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Journeying Jane
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
My dear friend Lisa helped me to resize the pictures which brought us both to verge of insanity. Technical stuff is my biggest enemy but I didn't want to withdraw my admission because of byte sites!
Outline the story …
Though highly controversial in terms of featuring racism, sexism, violence and colonialism, Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan of the Apes (1912) features one female explorer and adventurer that appears in the first book of the series: Jane.
I’ve really liked the idea of creating a scientist, explorer and adventurer from the fictive literature of the late Victorian or Edwardian era. Finding one, that wasn’t a man, was really hard! So in my idea my Jane character is bold, curious and out for an adventure – not the screaming, helpless woman that will become Tarzan’s mate. Jane leaves for the island and I want to show her on the way starting her journey.
I’ve been hand sewing historical costumes of the early middle ages for 6 years now. Modern takes on clothing structure and sewing techniques were quite scary up until last year when I just went for it - after big changes in my life. I’m now wearing vintage, vintage inspired and history bounding clothes every day and found so much confidence in it. And yes, I’ll wear this ensemble out as well! All my garments and accessories were made from stash material, minus the skirt. So a real pandemic project I'd say.
Outline the construction…
Straw hat - cut and altered this thrifted item to fit the Edwardian aesthetic, adorned by a black ribbon and bow.
Detachable collar and tie – altered to fit my neck from a pattern in ‘Vintage Herrenmode selber nähen’ by Sebastian Hoofs und Niklas Hoppe.
Blouse – Truly Victorians Edwardian Countryside Blouse ca 1908. The first paper pattern that I ever used. I’ve hand sewn the eyelet holes and love the fit.
Skirt - Worthing museum UK, Accession number 1962/1627/1&2, Edwardian ca 1901. This skirt I drafted after the sketched pattern in Suzanne Rowlands ‘Edwardian Costumes for women’, which was part of a two part walking dress. I used only the described techniques and materials. Not being able to find a woolen braid for the hem, I wove all the 3,5m myself.
Belt - fashion plates and photographs
Spats – wool and cotton spats from ‘Vintage Herrenmode selber nähen’ by Sebastian Hoofs und Niklas Hoppe.
Corset – the design was inspired by the Silk Ribbon Corset in ‘Corsets - Historical patterns & techniques’ by Jill Salen ca 1900-05. The pattern I drafted myself using an older corset that I made a few years back. Again, I never used an actual pattern, always drafted them myself.
Bum and hip pad – after C.H. Scotts ventilated bustle pads from 1903.
I didn’t make my shift, petticoat, corset cover and drawers. These are antiques and not seen in my final picture.
I love this ensemble and your interpretation of Jane. I think you would enjoy to read about the Victorian scientist and explorer Mary Kingsley. She is my idol. 😊
Thank you very much 😊 Oh yes, she’s fantastic! I have a whole book on female explorers and scientists. But to find one in earlier fiction was tricky! The real life women are much more inspiring.
I love this outfit. This match between masculin and feminin victorian fashion is so lovely. Great job!
Your silhouette is great! Very flattering on you. And your choice of fabric is wonderful♡
Your outfit looks great! I love your choice of fabrics. Particularly that the corset fabric is so pictorial, which I would not have anticipated under the more subdued outer fabrics; a nice surprise! That you wove your own braid (how even it is!) shows great initiative. I only wish I could see the spats!
The dress is really pretty and the silhoutte is amazing. I really like the fabric choice for the corset.
Jane’s personality comes through in the crispness of the outfit. It is very sharp! Great Job!!
This is so beautiful and well done!! I love the corset, and the final look looks so authentic. And I love this more science-minded, curious version of Jane! 🥰
I love this ensemble and so impressed that you wove the braid yourself! Love the whole look – Jane would definitely like to wear this I’m sure.