After months of searching, I finally found some 18th century floral chintz that I like!
FITTED FOR A PATTERN BY COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG COSTUME DESIGN CENTER
I used a pattern that I purchased from the Colonial Williamsburg Costume Design Center last October during their open house.
I was fitted in a muslin and alteration information was written down for my future reference.
REFERENCED COSTUME CLOSE-UP
Since the pattern is for a modern body shape, I compared it to the extant jacket in Costume Close-Up, to make alterations so that I could wear stays.
VISITS TO THE MILLINER SHOP IN COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
Last January when I was in the Colonial Williamsburg historic area, I visited the milliner shop to examine their jacket, based on the one in Costume Close-Up.
My numerous close-up photographs and opportunity to see and handle the jacket was invaluable in sewing my own jacket.
LABORIOUSLY FITTING MYSELF
It is not easy to sew 18th century clothing for oneself, because it must be fitted well.
I agonized over trying to fit myself, which is why this took me longer to complete than if I had sewn it for someone else.
While sewing the beginning stages, I wore my shift and stays and did a lot of putting on, adjusting, taking off, pinning better, trying on again, over and over and over.
Finally, I got it to fit!
I sewed the final stitch tonight and here it is!
The lining is 100% linen.
Here are my handsewn eyelets, stitched them with buttonhole twist from William Booth Draper.
That’s eighteen eyelets in all, nine on each side.
These will tie with ribbon.
Hand sewing can be seen on the slits.
I now have a complete outfit. When and where can I possibly wear this? I’m ready to celebrate!
