Got hold of a couple of the Simplicity Fashion Historian US Civil war era patterns (9769) for chemise, corset, drawers and petticoat (half price from Lincraft). Ok, so I am actually more interested in the bustle and natural form skirt eras, but figured I could adapt. And $14 AU for now rather than ~$40 via mail order was a bit of an incentive.
So, finger itching slightly...
Decided to go with lightest weight black linen we have for the drawers. But upon handling, was fairly certain it hasn't been washed yet, so no slicing yet. In washing machine now, although drying it may be entertaining...
Then started checking the sizing required (US therefore not as straightforward as thought). Had thought it was ok, but turns out I have size 14 legs (well, 28" waist, 38" hips), but a size 12 bust (34"). The patterns I have are for sizes 6 - 12. Bugger. I suspect things can be solved fairly easily with the drawers (legs only:) by transfering to scrap fabric and extending by about a size step, but the extrapolation on the corset may be entertaining (all 3 measurements required). Oh well, was certain that I would need a mock up and mucking around anyway.
I also need to find some good black (Victorian style) lace and "eyelet beading" (by which I suspect they mean the stuff you stitch on and then thread ribbon through) and ribbon. Lincraft on Fri evening perhaps.
I can get a 11th-12th century sidelacing bliaut to fit and have done Tudor (sort of) from scratch. Surely I can do this?
And the silly question for the day, do the paper patterns include a seam allowence or does it need to be added? Doesn't say on the packet or in the instructions...
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