Sewing Histories' Most Popular Garment - The Fabric Of History - Townsends

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  • čas přidán 2. 09. 2022
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Komentáře • 607

  • @townsends
    @townsends  Před 9 měsíci

    Our linen shirt! www.townsends.us/products/18th-century-workshirt-white-linen-lh-124

  • @lannebromwell
    @lannebromwell Před rokem +344

    My grandmother was skilled in picking up only one thread with her needle when required. Also, on very fine fabric she would ravel out some of the strands from the weave and then use it as thread. She did this for the hem of the beautiful dress I wore in my sister's wedding many moons ago making the hemming stitches completely invisible. She is the one who taught me hand sewing when I was only four years old.

    • @lynnodonnell4764
      @lynnodonnell4764 Před rokem +38

      Threads were removed from the cloth to use for sewing together the garments in many time periods ie: Medieval & Renaissance. That's what I learned in the SCA.
      Now I see that method spans many centuries!

    • @deannawillis9678
      @deannawillis9678 Před rokem +32

      You are truly blessed to be able to learn from such a skilled seamstress.

    • @charlessmith1931
      @charlessmith1931 Před rokem +33

      When my mother wasn't satisfied with the color selection of spooled thread, she would trim the selvage from one side of the cloth and ravel off as many full-length threads as she would need to complete the sewing which would be visible in the finished item.

    • @annastevens1526
      @annastevens1526 Před rokem +13

      What impresses me is that thread salvaged in that way could be strong enough to sew up a durable garment! I've occasionally had to do the same with cotton thread unpicked from extant seams or pulled from selvedges (to make colour-matched repairs or alterations) and it seemed to be fairly prone to fraying & snapping?
      Is it more feasible when using linen rather than cotton...?

    • @JosieStev
      @JosieStev Před rokem +9

      My grandmother repaired sweaters with its yarn from a seam 😊

  • @TrickyVickey
    @TrickyVickey Před rokem +111

    When I was in the eighth grade I made all my school clothes and my home Economics sewing project was a tailored pantsuit of brushed denim. Cuffs, Lapel, All hidden seaming too.
    I was taught to sew like a tailor and i was hand sewing quilting squares and little pillows when I was 5 also. I was taught at home at first to sew and to embroider and crochet. I like to make doilies. Being raised by a grandmother has its advantages. All her friends were my playmates🙂. She was born in 1906 and my oldest friend I met when I was 4 my friend until she died was 20 yrs older than granny.
    I always have a pile of my family’s sewing mostly by hand repairs waiting on me.

    • @amysbees6686
      @amysbees6686 Před rokem +9

      Wow! Impressive!
      I too was taught sewing in 8th grade Home Ec!
      My mom taught me crewelwork, but being left-handed my grandma couldn't get me into crochet. As for knitting, my only accomplishment was a scarf!

  • @cristiaolson7327
    @cristiaolson7327 Před rokem +142

    Having watched Bernadette Banner for years, I'm not at all surprised at how long that shirt took to hand sew, especially for someone accustomed to machine sewing. There's a reason that sewing machines became a "must have" item for people of all income levels so quickly once they were invented! It came out nicely though, and was a project to be proud of. Very cool to see that they are using a combination of historical sources and real-life wear tests to improve the design!

    • @Liquessen
      @Liquessen Před rokem +7

      She's a beautiful nerd

    • @piccalillipit9211
      @piccalillipit9211 Před rokem +13

      In 1935 a Singer 201K was 1/3rd the price of a new Ford car, you could buy it on weekly payment for 10 years.
      BUT - to give a little more perspective, they are still regarded as one of the best machines in the world and a good one will cost you $500 to $1000 today. So 87 years of work out of your investment.
      On another note - Im 90 hours into a Victorian Frock Coat and its nowhere near finished...

    • @cristiaolson7327
      @cristiaolson7327 Před rokem +12

      @@piccalillipit9211 My 1918 Singer treadle machine is basically a tank, and at 104 years old it still works like new, so I agree they were worth the investment, especially in a time when so many people made their own clothes! I spent months combing online ads to find a working machine at a decent price, and it was worth the effort to get my hands on a usable piece of history. With reasonable care, that Singer will probably outlast my modern Husqvarna machine by another 104 years.

    • @piccalillipit9211
      @piccalillipit9211 Před rokem +6

      @@cristiaolson7327 i have a 1960 Singer 197B which is fantastic. I have a 2020 Singer which is a piece of plastic crap.

    • @gregmunro1137
      @gregmunro1137 Před rokem +1

      Love Bernadette Banners videos !

  • @DeadBaron
    @DeadBaron Před rokem +11

    I can smell that sewing room. For whatever reason, sewing rooms always have that same nostalgic scent. Even if you've never been in a sewing room, walk through a craft store's yarn and thread section and you'll get it.

  • @jocelynleung7480
    @jocelynleung7480 Před rokem +12

    One reason why she might not have been able to squeeze 30 gathers into an inch is because linen was woven much more finely back then. In museum examples there are linens that are woven as finely as some of the most fine cottons today, over 120 threads per inch. I’ve never, ever encountered a linen with a wpi that comes even close to that (most I’ve encountered is 75) and it makes sense that with so much more loosely and coarsely woven linen she finds it difficult to replicate that level of fineness.

  • @netkissa
    @netkissa Před rokem +183

    I reenact viking/iron age around 10th century in scandinavia. Even if I have used store bought fabrics I have always hand sewn all my garments (the underdress has six double folded seams from cuff to hem). My multi year (/decade) project is to make full garb starting from spinning the yarn. I have just finished warp yarns for a jacket from herjolfsness. I also have most of the weft yarns. I have one finished piece, which is aprondress.

    • @juliebarnett9812
      @juliebarnett9812 Před rokem +12

      Wow. *Salute

    • @rtyria
      @rtyria Před rokem +8

      I am in awe.

    • @blktauna
      @blktauna Před rokem +11

      awesome ! do you blog this? I'd love to see how its going. I do late Antiquity so we are cousins in era.

    • @netkissa
      @netkissa Před rokem +5

      @@blktauna Sorry but no. I don't blog. Some of the projects do appear in Ravelry. You can find me there with same nick.

    • @Tina06019
      @Tina06019 Před rokem +4

      I do the same: I reenact a character from 10th century Northern European “middle rana” of society. It’s absolutely my favorite type of clothing. I also use store-bought fabric. I made a few tablet-woven bands, but I can’t get the hang of that.

  • @helenel4126
    @helenel4126 Před rokem +72

    I'm a fiber artist. I scour, card, and comb fleece. I spin it into yarn. I weave the yarn into cloth or knit it. My sewing skills are more elementary. I found this presentation to be one of the most I've enjoyed from this website. I hope you feature this seamstress/sewist more!

    • @suem6004
      @suem6004 Před rokem +4

      Congrats. I am a master fiber artist too. I grow my own flax for spinning and weaving. I too need to work on my hand sewing skills.

    • @lfg4300
      @lfg4300 Před rokem +3

      Yes more she is fantastic

    • @rubytook8067
      @rubytook8067 Před rokem +1

      How did you learn and where do you source your materials from?

    • @dragonslayer7587
      @dragonslayer7587 Před rokem +2

      I would love to learn to take the sheep wool, clean, card, spin and weave it into cloth... Wool is my favorite fabric, {second is Cotton} and all winter I'd have something to do with myself! Raising sheep for milk & cheese is great, but I'd love to use the wool myself.

    • @Hannahsacumen
      @Hannahsacumen Před rokem

      Yes, I want to see more! I have so many questions!

  • @philaphobic
    @philaphobic Před rokem +71

    I've always wondered why Towsend's hasn't featured more info about sewing, since so much of what they sell is clothing. This is great!

    • @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721
      @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 Před rokem +13

      Yeah, if there's anything that would get me interested in buying their clothing, it's this, seeing the artisanness that goes into the product.

    • @suem6004
      @suem6004 Před rokem +14

      Me too. The ‘women’s’ side of history has not been emphasized. Glad to have this.

  • @iylalacoste3463
    @iylalacoste3463 Před rokem +403

    This is Ryan’s wife for anyone who doesn’t know! Awesome to see Townsends being such a family operation!

    • @StrangerHappened
      @StrangerHappened Před rokem +46

      Ryan seems to be very lucky having her.

    • @miriambarnett2782
      @miriambarnett2782 Před rokem +22

      She’s very talented!!

    • @The_Gallowglass
      @The_Gallowglass Před rokem +16

      @@miriambarnett2782 and lovely

    • @TheJollyLlama875
      @TheJollyLlama875 Před rokem +17

      That's so cool! You can tell that that they both really care about the processes of every day life in the past, whether it be his cooking or her sewing, and that's a really valuable and understated part of understanding history.

    • @lilygraceinyoface
      @lilygraceinyoface Před rokem +9

      @@miriambarnett2782 and one of the sweetest human beings i know!!!

  • @FedralBI
    @FedralBI Před rokem +61

    This was amazing. Between all the cooking, cleaning, childcare, and other household duties, its mind-boggling that those women found enough hours to sew items like these.

    • @David-bh7hs
      @David-bh7hs Před rokem +6

      Well, they really didn't have a lot of free time as we imagine it

    • @AVGPVP
      @AVGPVP Před rokem +21

      There was a lot of overlap for those things. Sewing one of the shirts could have been done while teaching some of the children how to do it. They could sew a bit while the dough was rising or dinner was stewing. They would be able to sew while spending time and talking with their family and friends.
      Just a different approach to life.

    • @joe18750
      @joe18750 Před rokem +11

      There's a lot of down time in the winter.

    • @broganmckoko
      @broganmckoko Před rokem +6

      They had Moore time because they didn't have modern technology constantly demanding attention. How many hours of your day to you spend on your phone or computer?

    • @joe18750
      @joe18750 Před rokem +5

      @@broganmckoko LOL! What they did is focus their time on indoor projects. For instance, repair and maintenance of farming and hunting and fishing gear, sewing, knitting, candle making, food preservation and yeah, reading. It wasn't so much the lack of modern technology; it was the lack of convenience. There was no driving to corner big box store to replenish supplies. In addition to that, they weren't wasting an hour or 2 commuting to and from work.

  • @tupolev141
    @tupolev141 Před rokem +51

    She's a natural in front of the camera. It helps if you know what you're talking about . I sometimes need to make small videos at work and its not as easy as Nicole makes it look

  • @toryistatertot5394
    @toryistatertot5394 Před rokem +57

    I once handstitched a basic (very basic) 18th century dress. I didn't follow patterns or stitch guides but based the dress on one in a local museum. It took several weeks. I can only imagine trying to be 100% historically accurate and the time it takes to learn the stitches required. Such a lucky lady to get to work daily with this wonderful group of historians.

    • @charlesmckinley29
      @charlesmckinley29 Před rokem +4

      Did you ask the museum if they had any information to help you? When you express an interest in someone’s passion often the will be very forthcoming with information to keep it from being lost to time.

    • @toryistatertot5394
      @toryistatertot5394 Před rokem +4

      @@charlesmckinley29 Actually no. At the time I was a stay at home mom who'd learned Tatting and was getting ready to work a local festival to demonstrate the art. I wanted to know what it was like to hand stitch the dress so I did. I'm sure if given the chance again I'll do much more research and complete my clothing more accurately.

    • @charlesmckinley29
      @charlesmckinley29 Před rokem +4

      @@toryistatertot5394 thank you for prioritizing your children.

  • @anastasisanastasia1436
    @anastasisanastasia1436 Před rokem +72

    I've ordered two work smocks. They are great. I wear them in the garden. They keep the mosquitoes off better than you would believe. Love them. I like to imagine I'm a great 18th century cropper getting my tobacco futures in order. I'm not, but I like to imagine I am. :-)

    • @1775LostOne
      @1775LostOne Před rokem +4

      Wait, how do they keep mosquitos off?! I must know!!

    • @anastasisanastasia1436
      @anastasisanastasia1436 Před rokem +12

      @@1775LostOne It keeps them from biting you. Having that extra layer of clothing is enough to keep them from biting. You can really see why field workers used to use them. Why people don't use them today, I have no idea. I think they need a 21st century comeback. The linen work smock is useful.

    • @saksikola
      @saksikola Před rokem +11

      @@1775LostOne The looseness of the garment and especially the poofy sleeves really help with that! Mosquitoes can't get to you when there's a bunch of air between the fabric and your skin, unlike with our modern mostly skin-tight clothing.
      (obviously they will still try to bite your head/face/hands if they're exposed though)

  • @debbralehrman5957
    @debbralehrman5957 Před rokem +164

    See Jon this is the type of things people are asking about at the Nutmeg Tavern. Great video so much information.
    Love it, I am very greatful for this. 👍🏻❤

  • @1775LostOne
    @1775LostOne Před rokem +16

    I'm slowly learning to hand sew and repair my family's clothes. I'm so amazed at the skills those women had, and to do it by candlelight!

  • @draskang
    @draskang Před rokem +67

    I DEFINITELY want to see more of this kind of stuff! Having Nicole explain the importance of the garments, the logic behind the design, & how we learn (in modern time) the secrets this craft is amazing!

  • @wayneantoniazzi2706
    @wayneantoniazzi2706 Před rokem +37

    A great tutorial about a subject that most of us don't even think about.
    "Sure, they had workshirts. So what?" Well. there's LOT'S of whats! Just like I learned in the past few minutes!

  • @user-sk4ds1rg1z
    @user-sk4ds1rg1z Před rokem +5

    Nicole is a fantastic presenter. Love that she really tried to authentically recreate one of these garments and shared the experience. I can repair my own clothes, but I don't think I could produce something from scratch by hand.

  • @dragonslayer7587
    @dragonslayer7587 Před rokem +52

    I've been sewing my entire life, yet hand stitching isn't my forte! THIS shirt would be hard for me! When my Children were born, and young toddlers, I had a stretch & sew easy pattern for overalls\dress and I lived near a company who made track suits. I was able to go and was given Free fabric, as well as the rib knitting for the cuffs and collars of sweat shirts. I made my kids everything they wore for at least the first 4 years of their lives, just from the free fabric & this stretch & sew pattern. Shorts and short sleeves in summer, & long pants with long sleeves in the winter! Back then, with kids & 1 income, THIS was a God Send!! I do wish I could get a New machine now. As my grand kids are now having kids, and this economy is so bad, I'm sure they would love the large amount of clothes I could make using scraps.

    • @heatherngillis
      @heatherngillis Před rokem +15

      You are better off finding one of the old all-metal machines at a thrift store. Almost all of the sewing machine companies have been bought by Chinese holding companies, who care nothing about building a quality product. My "daily driver" is an early 60's Singer. Sews like a dream.

    • @dragonslayer7587
      @dragonslayer7587 Před rokem +5

      @@heatherngillis
      Heather, I've been looking & looking! My first machine was my Grandma's old black Singer that didn't knot the stitches, so I would have to go over the the beginning and end of each seem a couple times. I burned that motor up, and got a REALLY good used Singer, and of course it's just worn out! I am able to use the zig zag, but that's it! If I could find THAT same machine without all the hours on it, I'd be the happiest camper on earth! The few I've looked at are VERY cheap... I do way to much to invest 400 bucks {I don't really have} to buy something that's going to break down... perhaps I should try looking up estate sales...

    • @deb1120
      @deb1120 Před rokem +6

      @@heatherngillis agreed! I found 2 lovely old machines (one treadle and one from the 1950's electric) for only $30 for both. Those old machines just can't be beat.

    • @tsugima6317
      @tsugima6317 Před rokem +1

      @@dragonslayer7587 One of mine is a 1942 Singer treadle machine, complete with button holer, ruffler, etc. The belt is leather. It even has the booklet on trouble shooting and adjusting it. I learned to sew on it over 60 years ago.

    • @dragonslayer7587
      @dragonslayer7587 Před rokem

      @@tsugima6317
      I'm jealous now! That's wonderful! Those Pedal machines were made to sew everything! The old electric singer I got from Grandma didn't knot after the stitches, so I used go back and forth over the seems every 6" or so to keep the kids from ripping them out! The one I've got now is really on its last legs... I wish I could find a pedal machine I could afford! Especially if we lose power. I can make almost anything, as I'm sure you can... Although men's shirt collars are tough. Don't let that machine go! They are truly priceless!

  • @johnnymayo8534
    @johnnymayo8534 Před rokem +30

    We need to see more of Nicole and the garments of the time period!

  • @edieboudreau9637
    @edieboudreau9637 Před rokem +74

    Yes. Doing by actual needle and fingers takes way longer and yes your stitches definitely get better as they go. Sewing 🪡 for a family was a real art in those days that are just way under appreciated these days. Good to know why the hearts and other issues. Linen is definitely a finer detailed shirt than say cotton as the weaves are NOT the same. Thank you for this vid. Would love to see you actually fitting one together for a "family" member with how each adjustments for those bigger or smaller were done.
    You never know when something like that will come in handy.

    • @TheFiberFrontier
      @TheFiberFrontier Před rokem +4

      The weave structure for linen or cotton may be the same...plain weave, twill, etc ...but the fiber comes from a different source. Linen is made from the flax plant, while cotton comes from the cotton plant. Both are cellulose fibers, but the processing for linen is much more labor intensive.

    • @edieboudreau9637
      @edieboudreau9637 Před rokem +3

      @@TheFiberFrontier oh yes. I know. But wearing is different as well.

    • @dooleyfussle8634
      @dooleyfussle8634 Před rokem +2

      I was under the impression that cotton did not become available for most people until the middle of the 19th Century. Linen and wool were what most people wore.

    • @edieboudreau9637
      @edieboudreau9637 Před rokem +1

      @@dooleyfussle8634 I didn't suggest otherwise. I just made an observation on the difference in wear & construction by hand.

  • @barbarawenton8020
    @barbarawenton8020 Před rokem +15

    I enjoyed seeing behind the scenes in the sewing department. Nicole is very easy to listen to. I would enjoy more sewing/fiber arts in the videos.

  • @HLBear
    @HLBear Před rokem +25

    This makes me very happy! Thank you so much.
    I loved sewing by hand when I was young, and it is slow but relaxing. I'm sure if you also had food to prepare, kids to raise, and gardens to manage it was the one thing easiest to do after dark.

  • @cerveza2297
    @cerveza2297 Před rokem +268

    I had no clue that Townsend's is a big operation. I just thought I was being taken on a culinary tour by some you tube guy. This is excellent 😎

    • @asahearts1
      @asahearts1 Před rokem +30

      It's always strange when some completely unrelated channel like a British medieval reenactor mentions Townsends lol Pretty much every history channel I like has given shoutouts now.

    • @waltonsimons9082
      @waltonsimons9082 Před rokem +21

      They've grown quite substantially over the last decade, it would appear.

    • @GenXLostInTx
      @GenXLostInTx Před rokem +7

      Love their shop

    • @debbralehrman5957
      @debbralehrman5957 Před rokem +9

      @cerveza Oh yes! Check out their website. You can see all they have. Several of the earlier videos. They are ads for their products. That is how they started doing videos. So are kinda funny too. 😁👍🏻

    • @Zelmel
      @Zelmel Před rokem +12

      I still don't know that they're a "big" operation. It's ultimately a family business that happens to have grown into a notable CZcams and online business as well. Not that this is a bad thing, it's just that it isn't some multi-hundreds of employees business.

  • @Lastman737
    @Lastman737 Před rokem +154

    This video was well presented. I didn't particularly have any interest in this subject but your delivery made it pleasant and informative.

    • @quixototalis
      @quixototalis Před rokem +8

      Second this. I didn't click at first because of the subject but when I did I got drawn in immediately. Just the right amount of information, presented very well as you said. I also love this approach to the refinement process as well. The team puts the clothes on, then get out there and work. What rips/chafes/etc. they fix on the next iteration after researching historical methods to do so.

  • @cmitchell7347
    @cmitchell7347 Před rokem +62

    Sooo interesting!! As a seamstress of many decades, fiber artist and garment designer, this was very insightful. My sewing machine conked out at the beginning of the pandemic. Wanted to remake some items to keep the creative juices flowing while locked down. Ended up altering and modifying pieces (apparel and home dec) I'd made previously or purchased with no option but to sew by hand. While I somewhat like hand sewing, definitely an eye opening challenge as it tested my limited skills (and patience realizing most would've been a quick fix on the machine).

    • @deb1120
      @deb1120 Před rokem +2

      ...sounds to me like you need a 'back-up' machine...or two! LOL (if you check yard sales and flea markets, you can find wonderful vintage machines for less money and they're workhorses)

    • @nancybarnett2832
      @nancybarnett2832 Před rokem

      I had the same problem, its horrible to not have a working machine.

  • @woodsie5796
    @woodsie5796 Před rokem +14

    Wonderful video! I am learning to hand sew at over 60 years young!

    • @giancolabird
      @giancolabird Před rokem +3

      Me too! At 67

    • @woodsie5796
      @woodsie5796 Před rokem +2

      @@giancolabird Are following a certain regimen or just trying on your own like I am?

    • @giancolabird
      @giancolabird Před rokem +6

      @@woodsie5796 I purchased Bernadette Banners book 'Make, Sew and Mend. Doing everything on my own at this point. Bernadette has a CZcams also.

    • @annameadowshelvie5714
      @annameadowshelvie5714 Před rokem +4

      61 here! I'm a historical interpreter and want to make my own clothes...eventually. Right now there are 5 year olds who are better seamstresses than I am! lolz. But it's relaxing. I'm looking at Bernadette Banner's CZcams videos as well.

    • @woodsie5796
      @woodsie5796 Před rokem +1

      @@giancolabird and @Anna Meadows. THANK BOTH! Blessings to you and yours 🥰

  • @williamwelch7
    @williamwelch7 Před rokem +12

    Thanks, nice video! Very impressive all that hand stitching! Twenty years ago I worked at a living history museum, and still have my pair of 1880's style overalls. My neighbor was a seamstress, and made them from an authentic pattern, and period style cotton. They're still in good shape, and when people ask me about them, these days I just call them my 'Sling Blade' overalls. That always gets a chuckle, and then I explain the history. Oh, and I've had one of your 'market wallets' for years, use it all the time, and only had to make one repair at the opening. It gets a workout, and I appreciate the quality.

  • @jacobschultz7201
    @jacobschultz7201 Před rokem +5

    She's clearly a master and such a pleasant woman with great delivery. Very cool hearing modern craftsmens' thoughts on old methods and industry standards. Bring her back to talk about other projects!

  • @CinemaSeven
    @CinemaSeven Před rokem +10

    One of the reasons I love this channel is how infectious the passion everyone shows. Really liked this video. Would love to see how other pieces of clothing, types of stitching, materials, etc, came about this period.

  • @Unidan
    @Unidan Před rokem +19

    This is awesome, more videos from her, please! Sending this to every sewing fanatic I know.

  • @tracegates8841
    @tracegates8841 Před rokem +5

    Watching hand sewing and sewing machines is so relaxing to me. I loved this presentation.

  • @cynthiadugan858
    @cynthiadugan858 Před rokem +5

    Great video! Enjoyed meeting another member of the team❤️. I’ve been doing almost all my sewing by hand for the last couple of years. I find that I actually “finish” more projects because I don’t have to carve out time to sit at the machine … I can sew when watching tv in the evenings. My speed and skill have increased exponentially as well but I’m pretty sure I still couldn’t get 30 gathers/inch!!! Maybe 20 on a good day.

    • @charoleawood
      @charoleawood Před rokem

      Perhaps with finer needles and thread thirty is possible? How many threads cross each other per inch when a simple work shirt fabric is put together on the loom?

    • @cynthiadugan858
      @cynthiadugan858 Před rokem +4

      @@charoleawood between 35 & 45 threads/inch on a medium weight linen. Some really fine, high quality linen might approach 60 threads/inch and 30 stitches would be easier on the higher thread count. Small fine needles do make it easier to take tiny stitches. I use a really tiny needle I think it’s the next to the smallest size available. One thing worth noting is that really high quality needles available to purchase today are not as good as vintage needles. I’m always super excited to find tiny needles at thrift stores because I know they will be good ones.

    • @charoleawood
      @charoleawood Před rokem +2

      @@cynthiadugan858
      Awesome to know, thanks for the info!

  • @eloisebennett1673
    @eloisebennett1673 Před rokem +6

    I loved this! I do medieval re-enactment and use mostly linen. I've made gowns totally by hand. Learning how Townsends has researched and made garments was extremely interesting.

  • @lynnodonnell4764
    @lynnodonnell4764 Před rokem +17

    YEA!!!! SEWING!!! FINALLY!!!!

    • @Yt-hb4wh
      @Yt-hb4wh Před rokem +6

      We need more sewing/fabric related segments!

    • @debbralehrman5957
      @debbralehrman5957 Před rokem +6

      I know I was thinking the same thing ! WooHoo!!

    • @lynnodonnell4764
      @lynnodonnell4764 Před rokem +2

      @@debbralehrman5957 inquiring minds WANNA KNOW... I wonder if we'll get an answer Debra....

    • @rosemcguinn5301
      @rosemcguinn5301 Před rokem +1

      You have my vote too!

  • @dnayer
    @dnayer Před rokem +19

    It is great to see all the work and research that is put into the smallest details.

  • @katanatac
    @katanatac Před rokem +4

    I own several Townsends work shirts made several years ago and they are still holding up exceptionally well.
    After seeing this video with this young lady and her devotion and love of the craft, I will order more and hope she is my seamstress.

  • @AgreeToTheBlood
    @AgreeToTheBlood Před rokem +14

    Fantastic! I can't wait to see more Nicole videos!

  • @jamesellsworth9673
    @jamesellsworth9673 Před rokem +2

    Thanks for giving us these insights into sewing and the making of shirts at Townsends. Anyone who buys a garment now can picture the person and the effort that made them.

  • @sdega315
    @sdega315 Před rokem +10

    Fascinating! Thank you for profiling a unique craftsperson on your team. 🥰

  • @charleslambert3368
    @charleslambert3368 Před rokem +12

    And before you could even start on the 50 hours of hand-sewing the shirt, the raw cotton or flax fibres had to be spun and woven. During the 18th century you had early-industrial advances like the spinning jenny and the flying shuttle but before that it was a full-time job for many women just to keep their families clothed.

  • @skylord8625
    @skylord8625 Před rokem +140

    She is lovely. We need to see more seamstress stuff!

  • @aleswitch
    @aleswitch Před rokem +5

    Hooray!!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳Finally, after many years, a video about the sewing techniques used at the time in common garments!! Yay!!! I know there's a lot of historical costuming channels on youtube, but no-one makes videos with th kind of 'editorial flavour ?' that Townsends do! More of this please Townsend's team! With love from a very long term subscriber! ❤❤

  • @ladyjusticesusan
    @ladyjusticesusan Před rokem +1

    I have been sewing for over 50 years. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to see Townsends do this video. I love it so much and appreciate it so much. Thank you!

  • @robzinawarriorprincess1318

    It's wonderful to meet Nicole! Awesome work!

  • @lisakilmer2667
    @lisakilmer2667 Před rokem +12

    Thanks so much for this unique content! I don't doubt the 40-hour schedule, especially for someone unaccustomed to it. When I hand-quilted my first quilt I went from painfully slow to maybe twice as fast. I wonder if Bernadette Banner (who does loads of hand-work) could shed more light on the amount of time needed to hand-stitch garments, as she filmed herself making a "pirate shirt" a couple of years ago?

    • @boomeracres4813
      @boomeracres4813 Před rokem +1

      I was thinking the same thing about the gather count on the cuffs. Bernadette has a book on hand sewing that might shed some light on it as well.
      Wonderful video! I enjoy hand-sewing and find it relaxing. I’ve concentrated on Victorian clothing. But in the end, a seam is a seam!

    • @jessicav2031
      @jessicav2031 Před rokem +1

      When someone on a video mentions that something took forever, I guess we don't really get an idea of what they mean. It is telling though that these days Bernadette is using a period machine. Clearly we're all spoiled by machines :)

    • @Arendbelle
      @Arendbelle Před rokem

      I just watched her pirate shirt video- I think she said it took her a week and a half.

  • @EliotChildress
    @EliotChildress Před rokem +5

    I love these deep dives into such typical things that were such big parts of life not too long ago. It’s what makes your videos so great and why I now feel like I need one of your work shirts.

  • @olderendirt
    @olderendirt Před rokem +4

    As a seamstress, this was so interesting. No wonder young girls were taught stitchery skills early on. That was an extremely important ability. Thanks for sharing. I love Townsend videos.

  • @melissagoetz8847
    @melissagoetz8847 Před rokem +8

    As a home seamstress this episode was amazing. Thank you.

  • @trenae77
    @trenae77 Před rokem +2

    It’s cool to see experiential learning applied on so many levels - not only the practice of making the cabin, but using THAT process to experiment with the practicality of the clothing.

  • @mommared6713
    @mommared6713 Před rokem +3

    I loved this, thank you so much for giving us the inside info. I know sewing is a art form that is almost long forgotten by the masses so I enjoyed this!

  • @nordicson2835
    @nordicson2835 Před rokem +15

    This was both interesting and informative you have a great personality for this , l hope we get to see more from you.thank you.

  • @robertl6196
    @robertl6196 Před rokem +4

    Another video I didn't know I needed to see.
    They had skills, back in the day. So does this young lady.

    • @amysbees6686
      @amysbees6686 Před rokem +1

      I firmly believe the skills presented in these videos will get us through the most difficult times! We should all consider learning them!

  • @julegate
    @julegate Před rokem +9

    This was very interesting. Much more detail and skill then I originally thought.

  • @danandashleyhayes3159
    @danandashleyhayes3159 Před rokem +1

    A fantastic video! I have hand-sewed a work shirt very similar to the one highlighted here and it is indeed humbling. It's nice to know that the original makers had 40 hours in the garments (mine took MUCH longer to make). As a longtime (20+ years) customer of Jas. Townsends, I appreciate how the company has grown, both in its offerings of wares, but also in its commitment to research and education. (Please post more videos with this presenter. Her passion for her craft is infectious and inspiring.)

  • @earlshaner4441
    @earlshaner4441 Před rokem +2

    Good evening from Syracuse NY everyone thank you for sharing your adventures in history

  • @karasu1982
    @karasu1982 Před rokem +6

    This truly sounds like a person doing what they were made to be doing and excited to do it. Inspiring.

    • @GodActio
      @GodActio Před rokem +1

      Agree, sewing for my family is so relaxing and freeing. Don't have to sell my youth to some faceless globocorp.
      Just happily raise my family at home, I homeschool my children using good materials, teaching them so many good things.
      I wish other women could enjoy this luxury like me

  • @dwaynewladyka577
    @dwaynewladyka577 Před rokem +3

    It's fascinating to see how your operation runs. This is awesome. Cheers!

  • @fishinwidow35
    @fishinwidow35 Před rokem +11

    I would have liked to see the side seams. Did you flat fell them? I've made this shirt before. Nice that you did make one completely by hand, it does make you appreciate what seamstresses had to do in the past to make all garments.

  • @rosemarygilman8718
    @rosemarygilman8718 Před rokem +3

    As someone who sews a lot of clothes for myself I found this episode to be very interesing. Thank goodness for the invention of the sewing machine!

  • @Deadeye-sj3qc
    @Deadeye-sj3qc Před rokem +2

    Very interesting I hope we can see more videos like this. I really like to see how much skill and care goes into the awesome products they have to offer. Not just some cheep Chinese stuff but hand made American products from a true family small business. We need to support more business like this. I bought some candle holders from them and they give such a fantastic look to my office.

  • @1SemperDad
    @1SemperDad Před rokem +3

    Thank you for this inside peek behind the walls of Townsends. Hope you continue to do more of this.

  • @TheKetogenicMadScientist

    I really enjoyed this. Thank you. I will look through the channel for more fiber arts videos- from crochet to knitting with weaving being my current fascination, I love fiber arts!

  • @KyneburgheHannah
    @KyneburgheHannah Před rokem +3

    Wonderful and fascinating presentation!

  • @yuantheblue
    @yuantheblue Před rokem +2

    Its a pleasure to see some of the work spaces, particularly since I was able to order a cape there awhile back, so it makes it just a bit more special :)

  • @judgeworks3687
    @judgeworks3687 Před rokem +2

    This was so great to hear. Really appreciate hearing her take as a craftswoman.

  • @jorenbosmans8065
    @jorenbosmans8065 Před rokem +5

    It is amazing to see how much research and effort is being put into these products. Especially the fact that you wanted to see if you could do the handsewing. If you are up for it, I would love to see a time period video in which you make such a shirt the way it was done by hand. But let's stick with the working class shirt then 😅

  • @SaraH-te9vb
    @SaraH-te9vb Před rokem +2

    This was so enjoyable! I've been looking forward to seeing Townsend sewing for so long! Thank you thank you! Very educational and eye-opening.

  • @dennisperusse3837
    @dennisperusse3837 Před rokem +6

    Fully enjoyed the video. I do the medieval era so it’s great to see the presentation of a later time period. :)

  • @vivianramsay2527
    @vivianramsay2527 Před rokem +2

    So wonderful to get this history background! Loved your narrative ! More of this please!!

  • @agimagi2158
    @agimagi2158 Před rokem +2

    Sewing content! Sewing content!! I'm so excited!! The shirt looks super good. When I handsewed one I definitely didn't do 30 gathers per inch, more like 5 or so. Thank you so much for the research, now I know what I can do better next time. And I definitely feel like I'll sew another one because that heart shaped patch is so cute and I need one!!

  • @judithsmith9319
    @judithsmith9319 Před rokem +3

    Also, imagine the person who had to grow, clean, card and spin, then weave the cloth before ever cutting and sewing the garment! That's a full time job. I'm a spinner of wool but have never woven any cloth for garments... that's for another time!

    • @amysbees6686
      @amysbees6686 Před rokem +1

      You should try it! My sister-in-law does weaving. She's an also got a spinning wheel which she's used for llama wool.

  • @markblanchette8755
    @markblanchette8755 Před rokem +3

    This is an incredible inside look into Townsends. Love the video and the information is so detailed and the presentation was so professional. She was amazing!

  • @TheGoldbaxter
    @TheGoldbaxter Před rokem +2

    This was very informative, im glad Nichole agreed to do it and she did a great job!

  • @tiredoftrolls2629
    @tiredoftrolls2629 Před rokem +4

    This was fascinating. I love hearing about clothing, whether it is construction or care!

  • @Honojane12
    @Honojane12 Před rokem

    The patience you display is beyond my comprehension! All you gals who hand sew and research for re-enactments just amaze me! What talent!

  • @MrKelseyB
    @MrKelseyB Před rokem +4

    I love all of the amazing videos by John, so don't even think for a moment on cutting back on those, but this has been a very informative and interesting video, especially where we are having a modern professional talking about the requirements of the shirt, and what she found difficult. It was akin to learning that NASA has astronaut outfits hand sewn. Thanks so much for this!

  • @benstylus
    @benstylus Před rokem +1

    Love this channel. Great video and so nice to see more of the Townsend crew!

  • @dianebondhus9355
    @dianebondhus9355 Před rokem +4

    Another lovely, knowledgeable presentation! Thank you for sharing yourself and skills. 🥰

  • @ewittkofs
    @ewittkofs Před rokem +2

    This is really a great presentation. Really insightful!

  • @neeleyfolk
    @neeleyfolk Před rokem

    This was great! Thanks, love to hear people talk about work they love to do and are vested in.

  • @janicemartin1580
    @janicemartin1580 Před rokem

    This was fascinating! Thanks for taking time to handsew this terribly useful garmet. Wonderful presentation, Nicole.

  • @chp21600
    @chp21600 Před rokem +3

    Wow what a fabulous job you have!! I've been sewing my whole life too and have made a few period pieces. Some by hand and some by machine. It can be challenging and so fun to figure it out! Thank you for the video!!!

  • @jwwt2000421
    @jwwt2000421 Před rokem +1

    Fantastic! As much as I love the cooking and project videos, would love to see more from the team who makes your products! Proud to have my whole parade unit outfitted by Townsends!

  • @femalism1715
    @femalism1715 Před rokem +2

    Cooking and sewing are my favorite things! Thank you for this very interesting and informative episode!

  • @wwaxwork
    @wwaxwork Před rokem

    Thank you so much for this video, I found it super informative. It was fun to see not only a little glimpse of the behind the scenes operation but to have someone that experienced in a more modern style of sewing explain just how much work went into something that was so common.

  • @tracym9225
    @tracym9225 Před rokem +1

    This was great! Would love to see more like it. The work they do is amazing.

  • @natmorse-noland9133
    @natmorse-noland9133 Před rokem +3

    Love this "behind the scenes" video - I'd love to see more!

  • @lanced3256
    @lanced3256 Před rokem +1

    So amazing. This is a classic case of " If you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life" It must be so cool to be a part of this endeavor
    Best wishes

  • @teresatapscott1131
    @teresatapscott1131 Před rokem

    This is a great video, so informative, and really brings home the fact that while tailcoats etc are the exciting, flashy part of the wardrobe, it's really these humble work shirts that were truly the most important part it. I do not have the patience for this kind of project, so thank you for doing this video!

  • @lyra2112
    @lyra2112 Před rokem

    I loved this video! More like this please! Love how this channel keeps evolving yet staying true! Well done everyone!

  • @Whitney_Sews
    @Whitney_Sews Před rokem +1

    I absolutely love this video! As somehow who sews it's really neat to hear her perspective on making historical clothing.

  • @joeyhardin1288
    @joeyhardin1288 Před rokem +3

    What a hidden gem. You said your name so fast I did not catch it... Nichole Curren was what I heard. Jon, as much as Ryan, Arron and Brandon mean to us, you need to have her on more. God Bless and stay safe.

    • @Marlaina
      @Marlaina Před rokem +1

      Nicole Kerr (I think it’s spelled).
      She’s Ryan’s wife.

    • @joeyhardin1288
      @joeyhardin1288 Před rokem +1

      @@Marlaina Thank you

  • @kittimcconnell2633
    @kittimcconnell2633 Před rokem

    You're an amazing sewist! Thank you for sharing this and all the details you included.

  • @ericjohnson1008
    @ericjohnson1008 Před rokem +2

    Thanks for sharing, it's awesome to hear your perspective on the shirt you made.

  • @nunyabizness4354
    @nunyabizness4354 Před rokem +1

    I would enjoy more of this type of content. Nicole has a straightforward way of explaining things. History of clothing would be very interesting, I think.

  • @IHUTCHI
    @IHUTCHI Před rokem

    WOW! Such amazing details going into what some would think as the mundane! I love this!

  • @Babba08
    @Babba08 Před rokem +2

    This was an excellent video! I had no idea the work women did sewing all the clothes for themselves and their families. I mean, I knew it was a lot of work, but that's really a lot of work.
    I enjoyed learning the reason that you guys worked to improve the quality of the work shirt because of the guys wearing the shirts while building the cabin.
    Also, Nicole is an excellent presenter! She certainly deserves kudos.
    As always, the production values are top notch!

    • @bcase5328
      @bcase5328 Před rokem +1

      Young girls began sewing/needlework at a young age. It was seen as a required skill for a female.

  • @OofusTwillip
    @OofusTwillip Před rokem

    We still have the hand-sewn linen shirt that my great-grandmother made for my grandfather, who was a teenager when he left Bessarabia to move to Canada, in 1928.
    She grew the flax, harvested it, combed it, spun it, and wove it into fabric. She made it into a shirt, and did traditonal embroidery on it. It's a treasure.