When I was coming up with topic for my qualifying paper, one of the ones I was most enthusiastic about at first was the idea of writing a guide for authors of historical fiction - obviously they could get the same information from books like Patterns of Fashion, but sources focusing on construction or the … Continue reading The Writer's Guide to Costume: 18th Century Gown Closures
Category: 18th century
Late 18th Century Shift Pattern
Since I recently posted that rough draft of rather a complicated pattern, I thought I'd share my first attempt at taking a pattern. Unfortunately, it's not as detailed and I didn't look at stitches or construction methods - but I kind of like that it's not as good, it shows my progress! (open in a … Continue reading Late 18th Century Shift Pattern
Journalistic Licence
220-year-old dress given to Rock Ford: Washington, fashion hero I found this article through Lahbluebonnet's blog, Teacups Among the Fabric, and I didn't want to leave an essay in her comments, so here I go! It's interesting to watch the video after reading the article - I mean, I know that journalists often write ... … Continue reading Journalistic Licence
Seam Treatments
I took a break from doing eyelets today to try out a few seams to see if I could replicate whatever is used on the mystery seam of the sacque. First: the running stitch. I can't see the stitches at all once the upper layer of fabric has been folded back, so I doubt this … Continue reading Seam Treatments
Sacque and Petticoat, ca. 1765 – Preview
Today I spent about six hours taking the pattern of the sacque and petticoat that will be displayed in Great, Strange, and Rarely Seen - so I thought I might post the rough draft up here for comments, critiques, &c. I'm going to redraw it in ink for the final version, move pieces around (rotate … Continue reading Sacque and Petticoat, ca. 1765 – Preview
Mimic of Modes 