By Book Week 2023 – Read, Grow, Inspire
Anne Elliot Costume – Part 1
I know this isn’t a quote from Persuasion (of which my character is the heroine), but this quote is so apt for this week’s project:
“And pray, sir, what do you think of Miss Morland’s gown?”
Jane Austen – Northanger Abbey
“It is very pretty, madam,” said he, gravely examining it;
“but I do not think it will wash well; I am afraid it will fray.”
“How can you,” said Catherine, laughing, “be so —– ” She had almost said “strange.”
“I am quite of your opinion, sir,” replied Mrs. Allen; “and so I told Miss Morland when she bought it.”
“But then you know, madam, muslin always turns to some account or other; Miss Morland will get enough out of it for a handkerchief, or a cap, or a cloak. — Muslin can never be said to be wasted. I have heard my sister say so forty times, when she has been extravagant in buying more than she wanted, or careless in cutting it to pieces.”
Enjoy a moment from my favourite interpretation of Mr Tilney from Northanger Abbey:
I don’t know if my white cotton voile is comparable to a good Indian muslin, but I certainly know that I was a bit extravagant in buying more than I needed for a white shirt. So, I’m hoping to be like Tilney’s sister and make good use out of the leftovers by creating my chemise for my Anne Elliot book week costume.
I took my pattern from this site: How to Make an 18th Century Chemise and I can’t recommend better. While I was aiming more for early 19th century, chemise/shift designs didn’t change dramatically during the time, from what I can tell. So, following the Marquise pattern for the 1700s is still pretty spot on. Simple and straightforward, she shows a couple of useful layouts as well as how the pieces fit together, suggesting fabrics and stitches to use. I added a shoulder seam to make better use of my 150cm wide voile
You see that almost “L” shaped scrap in the lower right of my layout? That became my fichu (See photo for approximate dimensions) with anything left over after that cut into bias strips for the neckline binding. Next to no wastage? I Love it!
How did I go sewing it up? Here’s the video:
If you’re wondering about the paper doll that I made for this series of videos and would like to print your own, click on the picture below for a full size download. It’s free for non-commercial use, but it would be great if you’d make a small donation to either the Pyjama Foundation (our charity for school fundraising this year) or to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (one of my favourite book related charity groups).
Yesterday-Today 