I did a lot of sewing, I'm pretty much a beginner and my ancient sewing machine had a spring break so I worked on 18th century hand sewn stuff. Leaned how to drape from basic shapes rather than cut from a pattern. After much disaster I've now got a shift, stays (zip ties work great for boning, pretty close to whalebone), panniers, and I'm working on a gown.

That said, I was lucky enough to have a stash, though old sheets or curtains do just fine and thread and needles are cheap.

Also, custom made Stays>Bra even for everyday wear cmv.