The options below are presented as best suited to
private commissions for personal wear.

I specialise in making 18th century gowns and accessories,

based on the most up-to-date and reputable historical research available today.

All my work is 100% hand sewn using historical construction methods*.

Every item that you commission is made bespoke to suit your needs, whether it’s a reproduction for display or intended to be worn for historical re-enactment and living history or garden parties and themed balls.

Prices for designing and making your garment(s) will vary according to
type and complexity but the listings below provide Guide Prices.

Fabrics will need to be obtained in good time before your agreed slot in my order book. I am always happy to research, advise and help source fabrics (indeed, I love being involved in this preliminary part of the process).

IF YOU ARE ORDERING FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL USE (TO BE WORN) -

I only make bespoke gowns on the basis of shapes that I have cut for you on your body, in the period manner. This requires a personal appointment. It cannot be done remotely. I do not create, draft or alter 2-dimensional patterns. (You can read more about the process of cutting shapes on this page, as I also offer this as a standalone service.)

You will need a good pair of stays that fit you well, for any garment with a bodice (so, all gowns and jackets). If you are thinking about ordering a gown but don't already have stays, then please do get in touch sooner rather than later so we can remedy that before we start work on your gown. (I can give you a discount on the stays if you order at the same time as your main garments.) This is because the cut of each part of an 18th century bodice (whether from a pattern or custom-drafted or draped) is not designed to fit a modern body shape. Please don’t sell yourself short by planning to wear the silk ball gown of your dreams over modern underwear! You will only be disappointed and that's the last thing either of us want.

I can help source jewellery, hats, shoes, wigs, makeup etc, as needed to complete your look and ensure a consistent, high-quality presentation.

* Historical construction methods cannot be done by sewing machine. Yet they are much more efficient than modern construction methods! So while machine sewing can save *some* time for certain tasks, it won't save as much time overall as you might think and the necessary substitution of historical methods with modern ones means you won't get the correct period look. The results from sewing everything by hand using historical techniques speak for themselves: meet the standards of even the most stringent costuming communities, at prices that are competitive with costumes made by machine.