I am currently studying historic techniques and materials for recreating authentic articles of historic dress. This half-scale mannequin is made using instructions and patterns from Ruth Watkins Costumes and Burnley & Trowbridge. It is fitted with my recently finished mid-18th century conicle stays in wool and linen. These stays are completely sewn by hand and, using the malleable bust you see in the photos here, helps to provide the correct historical silhouette for additional layers.
