A woman from Amherstburg, Ont., voluntarily sewed nearly 300 regency costume pieces celebrating the War of 1812.

Jennie Jackson delivered the wardrobe Tuesday to the Town of Amherstburg, which will commemorate the war during a three-day celebration in August.

Amherstburg is home to historic Fort Malden. The post was the headquarters for the British forces in southwestern Upper Canada during the War of 1812.

Jackson had some help from a handful of other volunteers but did the lion’s share of the work, sometimes sewing for eight hours straight.

“I’ve been working diligently for about six months,” Jackson said.

Jennie Jackson can’t wait to see her costumes put to use during War of 1812 celebrations in August. (Pat Jeflyn/CBC News)

She began the project in August of last year.

There were originally to be 25 costume pieces sewn for men and 25 for women.

“It’s worked out to a bit more than that,” Jackson said.

Jackson created hats, gloves, shawls, dresses and other accessories. Children’s costumes are now in the works.

Research was intense and varied

She researched the internet, museums and movies before she started.

‘I’d watch a movie and watch what was going on in the background.’— Jennie Jackson, seamstress

“I’d watch a movie and watch what was going on in the background,” Jackson said.

Jackson sought what she called “rustic fabrics” and looked for bargains at second hand stores, where she bought clothing she could alter and recycle.

“We tried to create outfits our volunteers can put together and use their creativity,” she said.

Jackson’s husband, Terry, modeled a top hat and tails Tuesday.

“It’s been fabulous; the way she articulates everything. She’s very meticulous in what she does,” he said.

A ‘simpler’ time

Jackson and fellow volunteer seamstress Jessie Basden both said there wasn’t much to fashion during the early 1800s.

“It was very simple. The War of 1812 was much simpler,” said Basden, who moved to Amherstburg from Goderich and got involved in the project through the town’s welcome wagon when it visited her.

“It’s nice to see the town’s people involved. It is part of their heritage,” Terry Jackson said. “It’s nice to see the town come alive and step back in time.”

Amherstburg’s War of 1812 Bi Centennial Commemoration takes place Aug. 3-5.

With files from Pat Jeflyn