The Commercial Pattern Archive at the University of Rhode Island houses nearly 60,000 sewing patterns dating back to the 1840s. An online database of patterns is available for the public.

Join us for a fun and slightly chaotic journey as we craft a beautiful Victorian petticoat! Watch as we navigate the quirks of historical sewing, from patterns to fabric choices. Bernadette Banner.

For a certain kind of modern woman, 19th-century America meant beautiful dresses, afternoon teas, courtly manners and an easier, more relaxed way of living. Back then, getting dressed was a pleasur… ...