Redemption costume research
I've decided that Victorian Torchwood is a go. I've always had a thing for Victorian tailoring, plus this has the added bonus that I can use the outfit at other times for general fancy dress or in a G&S (I wore my Dr Grace ballgown in one show).
So now, the research begins. The wallpaper from the BBC site gives a really good view of the front of the jacket, and you can clearly see the seam lines. I have had a look for patterns on the net and haven't found anything exact, but this one is the closest.
http://www.habithat.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/7885
The darts are right and I can draft a collar and lengthen the pattern.
The skirt, from some screenshots I got off i-player, seems to be a standard Victorian skirt, gathered at the back, so I can use this pattern.
http://www.habithat.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/7883
Of course, to make the shillouette right, I have to make myself a corset as well. There are quite a few patterns out there, but this one looks pretty good.
http://www.habithat.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/7882
And yes, I will do the bloomers and the chemise. Might as well go the whole hog.
So I have found patterns to adapt (always better than drafting patterns from scratch), and I have some good photos to work from. I have done a couple of screenshots of the back of the jacket, but I would like clearer ones if anyone out there is able to get them. I would like to see the seams on the skirt of the jacket and weather it has a vent or not.
Next, is sourcing the material.
I have found a couple of websites that sell corset boning, lacing and fabric. One also had some stuff that can be moulded into a hat. Never done a hat before. Any milliners with advice?
I shall have to start in the summer holidays. Updates as I go.
So now, the research begins. The wallpaper from the BBC site gives a really good view of the front of the jacket, and you can clearly see the seam lines. I have had a look for patterns on the net and haven't found anything exact, but this one is the closest.
http://www.habithat.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/7885
The darts are right and I can draft a collar and lengthen the pattern.
The skirt, from some screenshots I got off i-player, seems to be a standard Victorian skirt, gathered at the back, so I can use this pattern.
http://www.habithat.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/7883
Of course, to make the shillouette right, I have to make myself a corset as well. There are quite a few patterns out there, but this one looks pretty good.
http://www.habithat.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/7882
And yes, I will do the bloomers and the chemise. Might as well go the whole hog.
So I have found patterns to adapt (always better than drafting patterns from scratch), and I have some good photos to work from. I have done a couple of screenshots of the back of the jacket, but I would like clearer ones if anyone out there is able to get them. I would like to see the seams on the skirt of the jacket and weather it has a vent or not.
Next, is sourcing the material.
I have found a couple of websites that sell corset boning, lacing and fabric. One also had some stuff that can be moulded into a hat. Never done a hat before. Any milliners with advice?
I shall have to start in the summer holidays. Updates as I go.