Coifs and bonnets to make yourself

Duran Textile's Newsletter 4-2008 shares with us some wonderful images of 18th Century coifs and bonnets, together with patterns. Yes, patterns so you can make them yourself.

Regency Reticules

Looking for a small project to complete over the Christmas break? A regency reticule is definitely something you can start and finish - even by hand while watching the cricket (an Australian tradition).

Reticule, England, 1800-24
Silk with embroidered floral design and tassels
V&A: Museum no. Circ.554-1954

From MFA, Boston. Accession Number 64.692 

Ladies cream silk reticule with chenille embroidery. English 1790-1800

Matching silk satin reticule & shoes in Aylwen's private collection

A pattern to knit a pineapple reticule is here.

You can draw up your own pattern by looking at pictures or use the reticule patterns that are part of the Elegant Ladys Wardrobe pattern. Wingeo also have a reticule pattern with many variants. There are some simple pouch instructions and also a reticule pattern online. Here is a link to how to make tassels and here are some regency embroidery patterns for decoration. To learn even more about reticules, come along to the Jane Austen Festival Australia in Canberra each April and attend one of the workshops.

Links to reticules online:
http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/drawstring-bag-48619
http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/spun-steel-bag-119562
http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/painted-silk-bag-octagonal-47... 
http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/bag-123011
http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/drawstring-bag-123012
http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/bag-123013
http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/knitted-and-beaded-round-draw... 
http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/drawstring-bag-48208
http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/bag-clasp-and-bag-69876
http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/drawstring-bag-100052
http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/bag-50155
http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/drawstring-bag-49690

Pre-order of 17th Century Pattern Book

I can't wait for Seventeenth-Century Women's Dress Patterns: Book 1 (Womens Dress Patterns 1) to come out. Its available for pre-order discount at Amazon and looks so enticing. There is such a shortage of information for this period its not funny.

There is a 1630s bodice pattern available for purchase. As with all patterns, make sure you fit a toile before cutting into your good fabric.

The Romantic Seamstress

My Romantic Gown is complete and I wore it to the Albert Hall in Canberra last Saturday night. All I need to do now is make a corded petticoat to keep the skirt out a bit.