Our un-cut embroidery designs reflect the 18^th century taste for elegance in fashion. The designs are well-researched and documented using reference books as secondary sources and original extent garment as primary sources. The fabric used is a close to the 18^th century originals as it its possible to attain in our modern 2l^st Century. 

 MENS WAISTCOATS and RUFFLES

 Waistcoats offered a visual showcase for embroidered designs. They range from the simple county designs to the Stunning court suits of the later 18th century. Most extant waistcoats are made from various shades of white silk. White may have been the most common pre-embroidered waistcoat shipped for sale to the colonies. Shades of red, pink, green, blue and others are also found but not in large numbers. These lengths of fabric were also know as patterns and were given to tailors to cut and sew for the Patron by the addition of a lining and a back fabric. Many men ordered “Suits” consisting of a Coat, Breeches and a Waistcoat, many of which were embroidered. Some waistcoat designs were woven in the loom; one example is the Jeremiah Wadsworth waistcoat from the Deane-Web-Steven museum. France was the largest producer of these pre-embroidered waistcoats, however London had a small and thriving business in embroidery workshops.

Men were the peacocks of the 18^th century. Fine lace, embroidery and drawn work graced their sleeves and necks. Just look at the painting of Jacques Cazotter, c 1770 by J.B. Perroneau found in Dress in the Eighteenth Century Europe by Aileen Riberio. The splendid sleeve and neck ruffles testify to the dignity wealth and grace of this fine Gentleman.

LADIES RUFFLES, APRONS AND HANDKERCHIEFS 

Women in the 18^th Century knew that apparel carried social and symbolic message. It could reveal wealth and leisure. Women had a variety of accessories to choose from. The embroider sleeve ruffle showed that perhaps the lady was wealthy enough to own such a labor-intensive item. A fine apron worn for dress was not seen as a garment used for protection from drudgery. The sheerest of cotton draped around the neck showed off the elaborate design and hid from view the décolletage of the social elite.