Dressing 18th Century Style: Now At Sassafras Creek Originals

Pockets

Just in time for School of the Soldier this weekend in Ste. Genevieve, Sassasfras Creek Originals will be carrying a few items for the 18th century lady made by my very own hands. I have quite a stack of goods that I've stitched along the way, simply because I enjoy making them. Pockets are my favorite and I always seem to have one in the making.

"In the 18th century, women's gowns did not have sewn-in pockets, probably because pockets filled with personal belongings would have ruined the lines of full, floating skirts. Instead, women carried small items in separate, commodious bags tied around their waists beneath their skirts or aprons. Some pockets came in pairs, worn on each side over the hips; others were singles." Historic Threads 

Aprons, Scarves, & Shawls

Aprons are a must for any 18th century costume. I have dozens for myself because I like to layer them and I have found that I can change the look of my costume by changing the apron. . .It's also true of scarves and shawls. . .

Most aprons in the 18th Century were practical while some were intended to be simply fashionable. Practical aprons were made of washable fabric, gathered on a narrow tape, and tied around the waist. Fashionable aprons were decorative, and were not intended to get really dirty.

There will be Chatelaines available to buy, too. They are often worn by 18th and 19th century reenactors. From ancient times, waist-hung attachment were worn as part of the costume. It was in the Renaissance that women referred to them as Chatelaines, or keepers of the keys. They wore castle keys at their waist from a belt called a girdle. From this came the name Chatelaine to describe early waist-hung clasps displaying keys, knives, purses, fans, mirrors and pomanders.

Sassafras Creek Originals is a unique shop at 311 St. Mary's Road in Ste. Genevieve, Mo that offers early American home decor and gifts. It has been a favorite place for anything colonial--from game boards to tavern signs to woven coverlets. Now Kandye will be gradually expanding her goods to include some 18th century style clothing, both French and English. We both hope that not only reenactors will be pleased with her goods, but those locally will begin to dress in costume to help promote the French cultural heritage of our town.