Techniques and garment construction of the period:

• Belts-Belts of the Edwardian period (as seen in Anne of Avonlea) were usually made of a sturdy fabric and boned. I have made a belt similar to those seen in the film, and I used approximately seven bones. I would recommend either plastic or spiral steel boning, as well as interlining your belt with a sturdy cotton material, such as batiste or muslin. The belts of this period usually closed in the back, either by means of hooks and eyes or buckles. If making a belt to be worn with a buckle, be sure to leave enough extra so the end of the belt can pass through the buckle.

• Shirtwaists-Shirtwaists (blouses) of the period were usually made full in the front and more fitted in the back. They either buttoned down the front or buttons were concealed under a hidden placket. The shirtwaists were fitted at the waist by means of a tape, usually twill tape. This is a super idea since it reduces the shifting that usually occurs when wearing a blouse.

• Skirts-Skirts were most popularly made up of three, five, or seven gores. There was usually fullness in the center back in the form of gathers or pleats. Skirts were most commonly hemmed at walking length (roughly 2" above the ground) or floor length.

• Standing Collars-Standing collars of the period were usually boned to help keep their shape. The bones were commonly made of wire and were specifically sold as "collar bones." Usually two were used-one on either side of the neck. For a period article on boning, visit Across the Ages .