I based it on this extant waistcoat from The Conneticuit Historical Society, for which the source links never seem to work. It's a small boys waistcoat, so it only has 6 buttons, and the pockets are fake.
(I didn't realize it was a child's waistcoat when I was making my version because I hadn't found the source page yet, but I think mine is more appropriate for an adult since I did 8 buttons and added real pockets.)
Waistcoat, c. 1770's Plain weave linen with Dorset buttons. |
Inside view of c. 1770's waistcoat. |
About half of the sewing is by machine. The seam finishing, hemming, inside edge of the facing, and the buttonholes were all done by hand.
I haven't worn it in horrendously hot weather yet, but it's definitely cooler than all my other waistcoats.
I made 8 little Dorset buttons using plastic rings and linen thread. I'll use small brass rings on my next linen waistcoat, but I couldn't use them for this one because I ordered them too late in the month.
The challenge: 5: specific to a time (of day or year)
What the item is: A summer waistcoat.
Material: Plain weave off white linen. A fine one for the pocket bags, and a somewhat coarser one for everything else.
Notions: Linen thread, cotton thread, silk thread, 8 small plastic rings.
Pattern: My own
Year: c. 1770's- early 80's
How historically accurate is it? 70% maybe? It's about half machine stitched, and there are plastic rings in the buttons, but otherwise the look and construction is pretty similar to the original.
Hours to complete: 17
First worn: May 26th, 2018
Total cost: I'm pretty sure this particular linen was given to me, so very little. No more than 2 or 3 dollars.
It will be a while before I can get back to my fabric stash and start another linen waistcoat, as I am currently out of the province with my Uncle. (These last two photos are by him.)
A sequoia tree! I had never seen one before! |
I see the speck of dust inside my camera lens has migrated to the top. |
Another great waistcoat. I love the Dorset buttons, they really look tedious to make but they look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI love the photos. I hope you're enjoying your time away from home and that you're keeping a journal of your travels.
All the best.
Hugs, Mamoo