Studying at AUB the last three years has provided me with an understanding of how to research and construct historical garments in greater depth. As a maker, I now also consider how the costume will be used as fabrics, construction techniques and sewing methods required for museum replica costumes differ to performance costumes.

My main area of interest covers 1930s to 1960s costume and both projects in my final year are created from this era. For my first project I replicated an Agnés-Drecoll couture silk taffeta evening dress (c. 1936) as detailed in Janet Arnold’s book - Patterns of Fashion. With limited information and only a few online images, the value of wider research provided the knowledge to successfully recreate the dress. 

My second project involved creating a 1940s Women’s Land Army ensemble. This costume comprised of five different items requiring different methods of creating pattern pieces and challenged my sewing and construction skills for a hand-knitted jumper, tailored shirt, hat, tie and breeches.

As an older graduate leaving AUB, the course has provided an enhanced skill set in dressmaking, tailoring and millinery and I hope to start a small business creating realistic practical costumes for vintage enactments and festivals.