I find myself in a bit of a dichotomy.
On one hand, I feel as though I need a break from my own historical costuming, dressing for events, and making clothes in general. I’ve even envisioned selling off a good portion of fabric/materials stash. (This thought is in conflict with knowing the cost of replacing it later.)
On the other hand, 2026 and America 250, as emails from museum associations keep telling me, is right around the corner. I know I would regret not having a proper set of clothing a year from now.
An 1770’s ensemble it is.
This journey to the 18th century will be the first in well over 2 decades if I recall correctly. I may have last been attired in clothing appropriate for the American Revolution in my early 20s for one of Missy Clark’s fashion shows as a tavern wench. (While I can recall the feel of my clothing and the post-show reaction from my then heart-interest, I cannot recall the details of the clothing beyond Missy saying I wore everything I owned and everything I owned I stole. I suspect that was for the theatrics of the show.) Given that a few years have passed since then, this will need to be an entire ensemble from the skin out, encompassing not only the garments but also the accessories. At the same time, the 18th century has not been an area of my focus, which makes this endeavor both exciting and daunting. As such, I will be relying heavily on the guidance of trusted friends more versed in the time period.
This ensemble will also need to be zero budget – therefore, entirely from the stash or bartered from the stash.
I am picturing something middling, working class, not fancy at all but also not working attire. My current list of garments and accessories includes*:
- Linen Shift – I have one. Would be more comfortable with a second. Don’t think I have appropriate linen
- Pair of Stays – I really, really hope I have what I need in the stash because I need to start by making this. Otherwise, the rest is pointless.
- Stockings – Have them somewhere
- Pockets – The one thing I know I can handle no problem.
- Shoes – Not sure yet how I will pull these off as I don’t foresee pulling them out of the stash.
- Petticoats – Guessing linen or wool. Hoping I have something in the stash
- Gown- Hopefully, I have a wool in the stash that will work.
- or Bed Gown and Petticoat
- Linens – Handkerchief, cap – I think I have cotton voile or lawn in the stash. (Learned Handkerchief not kerchief or fichu.)
- Straw bergère hat of course
- Accessories – blank slate
- Adding – Apron
*Off suggestions for what else in need in the comments please.
Edit – Things I Anticipate Needing to Barter For (or in the case of patterns, sell some stash to pay for):
- Stays pattern – Currently thinking RedThreaded pattern B. I have to check what materials I have. I may have a suitable cotton twill. I have an assortment of bones. But, I may use cane.
- Gown pattern – potentially Larkin & Smith either 45-47 or 49-51 bust depending on stays.
- Shoes
If I Had My Own Blue Box: 
same! A friend and I are starting from scratch to fully dress ourselves (and hubbies) by March, 2026. So we’ll be following your efforts!
I am excited to know I am not the only one endeavoring this year!
I took am contemplating the same…I however have zero stash and less knowledge of RW fashion I will also be following