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OPEN 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Makesmith Workshop

Come tinker around in our indoor workshop!

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Find out what's happening today and beyond at Conner Prairie See all things to do
OPEN 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Makesmith Workshop

Come tinker around in our indoor workshop!

Places To Explore > 1836 Prairietown > Learn More About Prairietown

Clothing in the 1800s


In early Indiana, most settlers made their clothes instead of buying them at the store. Clothes were usually made by the women in the family. This took a lot of time because sewing had to be done by hand. (The sewing machine was not patented until 1846.)
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Making Clothes in 1836.

Some people still wove their own fabric while others bought fabric at stores. Stores sold fabric produced in factories in the United States and other countries including England. Common fabrics were cotton, wool and linen. Men and women did not dress alike. In the early 1800s, women wore dresses and aprons — you would not see a woman wearing pants. Women and girls also wore “day caps” on their heads to keep their hair clean and out of the way. Men wore shirts, trousers, vests and tailcoats. Older children wore clothes like those worn by adults. However, children under the age of 6, both boys and girls, usually wore dresses!

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Spinning Wool into Wearables


spinning woolSome clothes such as scarves, mittens and stockings were hand-knitted using yarn. Stores sold yarn, but many people produced their own yarn by raising sheep. After the wool was sheared from sheep each spring, it was cleaned and carded (combed). Then the settlers spun the wool into yarn. Sometimes they would dye the wool different colors.

 

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At Conner Prairie, springtime brings an opportunity for our guests to experience a farming tradition like no other: sheep shearing. We'll walk you through every step of the shearing process, and even let you help spin and weave the fluffy white fleece into yarn on an antique spinning wheel. This is one hands-on experience you'll never forget. Come on out for a weekend of hands-on demonstrations, drop-in workshops and oodles of memory-making experiences the whole family will enjoy as you unravel the mystery of textiles at Conner Prairie.

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Just like today, many people in the 1830s liked to wear colorful clothes and patterns. 

colorful clothesAs you tour 1836 Prairietown, take notice of the clothing worn by the townspeople. Most are wearing basic outfits as they do housework, gardening or a trade. A few may dress a bit fancier than others. If you would like to see how you look in the 1830s-style of clothing, you are welcome to try on clothing at the McClure House in Prairietown.

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