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Making Edwardian Costumes for Women


Synopsis


Edwardian fashions for women were characterized by the S-shaped silhouette, embellished with lace, tucks, ruffles, tassels, frills and flounces. This essential book includes eleven detailed projects, which form a capsule collection of clothing and accessories that might have been worn by an Edwardian governess, a woman travelling on an ocean liner, a campaigning suffragette, or a wife overseeing a busy household in a large country house. It explains making sequences in full and advises in detail on how to give the garments a fine, authentic finish. Eleven detailed projects based on the dress collections at Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove, and Worthing Museum and Art Gallery. Each project includes a detailed description of the original garment, with an accompanying illustration alongside photographs of the original pieces. Scaled patterns are included for all projects with a list of materials and equipment required. Step-by-step instructions are given with information about the original techniques used and close-up photographs of the making process. There are chapters on tools and equipment, fabrics, measurements and sizes, and how to wear Edwardian fashion with ideas on creating new outfits from the featured projects. Finally, there is advice on how to adapt garments to make them suitable for both wealthy, leisured women, and for their poorer counterparts.

Suzanne Rowland

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

* Overview of the Edwardian era and its fashion
* Importance of historical accuracy in costume design
* Explanation of terms and materials used

Chapter 2: Foundations

* Construction of the Edwardian corset
* Types of fabric and boning used
* Real example: Creating a corset for a specific body type

Chapter 3: Undergarments

* Design and construction of chemise, drawers, and petticoats
* Fabrics and embellishments used
* Real example: Sewing a lace-trimmed chemise

Chapter 4: Day Dresses

* Overview of different day dress styles
* Pattern selection and fabric choices
* Real example: Making a walking skirt with a fitted bodice

Chapter 5: Evening Gowns

* Formalwear for evening events
* Elaborate fabrics and embellishments
* Real example: Creating a silk gown with beaded trim

Chapter 6: Jackets and Wraps

* Variety of jackets and wraps worn during the era
* Materials and construction methods
* Real example: Sewing a velvet jacket with contrasting lapels

Chapter 7: Hats and Accessories

* Importance of hats and accessories in Edwardian fashion
* Types of hats and their embellishments
* Real example: Designing a large-brimmed hat with ostrich feathers

Chapter 8: Accessories and Details

* Finishing touches that complete an Edwardian costume
* Handbags, gloves, jewelry, and parasols
* Real example: Making a beaded handbag and matching gloves

Chapter 9: Materials and References

* Guide to fabrics, trims, and embellishments used in the era
* Resources for patterns, vintage garments, and further research
* Real example: Locating a supplier for antique silk ribbon