I think about historical plausibility a lot. Historical costumers worry about accuracy, but I think that ‘accurate’ often gets confused with ‘common’. Just because most seamstresses did something one way, doesn’t necessarily mean that one or two might not have done it completely differently. Lots of things happen today that aren’t mainstream. Even with the plethora of information on the internet today, people sew, and create, and live in ways that aren’t documented. It is reasonable to assume that historically, there were also seamstresses who created in unusual ways, and used unusual materials. The costumer who asked me about 18th century masquerade outfits also asked about ideas for making her dress on a limited budget. I’ve been turning the question over in my mind, and last night (well, 4am in the morning) I had an epiphany. Why not use muslin/calico? Raw, unpatterned cotton calico (which American’s call muslin) existed in late 18th century Europe. In fact, huge amounts of it were imported, because many countries had passed laws making it illegal to import patterned calico …
I think everyone who makes 18th century costumes develops their own petticoat-ing method, with their favourite stitches and order of assembly.
This page is a work-in-progress. Its aim is to provide a brief definition of vintage and historical fashion and textile terms, with links to articles which explore and illustrate the history of the term in more depth. The dates at the end of each definition are the dates in which the term was most commonly used. Have a term you think needs to be included? Or a better definition, or more information? Please leave a comment! ______________________________________________________________ Acetate – a manufactured natural fibre of the rayon family, made from cellulose dissolved in an acetate solution. Variants of acetate are Triacetate and Diacetate. 1900s-present. See also rayon. Aerophane – a fine, slightly crisp, silk gauze, sometimes with a slightly crinkled, crepe appearance, possibly from a silk worm that is now extinct OR a type of ribbon embroidery, where wide, crisp silk strips (originally probably of aerophane) are used to create three dimensional ornamentation, OR any fine, light gauzy fabric. 1830s-50s (fabric), Alamode – a thin, plain tabby weave, lustred silk, usually black. Used mainly for morning …
