18th Century Summer Ensemble

Sometimes, there have to be advantages to working in the textile industry. This week, as they were cleaning out old samples at my work, I snatched this IKEA Duvet cover and pillowcase set for just 5$.

IKEA Duvet cover

As a general rule, it is not really my style for home décor, but the print immediately struck me as perfect for a summery 18th century number. The duvet cover is about 150 cm wide by 200cm long (60” x 80”) with both sides printed: plenty of material for a skirt and jacket with short basque.

Alvine Örter Duvet cover and pillowcases

 

Since this product is still sold in store apparently, and for only 19.99$, I could also get a second set to expand my choice of patterns for this dress. 25$ for  metres of material would still be a good deal. We'll see.

I am now looking at pictures of similar dresses to inspire me.

Gown
Britain (gown) & India (fabric), 1795-1800, Hand-painted cotton 

V&A

Dress (robe à l'anglaise)c. 1785 (fabric: 1760s)-England 
Material: White china silk with polychrome painting in plant motif; "compères" front; boned at center back; matching petticoat. 
©The Kyoto Costume Institute, photo by Taishi Hirokawa

Calico Jacket and Petticoat by Rockin' the Rococo

18th Century Gown, A Colonial Lady's Clothing: A Glossary of Terms

Keira Knightley as Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, The Duchess (2008)

Costume design by Michael O'Connor 

Picture from The Costumer's Guide to Movie Costumes - The Duchess - Flowered Gown

This is another project for 2013. I do not plan on making any period maternity wear for this year, and besides, I am only halfway through this pregnancy and I am constantly exhausted (the fabric for my Titanic “Sink” dress has been waiting for me to cut it for 3 weeks – I don’t think this project is happening anytime soon). But planning for costumes is half the fun, so why should I deny myself this pleasure?