And there are...Broadfalls

Four pairs broadfalls
custom-made in July 2011
by Rachels' Seamstress Services



In the mid 1800's, broadfall trousers came into use and have a fall that is from hip to hip...thus the name broadfall.

Broadfall trousers were worn by the general population (of men) during the late 1700's through the mid 1800's.

Before the invention of the zipper, the buttoned fly front had been used in the early 1700's, by the later part of the century all breeches, pantaloons, trousers and overalls used the narrow fall closure...the first broadfall option in trousers. Narrow fall broadfalls are now made mostly for historical period re-enactments.

Later on, after pantaloons were invented, the fly front came about. The broadfall remained as a sporting attire option, and is now not worn by the general population, only seen uniformly in the Amish, some Mennonite, Conservative Quaker and other Anabaptist groups.




Small Boys' Broadfall Trousers with
added 'front flaps'.
Can be purchased in Rachels' 'Etsy Shop'.

 Suspenders

Presently, most trousers are held up with the use of a belt which is passed through the belt loops on the waistband of trousers. However, this was traditionally a style acceptable only for casual trousers and work trousers; suit trousers and formal trousers were suspended by the use of braces (called suspenders in American English) attached to buttons located on the interior or exterior of the waistband. Today, this remains the preferred method of trouser support amongst classical British tailoring and those who wear broadfall trousers. Many men claim this method is more effective and more comfortable because there is no cinching of the waist or periodic adjustment.



Custom Sewing Projects



Letha Fulton's School of Dance
"Annie" Production, June 2011

I would like to share with you all several custom sewing projects I have worked on.

Most recently, in June 2011, I was contacted by Letha Fulton's School of Dance to make seventeen young girls aprons for an 'Annie' Production.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity, as productions of many kinds, esp. historical, interest me very much. The sizes of the aprons and the girls' names soon arrived in the mail, and I set to work.

I was pleasantly surprised when the photograph arrived, with 14 of the girls, in their 'Annie' attire. 

The above photograph will sit on my desk as a beautiful reminder to always persevere and...

"Whatever you are...Be a good one" ~Abraham Lincoln

Additionally, in 2009-2010, I was contracted to make ten Jig and Lilt Scottish Highland Dresses, in addition to underskirts and aprons for Bonnie Toes. Again, I was thrilled to have the opportunity. Not knowing too much about this particular attire, several design inquiries were made and I learned a great deal not only about the attire, but also, designing the attire for 'ease of movement' with the dancing.

In between, other custom sewing projects have been completed, such as:

• Period correct men's attire for a 'Lewis & Clark' expedition re-enactment.
• 'Scrub Tops' in a particular fabric and design for a nurse.
• Custom-made attire for a young boy with a disability.
• Custom-made head coverings. 

I appreciate each and every opportunity to use my skills to 'make a difference' in other lives, in a very happy way too! And I am so thankful to be able to use these skills as my vocation...a true blessing.

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.

~St. Augustine's Prayer to the Holy Spirit