Anyone know the stress of trying to get multiple projects done before the deadline?? That’s me this month. Busy, busy little bee. So for today, a quick, short post to answer a question that was asked yesterday on the Facebook page.
Jacqui’s question: Hi Jennifer, do you know of a pattern that comes close to this jacket?
Let’s see…
Build the dress with these suggestions:
Foundation Skirt: Start out with a good base for your bustle skirts. I think this skirt is perfect for the Truly Victorian 263. You can see the back is one piece (no overskirt) but is puffed up a bit around the full bustle shape. The TV263 has those awesome bournous pleats. Make up the skirt in a walking length – no train of course. If the TV263 challenges you to much, try the TV261. It’s basic and looks great in most any fabric, including a blue or purple wool for this outfit.
Overskirts: This is a bit tricky as there’s that straight piece coming out from her left hip and cutting straight across the front. Here I’d simply cut a rectangle the length you need then fit it to the waist around the front. No need to go beyond center front too far as you head towards the right hand side.
For the asymmetrical overskirt I’d say the Truly Victorian 382 – but swap the direction of the front panel and leave off the back panel.
The bodice is exemplary of the late 1880s fashions with it’s impeccable tailoring. Really, it can be done with a basic bodice shape that’s extended down around the hips and a shawl collar added. The Truly Victorian 460 can’t be beat for its ease of use and basic shaping. Cut the long even hip length and a shallow V at the center front neck opening. Add welt pockets for the extra touch.
For another option you could try Mantua Maker’s 1875-1890 Brandy City Bodice. Shape the front pieces and the back pleated area according to the fashion plate. And for a last ditch effort, go with a fitted coat pattern from Simplicity (#2446 and #8205 might work) and fit over the bustle undergarments, skirts and your corset.
Add a matching hat in deep indigo velveteen with the Truly Victorian 550 hat pattern. 😉
Let us know if you make this up! We LOVE to see what our followers make. 🙂
First, I’d like to thank you for this entertaining and enlightening blog. Meaning, not only this post, but nearly ALL of your others, as well. Thank you.
Second, I find myself to be interested in 1900 into 1920-ish fashions. Do you have any resources to recommend?
Hi Gail,
That range is usually divided into Edwardian (1901-1911-ish), Titanic, Teens, then post-war which generally falls under the “vintage” banner. I cover the occasional Edwardian items here. I highly recommend Wearing History (tell Lauren I sent you!). Do Google searches with the above names and you’ll find tons of various resources. You can also get lost in my specific Pinterest board. 🙂
Jennifer
I would like to suggest that if you are applying fur, check out Distinctive Fabrics. Their faux furs are incredible!
Oh wow.
I just checked out the Distinctive Fabrics website, and my mind is blown! I’ve been looking for a good faux fur to trim a dance costume I’m working on, and in spite of spending hours scouring every shop in the fashion district, I have not yet found the right fuzzy stuff at the right price. I never use real fur, and I’ll only wear real fur on vintage pieces. I *had* found a lovely faux mink that would work beautifully, but the price nearly exploded my head. And lo and behold, there’s that same gorgeous white faux mink on the Distinctive Fabrics site for less than a third of the price of the stuff I fell in love with. Even with the exchange rate (I live in Canada) and the cost of shipping, it’s still less than half the price of that perfect fabric that I just cannot afford!
Thanks so much for the tip!
Whoot! 🙂