school when that was the thing to do). Those skills I learned transferred over to quilting. And, I think your quilting skills will transfer over to making garments. Go for it , girl! You'll do great!

Here is a pattern for an Early American dress. I made one similiar to this for Christmas for my daughter 2 years ago. I think it is a size 6 or 7. Probably too small for your daughter. How much time do you have to make it? If you can follow patterns, and get help from the board, you can do it!

http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M5...ostumes&page=3

Also, if you watch Joann Fabrics, they will have their patterns on sale for $2-3 at certain times.

I just grabbed dd's dress out of the closet and made her put it on so I could take pictures. Its very wrinkly and getting too small for her, but here it is.

Collette, your daughter is such a good sport!

Cute dress. Cute girl.

Did she have a "Gee, Mom, do I HAVE to do this?" attitude at the start of photographing?

Can't you tell by the look on her face?

I agree... find a pattern and go for it! I sewed very simple clothes for my girls when they were little and then did a Renaissance costume out of burgandy silk and black velvet. I had never done anything so complicated. The bodice had a zipper up the entire back and even had stiff "boning" strips in it.

If you can follow step-by-step directions you can do it.