Anderson Tailoring

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what the uniform should look like, I use every resource available be it archaeological recoveries, portraiture, historical documents, and surviving garments.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.