Saturday, January 28, 2012

Raise the Titanic


Or at least the luggage. 

This is beyond vintage, folks.  Because obviously I don't have enough to do with a husband, a job, 10 cats, 2 chickens and an old house in need of hand-holding, I signed up to be a test sewist for the Vintage Pattern Lending Library's 1912 Project. Have you heard about it?

Almost 100 years ago - in April, 1912 - the Titanic struck an iceberg and went down in the north Atlantic.  (On a personal note, my father would turn 100 this April, so I've always had that date in my head.)  The Vintage Pattern Lending Library is providing patterns, starting from the April 1912 issue of La Mode Illustree, to a group test sewers, and I'm fortunate enough to be one of them.

Of course, this isn't going to be a walk on the promenade deck.  From the website: 

Construction and cutting information for these patterns are very vague, usually amounting to only a paragraph or two. These patterns come from a different era without all the luxuries that we have come to rely on.  They may have no instructions and no markings. Any notes or supplementary information about the construction process that you are willing to share would be wonderful.  The patterns are replicated directly from the original pattern sheet without changes – so sizing tends to run fairly small. 3/8-inch seam allowance will be added, and other information to clarify construction.

In other words, I'm going to be banging my head on the sewing table to make something that in no way, shape or form will fit me - or my dress form. 

And I think I might enjoy it.  I'll post photos of what pattern I get and what it turns into.

Away all boats.

5 comments:

Elaray said...

Why am I not surprised that you would be involved in this project? Have fun! Call me when you have the pattern. I'd like to see it.

Lisette M said...

Like Elaray I'm not surprised you would sign up for this! Like you I'm stretching myself by taking on making two of the costumes for two of the leading ladies in the musical at my son's school. At least my patterns have instructions and markings ;-)

cidell said...

I would actually sign up for this too. Especially if I could do a coat or evening wear. I couldn't tell from teh site if they are still looking for testers though. Do you know if they are?

Kimberly said...

I can't wait to see any information you post on this project. It sounds awfully exciting.

Marjie said...

I would enjoy this project, but the rest of the family probably wouldn't. It would be fun to recreate Titanic-era clothing!