FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Lady Hatter
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
I've been interested in historical dress and learning to sew for a while and when I learned the theme of this year I knew I had to do it inspired by one of my favorite books, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," by Lewis Carroll. I was thinking of doing Alice in a historically accurate 1860s gown, but I decided to do the Mad Hatter in 1887 instead as he is one of my favorite characters (and everyone has been going mad for the bustles). I sat down and reread the book and took note of every time he was illustrated (only 5 times to my dismay,) then I drew up my own design. I was originally planning on staying a bit more true to his shirt waist and cravat, but I thought it would tie too much masculinity in, so I used the pattern on my shirtwaist instead. My hat was originally designed as a short cap with a wider brim, but I thought it strayed to far from his iconic tall hat.
My mother was a big part of my inspiration as she sews a lot of costumes for our local theater company, although she gave me advice here and there when I asked, every stitch is my own. I was very scared to start this project, as previously to starting I had only sewn one simple circle skirt. I started from the under most garments, and worked my way out.
Outline the construction…
Most of my undergarments are made of white muslin my mother already had. I didn't know how to use a machine so I hand sewed up until my overcoat. I started with a pair of combinations, which I later trashed, and made TV102 chemise and drawers. I drafted my corset pattern and made 7 mock-ups to ensure perfect fit, then my bustle cage, bum pad, and petticoat, for which I used Prior Attires instructions. I used TV261 4 gore underskirt with pleats in the back, I feel like the hatter is a practical person and wouldn't want the fuss of an overskirt (also added a large pocket of course).
I dyed my blouse fabric from the white muslin using acrylic paints, water, and salt. I drew every dot on using a fabric marker. I drafted the pattern using "The Keystone Guide to Jacket and Dress Cutting" and altered to my liking, and I used the same book to draft my waistcoat. I was nervous to tailor for the first time, but it turned out alright. The horsehair canvas in the collar and lapel turned out good but I placed the shoulder padding too low, and it makes the bust sit funny and wrinkle slightly. I decided last minute that it needed a watchpocket so I made my first welt pocket witch turned out great I used TV560 for my overcoat and used tailors canvas in the collar and lapel, but it turned out bulky and I'll omit batting there next time.
What a fantastic idea for a costume! You’ve put in so much work and you and your costume look wonderful.
thank you!!!
Wonderful. Nice to see more welt-pocket first times here 🙂
thank you! i only made one practice one before this XD
Oh, the cuffs!!! And have you seen the button holes…. delicious!!!
thank you!!!! i was proud of the neat gathers and button holes <3
This is so fun! I love the mixed prints.
thank you!!!
You have used some interesting work-arounds to find solutions to challenges. I would not have considered using an acrylic paint mixture to dye fabric for a blouse, but it looks to have turned out tremendously well! The outfit looks great!
thank you! still hasent faded at all or anything!
I would never guess this is your second sewing project. This is magnificent!
thank you! i worked really hard!
Well done! Looks great. Lovely suit and impressive coat!
thank you! ive worn the coat several times out!
Oh, this is really lovely! I like it! Thank you!
thank you so much!!!!