Proof that I'm still a historical costumer!

[mala_14]

I haven't really worked on anything historical since CoCo (which I still haven't finished posting about, OOPS!). But I did enlarge this pattern from the Kyoto Fashion book for a pair of stays. They claim that the stays are c.1760-1770, but I am skeptical and think that they are more c.1780, which makes them perfect for what I want. I added some width all around because, according to my measurements of the little scale diagram, they were way too small (about 30" bust and 18" waist). But either I am not good at enlarging things or not good at measuring little diagrams, they ended up too big after I'd added the width and enlarged them. So I ended up taking off almost everything I added and I have no idea what the actual size of the original stays are. I really should have just enlarged them with no changes first, then added the width. Aaaaaaanyways, here is the (hopefully!) workable pattern I ended up with. I just cut off bits until they seemed around the bust and waist measurements I wanted and I shortened them 3/4" because I think they were too long in the waist as is.

No time right now for mock-ups. Nor am I sure that I have anything to make mock-ups out of. So fittings will have to wait for a couple of weeks.

Comments

[ktlovely]

I had a similar experience making the stays from Costume Close Up. I added what I thought was the right amount and they were HUGE. Uhhhh...okay?!?!?!

[mala_14]

SO weird!

[elizabeth_mn]

Nice! Though it's very distracting that your front piece says Brunch. Now I want to eat brunch! In 1780s dresses!

[mala_14]

I noticed that after I took the picture. Then I was like, "I wonder what the best brunch in Winnipeg is..." Because apparently there is one. My stays say so!

[mala_14]

Also, going out for brunch in 1780s would be epic! Mimosas for all!

[lukitari]

Yay for a working pattern! Even if it took a some unnecessary work.

[mala_14]

Patterns are so silly sometimes!

[atherleisure]

I've had that happen too. Or I make the pattern for my expected finished measurements, less lacing gap, and the mock-up still laces closed...

It looks more like 1780's to me too.

[mala_14]

Yeah, it's hard to predict how certain shapes will react with your body.

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks so!

[jenthompson]

I love those lines!

[mala_14]

Thanks! :)

[sewtimely]

I't s going to be great. I hate this part of patterning from a book. Am just so impatient to get to the real stuff! Even though it is far more important than construction...

[mala_14]

I hope so! I am worried that I'll have to do a million and one mock-ups. I don't mind one or two, but sometimes it can get out of hand. I have no attention span. As soon as I start something, I want it to just be done already! lol

[totchipanda]

Beautiful lines! Good luck with the mockups :)

[mala_14]

Thank you! I think it's a pretty pattern too.