PRINTED PATTERN- Victorian 1890s 1899 Ponderosa Cape Pattern- 30"-50" Bust

Wearing History Archive Couture Pattern #AC127

PRINTED PATTERN- Mailed to you. Please see my shop for the E-pattern version.

1899 "Ponderosa" Reversible Cape Pattern

Multisize from 32" bust to 50" bust all in one packet.

This hooded cape was included in La Mode Illustree in September of 1899. This cape features a lovely high-necked collar and a pointed hood with a turn back “cuff”. Two pockets with pocket flaps adorn the front of the cape. The best thing about the cape is that it was designed to be reversible! The hood buttons on and off, so you can adapt the look. A shorter length cutting line is included so you can make a shoulder cape with hood. We like to think of Victorian fairies wandering the woods in this cape, so we have named it the “Ponderosa”. Perfect for your forest adventures!

- ADVANCED Difficulty -

ADVANCED difficulty. Must be able to put a garment together with almost no instruction. You may wish to have a sewing book handy for detailed techniques. Read more below, please.



ABOUT THIS PATTERN:

From an original 1899 period sewing pattern from La Mode Illustree.

The pattern was originally a single size and from an overlapping pattern included in a magazine. The original user would have untangled the pattern from the pages like a puzzle, and drafted the cape body from a small diagram. This version has been made as a full-size and multi-size pattern, with adaptions for a corrected neckline, but the original neckline is still included. The hood was originally decorative, but an alternate cutting line is included for a larger hood. The cape was meant to hit below the hip, but we have included a shoulder cape cutting line for those who prefer a shorter cape, which was another popular style of this period.

The cape was originally to be cut of double-face“tartan” cloth, a fad of the late 19th century. You can use any type of fabric you prefer, but we suggest using a fabric of a tight weave to prevent the fabric from “growing” on the bias. If you use a napped or directional fabric like a plaid, the center back will fall off-grain. Two different wools are perfect for this project!

There are some videos to hep with this cape on YouTube:

Archive Couture patterns are an exercise for one’s skills, and an adventure into understanding sewing from antique patterns. Please read more details about this pattern below.



-Size and Yardage-

Please see product photos.


- - WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THIS PATTERN - -

-A clean, computer drawn pattern of the basic pattern shapes needed to create the garment illustrated.
-Very basic original text-only sewing description and very basic instructions
-The addition of sewing tips from Wearing History.
-Seam Allowance and grain lines
-Modern cutting charts and yardage amounts (allow extra for plaid matching, napped fabrics, etc)

- - What Is NOT Included With This Pattern - -
As per the "About Archive Couture Patterns" paragraph below, what is not included is standard of patterns of this age.

-NO sewing illustrations. You must be familiar with how to put a garment together using pattern shapes and a finished garment illustration.
-NO finishing techniques or facing pieces
-NO trim placement.
-NO button placement.


- - About Archive Couture Patterns - -
Archive Couture patterns are of Advanced Difficulty and recommended for those who are familiar with putting patterns together with little to no instruction, and who are familiar with pattern alterations for fit. These patterns are have been taken from original historical source materials. These sources may include diagrams, overlapping patterns in magazine issues, early tissue paper patterns, or other period source material. The source material was used by experienced home sewists, dressmakers, or tailors of the period from which they are derived. These patterns were only available only in single sizes, with details such as grain lines or buttonholes most often unmarked. Wearing History has clarified markings (where given) and supplied tips for working with these historical patterns. You may choose to have a modern or period sewing book on hand to help with construction and fitting. Archive Couture patterns follow the period shapes of the original period source material, maintaining the historical accuracy and fit of the completed garment. Fitting a muslin mockup is strongly recommended, as all garments were meant to be worn over period foundation garments or corsetry. Fit and proportion of these patterns are different than modern costume patterns and may require alteration to fit your modern body, even when wearing period style foundations. Several mock ups may be required to achieve ideal fit. We believe these patterns should not be lost to time or languish in historical archives, but be made available for historical sewing enthusiasts of today.