All posts filed under: 18th Century

Making an 18th century man’s jacket: pattern and interfacing

Published by The Dreamstress

Remember how I cut out and started an 18th century man’s jacket?  Well, I did, and it worked, and then I lost the sleeves, but I can’t for the life of me remember what I used as a pattern! So when I re-started a 1770s mans ensemble to go with the Lady Anne Darcy dress, I really had to re-start, and find a whole new pattern. This time I used the 1765-1790 man’s suit pattern from Colonial Williamsburg’s  Costume Close-Up: Clothing Construction and Pattern.  It’s based on this suit: The pattern is relatively simple: a front and back piece, two piece sleeves, cuffs, collar, pocket flaps, and some interfacing and padding. I found the interfacing and padding diagram particularly useful.  I used an old linen with a bit of staining for my interfacing, and a bit of flannel for the padding in the chest. I pinned my padding and the interfacing on and basted them down at the same time. A lot of padding wasn’t really necessary: Daniil has a great full chest, and the …

What do you think of this fabric?

Published by The Dreamstress

I picked it up cheap at an op-shop in the form of two curtain panels.  I’m really not sure about it.  It’s sorta late 18th century – but really pushing the accuracy with the pattern. I’m either going to commit to making something out of it, or de-stash it right away.  I don’t want it just sitting around in my stash. Things that are not historical about it: The dark background (most 18th c chintzes have a white background) The evenness of the print It’s a little too busy The pink and blue are a little too modern But on the other hand… It was super cheap I already own it, and finding these types of prints can be a headache I want a late 18th c chintz dress It isn’t completely out of the bounds of historical accuracy It’s 100% cotton, and good quality cotton But on the other hand… Some of the edges are faded There is just enough to make a round gown, if I’m lucky.  It will be a squeeze. So, …