About

My name is Lauren and I’m the woman behind Wearing History.

“Wearing History” is about reviving the lost arts through a practical knowledge of clothing creation through original period sources. Through studying antique methods we better understand how clothing was created and can revive the practical arts of creating with our own hands.

I began sewing when I was around eight years old and started studying fashion history and collecting vintage clothing when I was a teenager.  It’s incredible to think that it’s been over twenty years  since I began my research through primary sources and the hands-on “experimental archeology” of clothing through antique pattern cut and construction.

The more I learn about historical fashion, the more I there is to learn.  Just as soon as you’ve settled into “they never…” you find an obscure little tidbit that says that they did! I find that rather fun, and that’s why it still holds my interest to this day! Sewing is the same way for me, and I love learning and discovering new (old) ways to do things.

I have a degree in Fashion Design and also studied Costume Design for Film and Television. I dabbled in costume design and stylist work, and worked both as a stitcher and first hand for world-renowned theatres. 

Although I do not have an academic degree in history, I very much consider myself a “historian”, with over twenty years of experience researching historical fashion and honing my knowledge and work skills from primary sources, including original periodicals, antique photographs, and original period antique and vintage clothing.  Even before the internet, I was researching Edwardian fashion as a teenager using microfilm of original period newspapers at the community college library, and digging through piles of old clothing in antique stores to find original garments with my mom.

I was very thankful to have been backed successfully in 2014 for vintage inspired ready to wear clothing of my own design, which was sewn within my local area. Materials were obtained with the responsible sources I could find at the time. The clothing line was later discontinued. 

I currently make sewing patterns based on period originals from the 1890s to the 1950s.  Some of my patterns are my own drafts, using a combination of my fashion design training and my historical pattern cut knowledge.  Visit my site here for my website (non UK or EU).   and worldwide customers can find the same patterns in my Etsy Shop. 

In 2021 we purchased The Pattern Printing Company, and we now provide a printing service for low-cost A0 printing for retail customers who buy e-patterns and hate taping! Shipping available within the USA.

We are very much a micro-business, and I enjoy sharing my passion for the technical history of dressmaking.

Many people have asked me if I “wish I was born back then.” As much as I love studying craft, fashion, and social history of the past, I am very happy to live in modern times. The more I learn of history, the happier I am to be living now.

This blog is a journal of my journey with historical sewing and fashion history, including research, my personal projects, endeavors, and miscellaneous adventures. Thanks for stopping by!

 

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