Pattern for Victorian 1876 Grosgrain & Cashmere Dress - Sized for you

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Pattern for Victorian 1876 Grosgrain & Cashmere Dress - Sized for you:
$9.95

Pattern #265
Original description of the garment from the 1876 American publication:

The skirt of this dress is ofsteel blue gros grain and is forty-four inches long in front, fifty-flve incheslong in the back, and three yards and a half wide on the bottom. The trimmingconsists of side-pleated ruffles of steel blue cashmere four inches wide. Theover-skirt and waist are of steel blue cashmere. (The instructions are in English.)

To help add to your re-enactment wardrobe, I am offering these reproductions of original patterns sized to your bust, waist and back measurements. This is taken from the original pattern from 1876 and includes the markings that were on each piece. Note the sale is for reproductions on disk, not the paper originals. You will receive a computer disk with the patterns as a PDF file. Note that if you do not send me your measurements or respond to a request for the measurements within 3 days, it is assumed that you have ordered the pattern in its original size.
The pattern markings clearly show which pieces are joined together and there is a full copy of the 1911 edition of \"The Dressmaker\" on the disk which has extensive information on making skirts and waists/blouses. The plain version could be done by a competent beginner (knowledgeable in basic sewing techniques) with the help of the reference books. A list of translated terms from French to English and a French to English period dictionary are on the disk. There are also many period sewing and fashion books in PDF form included. Earlier sewing books are also included.In addition to the many reference materials, there are files that contain the illustrations that can be used for reference and to print out in order to try out color schemes. Several other patterns are included free, such as the cuff and collar sets pictured above. A bonus pattern that will change periodically will also be included and this will generally be lingerie. These patterns are taken from original publications and will save you hours of work and frustration. The publications of this time period offered sewing patterns that were all over-printed on one large sheet and the user had to laboriously trace out each piece with a tracing wheel, carefully following its unique lines, transfer any markings and then adjust it to her particular size. These steps are done for you. Even if you owned an original publication with patterns, it is unlikely you would wish to use it with a tracing wheel as 100 year old paper is generally quite fragile.When you receive an invoice, you will need to send your high bust size (see diagram above for placement of tape measure), waist and your back length (from base of neck to waist). Please note that if you are going to wear a corset, it should be worn during these measurements for more accurate sizing.You will have to print out the pattern pieces on your computer - using a process known as \"tiling\", where you print out any large pieces using several pieces of paper and then tape them together. These settings are generally found in your printer\'s menu. ( I can supply you with the patterns printed and taped for an additional cost that would be added to your invoice.) Please note, the original patterns did not have seam allowances and neither do the reprints - you will need to draw them in once you have done a paper or initial fitting. Instructions are included on the disk for preparing and using the pattern. These patterns are not for the beginning seamstress. They could be mastered with the reference material and a willingness to put in some study by a beginner well versed in basic sewing skills.Additionally, each disk contains the instructions that came with the patterns as well as reference material to help you better understand and enjoy period garments. A PDF file of the color print (if done) is included as well as B&W prints - these may be printed out and used to try color schemes or for whatever personal purpose you like. A PDF file of the back view will be included if it was in the original publication - not all will have them. The reference materials include several Victorian books (copyright free PDF files) on dressmaking, sewing, period techniques and manuals of taste plus a book list of modern guides for use by the less-experienced seamstress. In addition to the clothing pattern, you will receive several other patterns such as basic skirt pattern for this time period, a selection of patterns for collar and cuff sets and a bonus pattern, likely for an accessory or piece of lingerie (which will change from time to time).
Payment is via Paypal. Shipping can be combined. The disk can be mailed either Priority or Media Mail (with tracking). Please let me know if there are specific items of clothing you are interested in - I have patterns from approx. 1868 to the 1910s. Thanks for looking and please feel free to ask questions. The measurements needed to customize are: high bust (see illustration), waist and back (neck to waist). If these measurements are not received within 3 days, it will be assumed that you do not wish customization and you will be sent the pattern in its originally published size. Sorry, but I have received purchases that had to be cancelled since no measurements were given and buyers did not respond to e-mail requests - penalizes sellers who do not ship promptly, so I wind up paying and Paypal fees without receiving payment.