Costume challenge idea

So...well, a LONG while ago, I though of a cool costume challenge to do (probably in the winter), so I thought I'd try to perfect the idea and put it on here. I'm going to make sort of levels for it. I mean, it's not like a video game or anything, you don't have to go through 1 to get to 2 or 3, it's just ideas of the level of challenge.
ANYWAY! The idea was to sew (or make in some way) clothing from the past, using the methods and materials that people of that time period would use. For me the most challenging part of that would be getting materials that fit the standard, so that isn't TOTALLY necessary.
What sparked this idea was the thought of times before we had sewing and knitting machines. Common knowledge that they made everything by hand, I know, but for some reason it never struck me to actually *try* costuming in that way.

So, Level 1: Sew a simple garment by hand. It could be a medieval coin purse, a victorian handkerchief, a pair of colonial dress pockets, whatever. Just make sure that the way you go about making it is the same way that they did back then. (even if the cloth you're using is from an old sheet XD)

Level 2: Try making something bigger. A simple small toga, a medieval hood, etc.

The levels just keep going up with the size and complexity of the item being made. So like,  level 3 would be a pair of gentleman's pants from the 1900s or a traveling cloak from the 1700s. 4 could be a full medieval under dress or a long victorian tail coat. You could also try making shoes or hats. The point of this exercise is historical appreciation. It's easy enough to whip up a full 3 layer Renaissance court dress complete with hoopskirt and full undergarments when you've got an electric sewing machine and an iron that can be plugged into the wall rather than being heated on the stove. I'm constantly trying to experience thing in the way that people in the past did, so this seemed like a good idea.

(bit of a side story, sorry. Another thing that added to this idea was using my sisters foot powered sewing machine from the 1800s. I totally fell in love with that thing, it made the best sound and the stitches all came out perfect.)

Another variation (and a more difficult one) would be actually MAKING the fabric or yarn or leather with which you're working.

So anyway, those levels are just examples using my own plans for costumes. If you wanna try this, feel free to use those or write your own with challenges that feel right.

[EDIT: I'll be posting a list of costume supply stores that have historically accurate materials, probably tomorrow.]