While I love historical costuming, I am no seamstress, so I am here asking for ideas. I can do simple handsewing and have a machine, but altering clothes and making simple items is my whole experience.

So, to the point, of which there are two parts.

Part 1: I am a primitive potter and am doing a three weekend long event in September as a vendor For it, I need to dress in historical dress with the guidelines being from 1776-1825. I am looking more into 1780s/1790s. I am buying handmade stays because that is why too complicated for me. I know how much work goes into custom clothes, and I cannot afford the expense. I was wondering if any of you know of a way to alter existing clothes to fit what I need or easy patterns for a complete novice.

Part 2: Since I will be working with clay (handbuilding, not a wheel) while there and my pieces are not pretty pieces of glazed porcelain, many of the options I find for outfits seem too "fancy" and out of place. Any ideas as to what might work for the period and for the type of work I will be doing. Would a shift, stays, a petticoat, skirt, and apron be enough?

Thank you!