Repeated Originals is dedicated to preserving and reproducing the original patterns exactly as they were published from 1860s onwards.

Of course, there are certainly challenging differences between our modern era sewing and constructing garments or accessories from these earlier times.

Each original pattern is published in one size, it is recommended to always make a toile for fitting.

This is a blessing as well as a curse, because generally all patterns are made on the same measurements so will all automatically go together (e.g. a bustle pattern from 1885 will fit under a dress from 1885..) so would be ideal for fashion students constructing multiple garments for a completed ensemble.

The original instructions supplied were brief, because, in those times, it was assumed you would know how to finish edges, add closures or attach plackets etc.

Although challenging at times, for beginner makers, they can also be less restrictive, because you can make your own decisions based on your reasons for creating the garments (i.e. if it is for reenactment purposes, you can be true to the era with your techniques, if it is for theatre, or historybounding, you can make your closures modern, dispense with fitting over corsets, etc)

The one inescapable fact is that the original patterns will always give you a more authentic look and feel, having been based on original pattern blocks from each era, rather than trying to fit in
to a modern block. The cut of each individual style and era still amazes me.

I like to repeat the originals.