I first saw these pictures on Pinterest….and couldn’t stop staring! From that moment I knew that someday I would re-create this unique and beautiful uniform of the Women’s League Motor Corps of America.
This original belongs to the MET museum:
The Motor Corps of America was one of many ways for women of 1918 to lend a hand to the war effort (the Marines where the first branch in the U.S. military to allow women to serve; there were also the “hello girls” – phone operators; and donut girls, whose job it was to bring a little bit of home to our soldiers overseas). The women of the Motor Corps became ambulance drivers, some under the umbrella of the American Red Cross. Not only did these ladies have to have a chauffer license, they also had to pass a mechanic’s test. A big deal for anyone in 1918!
Here is my reproduction of this WWI uniform:
I used original WWI military buttons. The Sam Brown belt is a reproduction.
Construction pictures:
I am very happy with my version of the WWI uniform. It truly was a labor of love – many hours went into designing the pattern, construction and making sure that every detail was as close to the original as possible.
Finally, I got to wear my uniform for a Veteran’s Day celebration at my church. My husband organized a “live” U.S. military timeline. Sixteen of us wore U.S. uniforms, representing different time periods and branches of the military beginning in the Revolutionary War, going all the way through to the present.
Here is a picture of my family. My son is wearing the uniform of a Civil War Drummer. My husband, a WWII Army Air Force Captain, my daughter a WWII Red Cross Nurse and me…Driver for the Motor Corps of America!
Scarlett
My god woman you are my hero! I have been longing to reproduce this uniform for years now! What type of fabric did you use and wherever did you find it? I’m in awe!
SewDecadesAgo
Thank you! The fabric came from e-bay. It is a wool/poly blend which isn’t perfect, but 100% wool wasn’t in my budget. The color was such a close match to the original, though, that I couldn’t resist! I have enough fabric left to make an overcoat, but I no longer have a dead-line to make it 🙂 Wearing my repro uniform was fantastic and I felt honored to represent ladies from the Motor Corps of America in our US military timeline.
Alex
Hello,
The work you did for your replica costume is absolutely gorgeous. I myself am not crafty but would absolutely love to ( If you are willing) purchase one from you. Please let me know how much you charge for one of your gorgeous recreations. I have an image that is just a bit different from your uniform but they are very similar. I haven’t been able to find anyone who’s made such an accurate piece. You are so talented. Please let me know whether or not you’d be willing to commission a piece. Have an amazing day.
-Alex
Melissa Crews
Do you still have this costume and is it for sale?
SewDecadesAgo
I’m so sorry it’s taken so long to respond. My website was down since Nov. due to technical difficulties. I do have the uniform, but it is not for sale. I use it for WWI presentations as an educational tool. Thank you for visiting my website. Kindest regards.
Thomas M. Vanderhoof
Can you make another WW I Motor Corps uniform for VFW 661 – Uniform Display Museum in Salem, Oregon. We are a non-profit organization run by military veteran volunteers. Functions mostly on money from own pockets & spheroidic donations
What would cost be?
Thomas – Volunteer Museum Curator
SewDecadesAgo
Hello Thomas. I will email you directly to let you know the cost break-down.
Christina
How did you make the pattern? How many yards were used? Is there a certain pattern that you adjusted? What resources did you use to make this?
SewDecadesAgo
Hello Christina. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post 🙂 I used about 4 different patterns, some self-drafted to make this uniforms. I think I used about 6 yards, but I’m not sure at this point. Sadly, there are not many resources on women’s uniforms in WWI. I used my husband’s vast collection of WWI men’s uniforms to get an idea of period military construction and then just kept studying the picture of the MET museum’s uniform. Due to the overwhelming interest, I will be making another one in the near future and will better document my process.
Cheryl
It there actually any Reproductions of a Women’s WWI Motor Corps of America Uniform or even an original anyplace out there. I absolutely want on in size 5 I think.
The only problem is, I probably won’t be able to afford on my SSI. Hope to hear from ya.
~ God Bless
Cheryl
ps I really did not want this public. But I see no other way to ask.
SewDecadesAgo
Hello Cheryl, I’m so sorry, but I don’t know of anyone else who makes reproduction WWI women’s uniforms. The biggest problem is finding the correct fabric, and there are no patterns for this specific style of uniform. Plus I just don’t have it in me to take custom orders for this garment.
stanley watts
The Eastern Seaboard Cavalry Association has just formed a mounted group based upon the American Women’s League of Sef Defence. The big issue for us is the long drape coat worn instead of the standard army jacket. Have you come across any information on this during your indepth research? Indeed, anything on the AWLSD as anything on this Unit is like hens teeth.
SewDecadesAgo
Hi there! Unfortunately, there is very little information available on any of the types of uniforms worn by women during WWI. It appears that the AWLSD wore long coats over shirt, tie, jodhpurs and canvas or leather leggings to make horseback riding more comfortable. I have not come across any other information about them. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help. They had to be an amazing group of women!