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New pattern Edwardian Dinner Dresses

9/30/2013

18 Comments

 
Look what I got to make!!!! Will be in the stores Tomorrow!

Many more blogs to come on this about my research, pattern reference and photos to explain how I put these dresses together.
Picture
The year for these two dresses is 1914 and 1920 respectively.  Fashions didn't change too much during World War I.  And you may wonder how I get away with calling these "Edwardian" gowns when King Edward died in 1910.  I wondered that, too.  But Edwardian is used all the way through the 1910s.  There really is no other name for that decade.  The 20s are called the Jazz Age or Roaring 20s.

And, please anyone chime in on this.

I found a pretty good explanation to back up my theory on a website called Eras of Elegance.  Here is the first paragraph.  Or you can click on the link and read the whole thing.


The Edwardian Era (1901-1919)

The Edwardian era corresponds with the reign of King Edward VII, whose short-lived governance (1901-1910) preceded the modern House of Windsor in England. The "Edwardian" style broadly encompasses the years of 1901 through 1919. One author described the Edwardian era in the following vein: "The end of the century brought the dawning of a new age and a new attitude toward life. It was an era when social differences dissipated and the mores, customs, and expectations of the citizenry came together." The Edwardian era was a historical moment of tremendous technological and social change. The wonders of the modern world, which had only sprang into being in the 1880s and 1890's, brought the first rewards of modern industrialization and mass-produced abundance. Americans during the Edwardian age experienced new-found wealth and indulged in cuisine, fashion, entertainment and travel as never before. Perhaps the Edwardian era was best captured in the Titanic, the grand ocean liner which embodied the human progress, opulence, and excesses of the time. The Edwardian era is aptly remembered as the "Gilded Age."


18 Comments
Evette Nixon link
9/29/2013 09:46:51 pm

I agree with that site. It was a time that brought on so much change in our world. It is a unforgettable period in time, that I am glad is getting more interest now.

Reply
Val LaBore link
9/30/2013 03:13:53 am

Awesome! Just linked to your blog on our Costume Pattern Review group on Facebook.
Val

Reply
Andrea
9/30/2013 05:24:35 am

Thanks Val.

Reply
Val LaBore link
10/1/2013 02:29:56 am

Accolades from the costumers! We finally get something we can use for Downton Abbey! The green one would look wonderful as an evening gown ala Lady Mary.
Thank you Andrea!

Joan
10/1/2013 08:23:01 am

Yeah! Lovely designs for those of us hoping & waiting for these! They are lovely, Andrea!!

Reply
Carolyn
9/30/2013 05:18:23 am

I disagree with the above quoted statement. Everyone who studies history thinks their period of specialty was one of unique change and transition. My specialty is the 18th century, I have to fight with myself to not have the exact same attitude towards it - almost verbatim - as the above passage has towards the early 20th century. Every period, decade, century, era has its own unique forms of transition and development. The only constant in life IS change. The "Industrial Rev'n" (the very existence of which is debated by historians) began in the 18th century, built upon labour developments of the 17th century that saw the beginnings of mass production and division of labour (the Industrial Rev'n harnessed these practices, it didn't create them), which flourished and gained momentum throughout the course of the entire 19th century. Social change 'progressed' apace. The 1910s are no more unique than any other distinct period. The concept/existence of 'distinct periods' is also highly debatable.

Reply
Andrea
9/30/2013 05:29:00 am

Good to hear from a different persecutive. Thank you. I like your statement that the only constant in life is change.
It is interesting though how different historic periods become popular. The most obvious is the "Renaissance". There does seem to be a lot of interest in early 20th century now.
But, do you have an opinion about call the 1910's Edwardian, even though Edward was no longer living?

Reply
Diane
10/1/2013 10:15:51 am

Totally agree with Carolyn.
For me, every era has something its own character, and one is not necessarily better than the other. It's just different. I think our favorite era is many times defined on what we look best in. I prefer Regency (Jane Austen era) myself, but so many of my friends and acquaintances are in love with Civil war and Victorian fashion.

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Jennifer Rosbrugh link
9/30/2013 06:41:43 am

I generally end the "Edwardian Era" around King Edwards' death in 1911 and call those early Teen years the "Titanic" years. Later Teens are sometimes described as The Great War years. I wouldn't include the last half of the Teens with Edwardian, at least in fashion speak.
I loved what Carolyn said about transition. And although the Eras of Elegance site is quite lovely there is a presentation of general overview and research. Since the 19-Teens are a transition period not belonging to the Edwardian years or the Roaring Twenties it can be compared to the 1820s & 30s that landed between the Regency and Early Victorian. How do you describe these "no-name" eras? I think it comes from how we personally view them and what we connect them to.

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Jana Keeler link
9/30/2013 01:57:47 pm

This is lovely. Can wait to buy it!

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Terri Akin
9/30/2013 11:36:30 pm

When I first began costuming, I learned that the Edwardian Era, from 1901-10 rolled into the Ragtime Era 1910-20. The clothing had its distinctive features (e.g., the higher waistline). However, the changes were gradual, as they usually are. Not everyone outside of the haute coutoure set could afford the changes rapidly. Question about the new pattern: Were the dresses really worn that loosely? They appear to be to large for the lovely lady wearing them. Comments appreciated.

Reply
Andrea
10/1/2013 12:32:37 am

Yeah, the dresses could fit tighter ... I am never involved in model choice or any aspect of the photo shoot, so ...
The dress is built with a boned bodice with a waist stay ribbon inside, so it is designed to be worn tighter. The model could stand a little straighter, too.

Reply
Cheyene link
10/1/2013 04:29:59 am

Oh, that's good to know. And I never thought of how the models can skew what the finished garment would actually look like, if made properly according to the taken measurements.
I have a lot of resources for Teens era patterns, but it will be nice to have one pattern that's easy and simple to put together, in case I need something quick and easy!
Both designs are quite nice! :)

Diane
10/1/2013 10:21:43 am

Oh okay, Andrea, I didn't read far enough down and put in an entry without reading the above. They are beautiful, and it's good to know about the boned bodice. Where is the boning placed?

Diane
10/1/2013 10:19:50 am

My thoughts exactly, Teri. They looked a size too big. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't this era around the time of the sinking of the Titanic? If so, the clothing we saw in that much celebrated movie seemed to be more fitted than the pattern above.

Reply
Eric Stott
10/1/2013 02:35:15 am

The main effect of WWI on women's clothes (aside from scarcity of materials) seems to be military-like styles in day and casual dresses.

Reply
Susan
10/1/2013 03:36:53 am

I even use the term "Edwardian" for the really late 19th century clothing that was fashionable when Victoria was nearing the end of her days, and Bertie & Alexandra were the leaders of fashion. You can see the beginning of the Edwardian Era from the late 1890's, if not the early 1890's, when the bustle was finally gone for good, and the silhouette became elegant & even dainty, like Alexandra.

Reply
social marketplace link
10/15/2013 04:09:48 pm

These two dresses are very interesting,i think these dresses are giving old look,actually old look is best forever,I want you to thank for your time of this wonderful dresses,I definately enjoy every models in your blog.

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    From Andrea 

    I am a commercial pattern maker who is now "sewing over 50"!
    I love to sew and hope to encourage others to come back to sewing.
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