Today I had a tutorial with Dexter to disscuss what I would be constructing and how much. We looked at all of my research and chose four pieces that show the range of shapes used in this era. Dexter also advised for me to think about the areas in which I wanted to improve and also where I wanted to challenge myself. From this project I want to experiment with cutting on a stand on my own to produce patterns that I can refer to later on if need be so I hope to trace them all pieces of my toilles onto paper.
Dexter and I agreed that only one of my pieces will be a finished toille as this is not the point of this unit. I want to experiment and document my processes so that I really get to know and understand the different silhouettes of the 19th century.
These are the first pieces that Dexter and I agreed on.
Dexter encouraged me to incorporate the top half of the first and the back view of the second. This is because it will be challenging making the front lie flat with all of the shape sitting at the back. I decided this will be half a toille with minimal finishings and I have given myself just over a week to construct this piece which I think will be enough time. This piece will be made from a combination of muslin and light-weight calico. Even though undergarments were different at the beginning of the century to the later part I will be using a later 19th century corset under this aswell as a peti-coat. This is because I could not find the correct undergarments so I chose a corset that should be suitable for all four pieces.
This is the piece that I chose for for the earlier part of the mid 19th cent. Originally I didn't want to include a piece that would be over a crinoline but I was advised to incorporate atleast one of these as it was so significant in this period. I may also look at recreating samples of the decoration too to get an idea about how this was done and also to include in my reference material for the future. This piece intreagued me as the neckline seems unusual as it sits so low on the shoulders. I really like the tailored nature of the bodice as the lines are really flattering to the figure and the curve really e-longates the body. Even though initially I was reluctant to, I am excited about cutting over such a big structure as it will be a completely new experience for me and will hopefully prepare me for future projects and units.
This piece will be half a toille in calico and I have given myself just over a week to do this.
This is my third piece that I have scheduled to start after Easter. This is a skirt from the later half of the middle of the 19th cent. I thought this piece was really stunning as it was so intricut but still had a definate tailored nature to it. Dexter also encouraged me to tackle this piece as it will be a challenge to construct all the different elements to it with the front lying so flat to the legs. This piece will be constructed over a bustle that I will hire from the costume store and will constructed in calico. I have given myself just over a week to create this piece and I feel this amoutn of time will be suitable. I am aiming to construct the whole skirt with basic finishings.
This is the fourth and final piece from the late 19th century. I have decided to construct this as a full toille by cutting on a stand. I will pading the mannequin to a fellow pupils measurements for photographs when complete. I feel also that by creating it to an actualy size will mean it will beneficial for future reference and for portfolio uses.
I think this piece really echoes my taste in the era as it holds a structured, strong sillhouette. I really like the shapes that are created by this costume and I have chose a fellow pupil that is tall and slim to really make the most of these garments. This piece will be finished using basic hems and by turning over raw edges and machining down. Again I may include manipulated fabric samples for future reference.
I have given myself two weeks to create this piece as there is more work involved as it is a full toille however at the end of the project I have allocated a week to finish any pieces that are not complete and this will give me time to finish any loose ends. It also gives me an oppotunity to makesure that my blog and research material is all sorted for hand-in.
