Simplicity: 4092 (18th Century Costume)  - Type:Costumes  | | Viewed 193 times
| 18 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 2 people | | Reviewed by: | CAtraumer | 
| | About CAtraumer | | Member since: 2/13/13 | | Reviews written: 4 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | patterns reviewed: 4 | | |
| | Posted on: | 2/13/13 5:56 AM | | Last Updated: | 4/19/13 12:36 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Simplicity Pattern Info | | Pattern Rating: | Recommend, with Modifications | | See other patterns in this category: Costumes | Available for sale on PR: $17.95 (See envelope)  | | | | Fabric: | Polyester Brocade [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description:
A decent representation of an 18th century dress.
Pattern Sizing:
multi-sized. I made the smallest size 6, as the last few simplicity patterns I made the costumes came out pretty big. However this one, was ok everywhere, except the waist. It was about an inch smaller than I neeeded.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, but I added alot of details not in the pattern.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, for the most part. A few times I improvised and didn't line the sleeves, I got lazy by then and figured it's just a costume. I was a bit pressed for time to get this done for a Carneval ball.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
As one reviewer previously mentioned, the armholes are a bit tight. It didn't bother me too much so I didn't to try and redraft them. After finishing the panniers, they were the wrong shape and hung way too low on the hips to give the proper 18th century silhouette. Those ended up being a bit of a mess after I took in some here and there the night before the party...
Fabric Used:
I used fabric solely from my stash (the husband was beginning to question the amount of fabric I have so I challenged myself to only use what I had on hand). As a result the back skirt panels are a light blue satin, as are the sleeve flounces since I didn't have enough of the blue floral brocade. I also used a scrap of white chiffon for the sleeve ruffles since no lace was to be found. The stomacher and underskirt forepart are a silk shantung. I did a diamond quilting effect myself with the machine. Also the underskirt I didn't have enough of plain cotton fabric for the sides and back, but I did find quite a bit of black tulle so I used it instead. It made it not as stiff as it should have been, but I added a few layers of it and it helped to poof out the skirt at the sides more. The only things I had to buy for this costume was the ribbon I used for the ruching- which I got off of ebay for 3 euro for 25 meters. Quite a steal. 
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I added an inch length at the waist, but could have probably added another half inch. I didn't hem the outerskirt the recommended 1.5 inches since I'm tall, I just did like a half inch. The panniers are a mess to be honest. If I had time I would have re-made the top part about 4 inches shorter so they hit higher on the hip, and the bag part not as wide, about 3 inches taken out there. Instead I just kept taking them up to make them the shape I wanted. They're not pretty at all...
The other thing I altered was due to the fact the waist ended up being about an inch too small. I couldn't use a zipper so instead I made it a lace up back. I suppose this way if any friends want to borrow it, they can fit it too. I also don't get all the 3/8 inch seam allowances. I guess maybe so you don't have to trim much, but my brocade was apparently a very loose weave, and at seams with a lot of stress began to fray.
You can also see from the pic I didn't follow the recommended trim. I did a ribbon ruching to give it more of an impact. And I added small rhinestones to the stomcacher to give some sparkle at the ball.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Can't say that I'll sew it again anytime soon. But I felt it was relatively easy to go together so I would recommend it to others.
Conclusion:
I had fun wearing it, and got many compliments throughout the night. I love getting the "you made this?!" exclamation. There's always a sense of satisifaction hearing that. Although since it decided to snow that day, the back hem didn't fare too well on public transit.
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4 Comments
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Very cool. I love how you finished it. Great job!
2/16/13 3:21 PM
Love it! The "you made this?!" is one of my favorites too!
4/19/13 1:26 PM
You wore that on public transport?? You're game! A fine effort, and a lot of fun! Well done.
4/20/13 4:22 AM
That looks spectacular. Love all your added details.
4/20/13 8:57 AM