I have a big list of looks I want to make for costuming, and with a general starting theme of the 1700’s and more specifically, the 1740’s and 1770’s, I wanted to make pieces that would work for both historical costuming, as well as cosplaying some of the characters from my favorite historical dramas, like Verity Rutter from Jamestown, Demelza from Poldark and Claire from Outlander (I’m not a superfan of the show. There is a lot of violence and over-the-top nudity. I am a fan of the costumes).
My first pick was an outfit Claire wears in Season One in several episodes, working in her healer’s dungeon at Castle Leoch, and when she is doing laundry and attending Jenny at the birth of her child at Broch Turoch. These three tasks spoke to me, and added a layer of appreciation for the costume.
As always happens at our house, after I successfully made Six his 1860’s jacket, his brother wanted one, too. And since Four had already been waiting for me to make him a bigger vest since the last one was a mite too short, I figured I’d make him a matching set.
I made this jacket using what I’ve learned so far about historical patterns and techniques and I think I did a pretty good job of imitating my inspiration pic. I also know there’s a lot I don’t know, so I probably messed up in ways I’m not even aware of, and for that, I pray those who know better will forgive me.
My little guy, who is four, needed a warm jacket, 1860’s style, for the Victorian Strolls we’d be attending as a family in our area.
After we did our Victorian Strolls, I kept working on historical accuracy/appearance. Five looked fabulous in her costume, but it wasn’t super accurate, and I wanted to make a dress that better suited the period. The growth dress was perfect because it would last her a while since it’s designed to grow with her.
When I first posted about the Victorian Strolls I was getting ready for, I had plenty of ideas but hadn’t done much other than internet research. Once I got into the actual construction, things got labor intensive, but it was so fun. Click through to see how I dressed each person in the family and where we found the costume pieces.
