In a message dated 11/12/2005 8:35:52 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
It would be correct for day wear, but might be a bit bright, and could be a bit smoother I think. I usually use "Venetian" a pure wool fabric readily available in England. The original coats I've examined are very smooth wool, Melton being one of the cloths used. Also available - v. expensive - here.) >I have two Butterick patterns, 3648 and 3723. >Are those of any use? >Or is there a better male pattern? >Ireally don't know anything from this period. Patterns for men can be found in "Cut of Men's Clothes" (Norah Waugh) and Men's 17th and 18th Century Costume Cut and Fashion, (R.I Davis) both English. Then there are the wonderful American patterns in "Fitting and Proper" and "Costume Closeup". These two also have women's patterns. You should also look at "Cut of Women's Clothes", "Period Costume for Stage and Screen 1800-1909", Jean Hunnisett (patterns from original garments in spite of the title) and "Patterns of Fashion 1660-1860" Janet Arnold. I agree that the blue fabric looks very bright--a dark or midnight blue would be better. Unfortunately, there aren't any really good men's coat patterns on the market, so your best bet, if you can do it, is the scale pattern in Hill and Bucknell's "Evolution of Fashion"--last time I checked, this book was still available from DramaBooks. For all that it has some good patterns, "Cut of Men's Clothes" does NOT have an early 19th century men's coat--just an overcoat. If the Butterick patterns you are referring to are the "Regency" ones they came out with several years ago, they aren't very good. And it would have been so easy to make them better! The bodices are all right, but the skirts are raised-waist A-line style--looks like they pulled them from the "bridesmaid pattern drawer." Waugh's "Cut of Women's Clothes" does have a good ballgown pattern--the skirt is basically a rectangle back and front, and gored sides. And, yes, it should be smooth across the front, with the fullness concentrated towards the back. Ann Wass _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
