Creating a
historically inspired outfit has many challenges. Even deciding what
to make can cause a lot of headaches because sometimes the endless
possibilities can be overwhelming. Where to start? Using a Fashion
Plate as a starting point makes the decision of what to sew so much
easier because it gives you a focus.
But what aspects
should you consider when picking a Fashion Plate?
What follows are my tips for choosing the Fashion Plate to use as the design base for your outfit.
For me, I have
approximately 3 methods.
Firstly, let’s go
guilt free - The Fabric de-Stash Colourway
Method.
Anyone who sews will
know the twin emotions of both joy and guilt that the mounting fabric
stash fosters. So Step One is: go to
your stash and pick two
complimentary fabrics.
For example, from my
stash I’ve a plain green and a floral pink stripe that work well
together. (pictured below)
Step 2: Start a
Pinterest Inspiration board, name it it after your fabrics and
start collecting and pinning any fashion plates that have similar
colours.
Step 3: Now,
start adding sewing pattern references within that colourway pin
board that are as close to the fashion Plate as you can find.
This may take some
time, but there’s no rush. Eventually one out of all Fashion Plates
will stand out to you as the perfect outfit, and hopefully you’ll
have already find the suitable sewing pattern and be all set to go.
Easy, huh?
Here’s the one
I’ve chosen:
Of course there’s
no need to be limited to matching your fabric stash colours to the
fashion plates colours. It just makes things easier.
But if you want to
ignore colours, I suggest the The Fabric de-Stash
Fabric-type Method.
Step One: From
your stash choose a distinct fabric type:
floaty muslin, rich brocade, white linen, etc.
For myself, recently
I’ve been given some green velvet fabric (old curtains).
Step Two: Start a
Pin Board using that fabric type as your theme.
Rather than start a
“green outfits” Fashion plates pinboard, I’ve started “Velvet outfits” pinboard that includes extant dresses and other resources as well as Fashion Plates.
And because I’ve
developed a recent interest in 1890s styles, I decided to limit my
search to this era.
Using velvet and
1890s as my search parameters I selected this Fashion Plate (below)
as my source for the outfit to make from the green velvet in my
stash.
The last method I
use, is what I call The Spark of Interest Method.
It’s
basically you see a Fashion Plate and are drawn to it by some
distinct element within.
For example, I was instantly
drawn to this Fashion Plate – one, because I mostly make Victorian
outfits, and two – the main reason truthfully, is the dog in the
plate is the same colour as one of my greyhounds, so bonus re-creating
points!
And below you can see my Seaside outfit work in Progress. It's to the point it's wearable, but needs a few tweaks.
If you're interested in making an 1870s seaside outfit, you may find the pinboard I created for bringing this fashion plate to life helpful.
Of course the trouble with the Spark method is, anything may catch your eye...
So, if you choose the Spark method, I recommend :
- stay within your historical era comfort-zone.
- Also, unless you’re prepared to buy fabric specifically to match the outfit, concentrate on the silhouette,
- get the garments shapes right rather that worrying about the colours and fabric patterns.
Below are some
helpful resources to completing your outfits:
Are You looking for the perfect
gift for the Jane Austen fan who has everything and still wants more??? More Collins? More Darcy? More Choices? 
