Friday, December 2, 2011

The 1912 Project


Oh my deary! Where has the time gone?  Sorry I've been MIA this week--between attending a conference, two work events and my latest sewing project--my regular blog posts have suffered!  I do want to share a quick post with you all about a fantastic project going on over at the Vintage Pattern Lending Library called 'The 1912 Project'.

This next April marks 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic!  There are lots of titanic-era inspired historic events happening next spring.  The Vintage Pattern Lending Library will be transcribing patterns, graphics and information from ALL the 1912 editions of La Mode Illustree – a beautiful French fashion journal of the period – with the goal of making all of the patterns from the entire year available.

If you love to sew, and are intrigued by the 1912 era – you can help! The Library is looking for test sewers willing to post to the blog their experiences and photos in working with these vintage patterns.  If you already have a blog, all you need to do is post there and send them a cross link to the entry.  In return the Library will send you copies of the patterns to sew from as they are transcribed from the journals!

For an information package about the project  – you can email direct to vpll.librarian@gmail.com

Here's two of the first patterns available:


Oooh...I do love the blouse pattern!
I'm definitely going to participate as this is a time period I haven't really explored yet!  What about you?  Do you want to try it out too?
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21 comments

  1. Thank you so much for sharing this information. Im hoping to be able to take part in this fantastic project.

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  2. I won't be participating, but I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing what people who do (like you!) make. Such an elegant time in clothing. :)

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  3. I usually sew with vintage patterns but these look seriously tricky...not sure I've got the balls!

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  4. Sounds like fun! If I was skilled enough I would make something and wear it to go see Titanic in 3D when it comes out... Haha I'm a nerd!!! :)

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  5. This sounds really interesting. I'm not sure if my sewing skills are up to par, but I did send an email to address provided! This might force me to become a better sewist.

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  6. Ooooh this sounds like a lot of fun! What a great challenge, trying to use patterns from that era and make them wearable for everyday wear. I'm seriously considering it! Can't wait to see what you make Debi - are you going to start with one of those two patterns?

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  7. Thank you for sharing! I love early fashions of the 1900's.

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  8. Gosh I've got to say I'm scared of those oldies too. They have no marks on them and the guide sheets are vague I'm too afraid to try these they look hard to make. Nan

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  9. In a word. . .yes! Because I have a pair of shoes from that era, and a petticoat, so I need to sew something to fill out the look. I think a skirt and blouse could transition to the modern era pretty well, but I am going to skip the mono-bosom look

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  10. I may give this a go as well, even though I've never sewn anything earlier than 1948.

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  11. Ooo! This sounds so exciting, I might have to join in! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. That is so great! Im going to a Titanic party and need to dress for 1910-1915. I love historical clothing but have had troubles finding patterns for dresses from this period (and can't fit or afford the dresses avaliable). So my plans are to find a "modern" dress that can be transformed as I'm not a great a sewing.. Lovely!

    Thit (thitbirk@gmail.com)

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  13. Sounds incredibly interesting! I just sent off an email to get more details. Coincidentally, an early teens corset was already next in the projects line. :)

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  14. That's a great website. I hadn't heard of it before. I hope they put more downloadable patterns up in the future.

    Julie

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  15. My sister and I are planning on making ourselves each Edwardian Tea Gowns. From Sense and Sensibility patterns. All I need is the material and I'm set.

    Oh, and a heart of the ocean necklace couldn't heart if anyone is willing to gift me with one. ;)

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  16. I was just re-watching Downton Abbey and taking screen shots of blouses I think I can "get away with" wearing... This is perfect! Thanks for the heads up, Debi, I want to dive right into this. :)

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  17. OMG I have to do this! I have spent years wanting to sew something from this era, oh wow! Thank you so much for posting about this Debi! <3

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  18. What a great project! I just love fashion history and although I don't normally sew historical costume, I think I may make an exeption now.
    Thank you for posting this!

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  19. 1910s was a great era for women -- simpler clothing, to make and to wear. Far less underwear required; shorter skirts meant less tripping on hems and less laundry to do (no more "dust strips" on skirts and petticoats). Beginnings of acceptance of sports for women meant that clothing had to accommodate easier body movement. Investigate Paul Poiret's iconic images from that time for inspiration.

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  20. I am so going to do this! We just discovered Downton Abbey, and I have become obsessed with one of Lady Mary's blouses, in particular, everyone's clothes, in general. Fantastic!

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I read each and every comment--thank you so much!

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