March 10, 2014

Inspired by...

It's no coincidence that I showed you the lovely fashions of the 1910's in the previous post. 

The garment I've just finished is kind of inspired by some of them. By those hobble skirts which have plenty of room in loose folds higher up in the skirt and then taper down to a very narrow hem. 
The 1910's inspiration is just 'kind of' because I've been thinking about it before and at that time, inspiration came from a tv series, Parade's End. I've discussed that particular set of considerations when I posted about my plans last summer. And I already made a summer jumpsuit based on those plans. 
I love that one, but I still felt like re-visiting the idea and maybe sticking a bit closer to the source this time.

A couple of months ago, I stumbled across an ideal fabric. Loosely woven tweed-ish stuff (unfortunately a 'mystery fibre' kind of deal, but it was quite cheap…).
And just over a week ago, with spring weather on the way, I decided to just go for it.

It is a peculiar blend of styles. If you can clearly see the two legs, it can, from some angles, look kind of 1980's but if you can't, it resembles a 1910's hobble skirt. And of course, I used a bodice which I might also use for a 1950's style dress, so there's no attempt at authenticity there.
That said, I always wear my 50's dresses belted but somehow prefer this thing without a belt. 

And how often do you see trousers which are good for twirling?


I think I could also play around with putting a camisole underneath and keeping some buttons open (in these pictures, the top button is open). I like how it changes the shape of the collar. As an alternative look.

The jumpsuit has pockets in the trouser side seams.

To break up the monotony of that charcoal grey fabric, I used silver coloured metal buttons (very lightweight ones which have been in my stash for quite a while). (this picture is showing the colours accurately)
And because I didn't want those eye-catching details below the waist, I sewed little transparent snaps on that part of the front opening. It's not like there's any pressure on it at that point.

It's an odd thing, but I think I kind of like it. But it's getting warmer now, so I may not get to wear it until autumn…. I've got a coat/cardigan thing in mind for it…. 

16 comments:

  1. Oh! how fantastic! You are BRILLIANT! I've never seen anything quite like it. The combination of decades absolutely works, and yet it is so fresh that it's almost futuristic- but soft- and wearable. AMAZING! -Kimbersew

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  2. They resemble bloomers, which have a special place in American suffragette history.
    https://www.google.com/search?q=amelia+bloomer+bloomers&oq=amelia+bloomer+bloomers

    Back then, most northeastern farms were "one-horse" farms, so they could not spare the sole horse to take the suffragettes to meetings. The "iron horse" or bicycle, could not be ridden with the skirts of those times. Decency laws forbade women to wear pants. Thus, the Bloomer dress was born.

    Decency laws were used not only to control women's movement, but also to prevent them from working outside the home/farm.

    I enjoy seeing your clothing experiments and forays into clothing history.

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  3. Incredible how you put this together! Just wonderful!

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  4. Love it! It looks like a garment that is both bold and easy to wear in many settings, a perfect combination.

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  5. Oh wow, I love it!! I know it's based on 1910 fashion clothing but it looks so new and fun! Great job!

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  6. Best jumpsuit I have seen in ages. Great work! :)

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  7. What a success, the shape is great and you carry it off so well.

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  8. This really tickled my fancy!! What a great silhouette! Lovely, and very innovative ;)

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  9. Jumpsuits are usually not my thing, but this is absolutely brilliant. I love it!

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  10. I think the silhouette is pretty fabulous. Have you considered pants from the bottom half in linen for summer?

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  11. I rarely comment but this is just brilliant and unique!

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  12. If it was RTW or a pattern I'd be saving up my pennies to get it!

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  13. Wow, this jumpsuit is very impressive and unique. I'm sure you get a lot of attention walking down the street. I'm wondering: Is it comfy to have these folds hanging at the side? Maybe you'll be a trendsetter: the hobble suit!

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  14. Your talent always leaves me in awe. Beautiful outfit.

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  15. Pretty cool. The trousers remind me of dhoti trousers. I hadn't thought they would work as a jump suit.

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  16. I am amazed that you came up with the idea for that garment! I love how it looks like a coat on top, drapes like a skirt on the bottom, but is actually a jumpsuit. I'ts so unique and creative.

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