Monday, January 23, 2012

Dressing Downton, Sewing Downton




It's no surprise to anyone who knows me that I fell head over heels in love with Downton Abbey. I watched it for the clothes at first, then got sucked in by the drama less than two second later. To celebrate my obsession with this show, I have decided to sew up some Edwardian pieces (also, garments that can be styled as such) I am so excited!


To prepare for all this sewing, I downloaded several patterns from Sense and Sensibility Patterns. I spent the better part of the weekend printing everything out and taping the first pattern I'm going to work on. I decided to work on the 1910s Tea Gown Pattern first. I am going to do it in black fabrics: black lace, black italian satin, black chiffon etc. Kind of fitting since Downtown Abbey started with a tragedy and a memorial (I also have mostly black fabric in my large stash that I have to get rid of before I justify buying any more fabric *cough*)






And of course, I have been collecting pots of inspiration from different places. The possibilities for embellishment and construction are endless. Here's hoping I come up with something fairly cohesive that is also fairly historically accurate.














NOTE: I was on a right-click-save binge, so all the images (except the one from Sense and Sensibility Patterns) are of semi-unknown origin. If you want credit for these pictures or want me to take them down, let me know, 'kay?

6 comments:

Wendy Bayford said...

Love that show too! I can't wait to see your fabulous creations!!!

VictorianKitty (Sophistique Noir) said...

I absolutely love that show, especially the fashion! I can't wait to see what you come up with. The black tea gown sounds like it will be amazing.

The next to the last image is stunning (or at least the real-life version of it that pops into my imagination). I could see something like that in burgugandy silk with black details and LOADS of jet bead jewelry...

Lyra said...

Thank you for your lovely comments. I cannot wait to see how this Tea gown turns out. And yeah, I can totally see all that jet-black jewelry that can be worn with the gown! I am considering putting the short, apron-like skirt in addition to the overskirts of the original pattern. I have lots of lace, so we'll see!

Anonymous said...

i love all those fabrics, those dresses are sublime!

Jade@How to Sew said...

The key to learning how to sew is practice. Practice makes perfect. Start with small projects like pillow cases, bed sheets and other items that need simple sewing. These projects can also teach you the basics of sewing that is pattern making and taking measurements. These will train you on sewing and other basics. This will be your starting point in learning how to sew and succeeding in this business.

Anonymous said...

I wish I could find more wedding dresses with this style/look. Love it.