Taking a small break...

from costume, but not Victorian.  Ever since getting the Grimble books, I've been drooling over the illustration of a Watteau paletot from1868.  I love it so much, I've decided to make it for ever day wear.   So, I spent an hour or so graphing and patterning.  I've got the front scaled up and need to add seam allowances.  Then I'll cut that out, and use it to drape the back, which I think will be easier as it's basically a rectangle with back pleats.  As for the sleeve......well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

So goal for tonight - Add s.a. and cut out front.

Pattern accomplished.....

I think.  Through a combination of drafting, flat pattern and draping, I think I've managed to get the paletot patterned.  (Sans sleeve.)  I need to trace off the pattern, and get a muslin sewn up.  Then I'll tackle the sleeve.  Think I'll give Klemm's sleeve draft a try. 

For reference, this is what I'm going for....


April, 1868

I'm toying around with the idea of adding button strips to loop the back and sides up and give it a bustled look.  Might look cute with a pair of jeans.

For Tomorrow :
Trace off pattern
Cut out muslin