An Unexpected Sewing Adventure

For the skirt, I used the Truly Victorian ‘1898 Walking Skirt’ no. TV291 pattern, shortening it to a more modern length. This was my first time using a historical pattern, making a lined skirt, and making a skirt without an elastic waistband. I enjoyed working with the heavy suiting material that is used for the outside of the skirt, but the silky lining fabric liked to slide everywhere no matter how well it was basted! For the blouse I used the NewLook 6891 pattern and a plain white cotton. Sewing the tie around the neck was fiddly as it was very small, but it resulted in a very pretty neckline. For the waistcoat, I used the Butterick B4669 pattern. My second historical pattern did not go quite as smoothly as my first. Having expected some issues with the fit, I first made a mock-up (something I learned about via CosTube) and ended up having to add an additional panel to the back of the waistcoat due to having a broader back than allowed for in the pattern. I had not altered a pattern before, save for changing the length of a skirt or hemming things as I am short, but I was overall very pleased with the outcome of the alteration. The final piece that brings the whole outfit together is the cloak, made using the NewLook 6535 pattern. I soon learned that velour is not an easy fabric to work with but is very striking as a cloak.