WHY? Because so many costumers around the world have given me knowledge
without charge, so I am sharing the wealth (knowledge). As a child, my mother used
to sew for her eight children. Trying to save money, she would rip all the seams out of
our old clothes for a pattern. I knew there had to be an easier way to
make patterns and save clothing. I learned how to
achieve this, computerize it and give my first creation to you. Thank you to Mom
(my first teacher), Elizabeth Weiss-Hopper, the Valentine and the h-costume mailing list.
Disclaimer: No garment was harmed in process of making this pattern.
This pattern and directions may be printed from the internet for use. Please respect my copyright
on this pattern. If the pattern is reproduced in any manor other than for educational purposes or personal use,
written permission must be obtained from The Costume Gallery.
If you have an original garment that you would like a pattern made from please
contact The Costume Gallery at: make.pattern@costumegallery.com
The original garment is located in the Valentine Museum in
Richmond, Virginia. The date of origin is 1895 and was used with a matching bodice
as an evening gown. The gown was made in a gold and black striped moire fabric.
Some of the methods of construction are not typical methods used during this period.
Examples of this are: The waistline facing is actually the top of the skirt turned over to the
inside skirt. This means you must add 1 1/2" to the top of each skirt pattern pieces.
Also, pay close attention as to how the cartridge pleats are attached to the waistband.
It can be tricky. Follow the directions and illustrations carefully.
Use a lightweight muslin to construct a mock skirt first. This will allow you to make
mistakes and not lose a lot of money. Lightweight muslin is inexpensive and easy to
work.
When constructing your final skirt, use a lightweight fabric ONLY. The method that
is used for attaching the cartridge pleats will not work if you use heavy fabric. Also, the
back of the skirt is very heavy. Heavy fabric will cause great stress to you and the
garment.
When wearing the skirt, wear a bodice that you can attach the skirt to. Use pens
or hook & eyes to do this. It will distribute the costume weight evenly.