Anderson Tailoring

All- I'm pleased to be offering a leather breeches workshop at the wonderful Kilts Farm, New York on September 7-8th. If interested, follow the link to register,

2024 18th Century Leather Breeches Making Previous experience in hand sewing is highly encouraged. Students should contact the instructor prior to the workshop to provide measurements. Students should not expect to complete their breeches during the workshop but leave with ample skill and knowledge to complete them on their own. Resources a...

Coming close to the finish on another pair of leather breeches.

Cutting out another pair of leather breeches. This is a rewarding and nerve-wracking part of the construction process when you finally pull the trigger on your time laying out and patterning.

9 August 1780 details of issuances to troops at Chesterfield Court House from the Richmond Public Store. Great details regarding hat linings and binding as well as pairs of pewter sleeve buttons.

I currently have two uniform coats for the Third Regiment of Light Dragoons on the board. As I sit here in Williamsburg, VA I often take time to reflect on the fact that many of this unit’s uniforms historically originated right here in Williamsburg as well. One of the best records that exists for documenting the regiment’s uniforms comes from a 6 July 1779 entry in the Williamsburg Public Store records found in Mary Goodwin’s Clothing and Accountrements of the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Forces 1775-1780. From the Records of the Public Store at Williamsburg:
COLO GEORGE BAYLOR'S DRAGOONS Pr Ord. B. W. DR
For Sundries deld to Capt John Stith Pr Rect Vizt
21-½ Yds Cloth @ 60/. 18 Yds do 5 £16 352:10:--
75 Yds ditto @ £16. 90 Yds Shalloon @ 12/9d)
6 lb Thrd @ 18/) 1262:15: 6
138 doz. Buttons @ 2/. 27 Ps Tape @ 12/6d 30:13: 6
50 White Shirts @ £13:15/. 77 Black Stocks @--- 700: 6: 8
38 Stock Buckles @ 1/3d. 20 Blankets @ 90/ 92: 7: 6 2438:13: 2
…
Colo George Baylor's Dragoons…
To Benjn Day Esqr as Agent, for sundry Articles not to be had in the Publick Store- Vizt-
112 ½ Yards Linen for Shirts £841:17: 6
41 Pair Leather Breeches 984: 0: 0
44 Pair thread Stockings 169: 4: 0
71 Pair Boots 210:--:-- 2205: 1: 6
To Ditto advanced Capt Stith for having 40 Coats)
26 Jackets & 32 Shirts made )

Like most historical research on uniform clothing, there are some great resources for this unit and some perpetual mysteries. In documenting what the uniform should look like, I use every resource available be it archaeological recoveries, portraiture, historical documents, and surviving garments.
https://philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/320539.html

Piecing (joining multiple pieces of fabric to form a single component of a garment) was a common economical practice in the 18th Century, leading to less waste of material and reduced yardage needed. I have used this aplicatiion in two regimental coats currently on the board. On the blue coat, you can see it in the back panels near the shoulders and on the white coat on the sleeve near the wrist. Though this piecing will later be covered by a cuff, these historical details are maintained to create an authentic garment and are still economical.

Pushing through a lot of projects the past couple of weeks. This coat will be for a trooper of the Third Regiment of Light Dragoons. White broadcloth and blue serge from kochan-philips textiles. It's always rewarding doing projects for good friends.

For Sale- completely handsewn 3rd Light Dragoons regimental of Kochan-Philips broadcloth and Serge lining. Linen lined sleeves and interior welted pockets. Size 46-48 regular. Asking $450.00 obo.

Uniforms based on research into the appearance of late-war Continentals in the Southern Department.

Made of cinnamon colored broadcloth with full lining of brown serge and linen. Center back pleats and working pockets.