Reproduction Petticoat and Hat

For Exhibit with Wool Damask Gown (English, 1740-1760)

Under the guidance of Neal Hurst, Assistant Curator of Costume and Textiles at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, I made an 18th-century style petticoat and hat, following guidelines from The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking by Lauren Stowell and Abby Cox.

The hat is constructed with a corrugated board brim and polyester felt crown. It is covered with black cotton sateen, with pleating on the underside of the brim. Neal Hurst further decorated the hat with a bow and ostrich feathers.

The petticoat is made from cotton sateen with machine-sewn box pleats and twill-tape ties. The exposed portion of the hem is hand-stitched.

Death Head Buttons

For Wool Officer’s Coat (American, ca. 1770)

I conducted historical research on death head buttons and created a set of 10 buttons to replace historically inaccurate buttons on this officer’s coat from the collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Original death head buttons are present on the back of the coat and were used as a model for the reconstructions.