There is a wonderful version of this style offered by the Wisconsin museum that is based on a garment in their collection. I have made it several times using variations that can be found in the various reprinted catalogues of that time period. I have even made one with the particular collar featured by #4156 (known as the Arum Lily collar).
I haven't looked at how the skirt is shaped in the Simplicity pattern. The Wisconsin pattern is basically three gores; The front panel nearly goes from side to side for the hips and the two back panels finish the hip cover and then get pleated toward the center back...with a dart or two. The result is a skirt that swings and swishes at the whim of the wearer. My collection includes several of these suits so I have had a chance to double check the design of the original pattern. Since there are no zippers, there are several interesting variations of finishing the back placket with hooks and eyes judiciously placed to close the skirt but not impede the grace. (Hint, another wonderful use for stray shoulderpads! They are just the size of the bum pads that usually lurked under the back closing...or you can fashion one of matching fabric. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dawn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Historical Costume" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, April 28, 2006 5:03 PM Subject: [h-cost] Simplicity 4156 - Victorian > This is new, and Wow, I love the sleeves! > > http://www.simplicity.com/assets/4156/4156.jpg > > > The skirt looks a bit odd to me though. Has anyone had a good look at > this yet? Is it based on something real? I see they date it as "circa 1895". > > > > Dawn > > > _______________________________________________ > h-costume mailing list > h-costume@mail.indra.com > http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume > _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
