Regency/Obsession

After much thought and having seen Pride and Prejudice one too many times, I have decided I need a new dress. Also that E. is badly in need of some Mr. Darcy garb. This guy looks fabulous. Note the odd "M" notch in the collar.

 I've been going a bit crazy lately researching the era via plates, museum collections, paintings, and what-not.  Metmuseum.org is an invaluable resource. Since I haven't got a clue as to what my dress will look like (aside from sheer, white and high waisted like most every dress from that time) I've decided to work out a mock up for a men's tail coat.

You can't really see all the wonderful tailoring on the blue coat on the left

 (for a better look http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/80000817?rpp=20&pg=8&ft=men%27s+coat&when=A.D.+1800-1900&where=Europe&what=Costume&pos=156 )

I don't know how to describe the sleeves, but the come up higher than most shoulder seams. I think creating a more "rounded" looking shoulder, rather than the slightly gathered, more square shoulder on the green coat. There is a seam at the center back and one seam to each side which curves to the armscythe. The front panels come up, over the shoulder, the seam is placed on the back of the coat. The sleeves are quite fitted... how in the world do they get those huge poofy shirt sleeves in there? The pockets are actually more to the back, and as far as I've read they are functional. Many of these coats are not lined. I can't tell if there is a seam at the waist but I imagine one there would provide a better fit. 

Anyway. I am a little nervous about the collar. It doesn't help that I can't decide on a shape or whether it should be a different, contrasting fabric like velvet. I believe this became more common towards the later 1810's. Metal buttons or self fabric covered one's? I need to go fiddle a bit.

Finally!

I feel like I might be saying that a lot. Sigh. My very late pics from Halloween. First Jackasaurus. 

This is Simplicity pattern 3667 the only thing I altered was the length of the front "sleeves" my mutt-pup is part Daschund, so he has stumpy little legs.  This pattern was super easy. I would say it took just under 2 hours from the time I pulled the pattern out of the envelope to the time I snipped the last hanging thread. Not bad. The best part is that he seems pretty comfortable in it. So hurrah!

Me and Fabio!

The body of the coat is Simplicity 3685. I drafted new sleeves and the tails. I also added a faux french cuff. 

I LOVE this piece and plan on making another tail coat in the future!

The corset started with this tutorial/pattern. http://makeprojects.com/Project/Crafting-a-Corset/103/1

sadly the pattern had to be altered extensively. What a nightmare. I lengthened every panel top and bottom. It's taken in here, and let out there, in so many places that it only vaguely resembles the original pattern, I guess it was a learning experience.

The garter! This was by far the easiest most fun thing I've made in many moons. I will definitely be making more! :)

The clutch came out alright. It is based on this tute.

http://site.alifosterpatterns.com/blog/2009/12/29/free-clutch-sewing-pattern/

I will use some thing much heavier than canvas for the interior layer next time. It just didn't seem sturdy enough. What you can't see is the pretty black velvet ribbon on the front, what you can see is the obnoxious hot pink brocade lining. I used left over chain from the coat for the strap. Sadly I cannot say that this little clutch would hold up to daily use. Boo. But here's to first tries! 

 Goofy picture of the tails