Recommended for advanced sewers with experience of Victorian costume construction and terminology, or an intermediate sewer who likes a challenge. As noted on the Ageless Pattern’s website, the patterns include original instructions, which assumed the sewer was familiar with making up such a garment and were very brief. This pattern is like most given in Victorian domestic magazines: a minimalist outline for one size, relying heavily on the maker’s fancy for details and finishing. No instructions are given for the trimmings shown, other than noting their type and width, and the sewer must mark her own front darts. Some knowledge of French or heirloom sewing techniques is useful for replicating the illustrated trim. I used this as the basis for drafting a pair of combinations with an off-the-shoulder neckline, which turned out (from the hips on up) just as promised. However, I would have been a bit frustrated had I expected anything like a modern pattern for period garments.
Jennifer Haley –
Recommended for advanced sewers with experience of Victorian costume construction and terminology, or an intermediate sewer who likes a challenge. As noted on the Ageless Pattern’s website, the patterns include original instructions, which assumed the sewer was familiar with making up such a garment and were very brief. This pattern is like most given in Victorian domestic magazines: a minimalist outline for one size, relying heavily on the maker’s fancy for details and finishing. No instructions are given for the trimmings shown, other than noting their type and width, and the sewer must mark her own front darts. Some knowledge of French or heirloom sewing techniques is useful for replicating the illustrated trim. I used this as the basis for drafting a pair of combinations with an off-the-shoulder neckline, which turned out (from the hips on up) just as promised. However, I would have been a bit frustrated had I expected anything like a modern pattern for period garments.