Sewing Patterns for Gothic Lolita and Gothic Aristocrat?(Styles explained inside)?
I would really like to change my wardrobe, but the fashion that I want to get into is cutting-edge, and very expensive. The cheapest articles of clothing are around $50(absolute minimum). I am fair at sewing, so I want to see if i can make some of it myself.
First is Gothic Lolita, which features knee length or midcalf length bell-shaped skirts or dresses. They feature lots of frills, and are modeled after dolls from the Victorian period(kind of).
Second is Gothic Aristocrat(I’m more interested in this). It is based on men’s fashion from the Victorian period, and includes tailcoats, breeches, multilayered cravats, vests, frilly shirts, and high waisted dress slacks.
I’m hoping that people will have patterns for these articles of clothing, or patterns that can be modified to make these outfits.
Thank you in advance!
http://www.costumes.org/HISTORY/100Pages/gothvampire.htm
http://www.costumes.org/HISTORY/100Pages/steampunk.htm
http://www.costumes.org/advice/1pages/pattern_links.htm
Check the costumes section of the “big 4″ and Burda pattern catalogs, looking at silhouette, not details.
And look through the rest of the catalogs, too. Folkwear may be another catalog of interest.
For instance: this: http://www.retroscopefashions.com/images/lolita/CT-33127.jpg
is close to: http://www.folkwear.com/133feature.html and http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V8621.htm
When you’re looking at patterns, look at the line drawings, not the photos. it’s easier to “see” the lines of the garment in the flats.
For instance, this coat could be “Victorianized” easily… some soutache, some ruffles, some jet buttons… change the length, add some fullness to the upper sleeve:
http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V1148.htm
You might want to borrow some basic patternmaking books from the library — the sections you particularly want to pay attention to are those dealing with “block theory” (the underlying basic patterns for a design), and some of the basic pattern modifications that are easy to make.
Just to start you out, here’s a 1942 book on pattern making — read the section on sleeves and watch how she modifies the basic sleeve shape: http://www.vintagesewing.info/1940s/42-mpd/mpd-04.html
While you’re at the library, also find a copy of Colette Wolff’s Art of Manipulating Fabric. Buy yourself a couple of yards of muslin and start playing.
