Shop Updates
We will begin offering a few custom commissions for 18th century caps and bonnets beginning May 1st 2022. Email for details.Please watch this space for information on pre-orders for the L&S 18th Century Shirt Manual.
Shop update - 18th century Shirt
We have had several questions about when the Larkin & Smith 18th Century Shirt manual and shirt skits will be available. Yes, we will be offering both!! Pre-orders for the shirt manual will take place later this spring. We are currently working on putting together shirt kits for both officer/gentleman and workman/solider shirts. Please watch this space for details.
Special Notes About Pre-Orders:
After the pre-order has officially closed, patterns will be shipped within 1 to 2 weeks. Shipping notifications will be sent once your order has been proceed and shipped.
PLEASE NOTE, we strongly recommend placing a separate order if you would like to purchase additional items from the shop and need them in a more timely manner.
Additional items purchased during a pre-order will be held and shipped together unless instructed otherwise. We currently do not have the ability to separate shipping costs during a pre-order.
Larkin & Smith Patterns
Who we are
At the Sign of the Golden Scissors our goal is to provide the most accurate patterns and goods for the 18th century living historian and re-enactor, whether on the field or in a museum setting. The Larkin & Smith patterns are the result of years of reenacting, research, and teaching by Hallie Larkin and Stephanie Smith. Patterns and kits are suitable for beginners to advanced sewers, with something to offer every person at every skill level.
Enjoy the creative process
Will most people notice that your shift and stays are entirely hand sewn? That you created the tiniest rolled hems known to mankind on your delicate linen cap? Maybe not, but that doesn't mean you can't take the time to develop those skills and to enjoy every part of the creative process as you build or expand your historical wardrobe. Learn new techniques! Sharpen those skills! And above all, have fun!
Kits
Fabrics - Linens, silks, wools
Sewing Supplies
Sewing Accessories
Emily's Vintage Visions
Odds and Ends
Passing of the scissors
We are pleased to announce the sale of the Larkin & Smith pattern line and At the Sign of the Golden Scissors sutlery to Emily Stringham of Emily's Vintage Visions. We had decided to sell the pattern line a while ago but wanted to make sure that it would stay “in the family” and be in capable hands. Emily has taken almost every workshop we ever offered and is a skilled seamstress and accomplished historical researcher. We can’t imagine a finer person to have sold the business to.
- Hallie and Steph
The New Owner
At the Sign of the Golden Scissors was founded by independent 18th century clothing researchers, Hallie Larkin and Stephanie Smith. For a number of years, Larkin & Smith have provided the living history community with trusted research and the highest quality, historically accurate sewing patterns for recreating 18th century clothing and accessories. Together they generously shared their knowledge and skills through a wide variety of workshops, lectures and demonstrations. Their hard work has allowed numerous people, myself included, to expand their own knowledge and understanding of 18th century clothing and its construction. The Larkin & Smith pattern line includes patterns and instructions for recreating 18th century stays, gowns, shifts, men's shirts, caps and other accessories such as bonnets aprons, quilted petticoats and crewel embroidered pockets. In August of 2021, Hallie and Stephanie sold the business to explore new ventures.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful mentors in the living history community, including Hallie and Stephanie. Their collective knowledge shared through hands-on and online workshops, various publications and conversations have helped guide me in my own sewing and living history endeavors. I am grateful for the support and guidance from so many who have encouraged me to continue improving my skills, to chase those "rabbit holes" of research, and to forever enjoy the creative process. The wonderful thing about studying historical clothing is that there is always something new to learn.
Please know that I am committed to offering the same high-quality products customers have come to know and trust from At the Sign of the Golden Scissors.
I am both honored and humbled by the opportunity to continue the Larkin & Smith pattern line and hope that you will honor me with your support.
Thank you,
Emily Stringham
