Autumn Suits, Bedell Catalog 1912

I don’t know what it is about this Autumn, but all of my inspiration is coming from Victorian and Edwardian sources.  Here’s some lovely images from a 100 year old catalog in my reference library.  These are from Bedell Catalog, Autumn 1912.  The inspiration for trimmings on otherwise pretty basic pieces are inspiring.  The cut of the back of the Cheviot suit jacket, below, is a delight.  Enjoy!

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5 Comments on Autumn Suits, Bedell Catalog 1912

  1. Stephanie
    October 29, 2012 at 1:06 pm (11 years ago)

    I’ve been wanting to make some teens things lately but I want to make proper undergarments first and then I get all unmotivated. *sigh*

    • Lauren
      October 29, 2012 at 2:19 pm (11 years ago)

      I totally know what you mean. I’ve been meaning to actually start the “real” 1860s corset, after several mockups, but I totally don’t want to. I want to skip straight to the pretty sewing instead of the underwear!

  2. Rachel
    October 29, 2012 at 1:44 pm (11 years ago)

    It really is too bad we don’t wear such fabulous hats like that anymore. I love the jaunty one on the right in the first picture.

    I’m thinking about finally cracking down and really delving into historical costuming, but the problem I’m having is deciding on what era to start with. When you began what era of history did you start with?

    • Lauren
      October 29, 2012 at 2:18 pm (11 years ago)

      I agree! I just love hats.

      I started out with Renaissance faires, actually, when I was a kid. My older cousin was really into it, so she started my passion for historical clothing. We weren’t accurate, but it was fun!
      I started getting into “real” historical costuming with Victorian clothing. I started with a purchased corset and focused on the fun stuff- all the pretty gowns. My first attempt was pretty horrid when I was a teenager, and in my 20s I put a lot more into trying to recreate them. Strangely, I was sewing historical costumes way before I started sewing vintage, even though I started collecting the patterns for vintage quite a bit before I actually bothered sewing them.

      Victorian is a great place to start because there’s so much reference material out there, and, if you want to, corsets can be purchased ready made. It’s the old rule of “start from the inside out”, so make a corset and underwear first and then make all the pretty things.

      It’s exciting that you’re thinking about getting into it! It’s really fun.

  3. The Dreamstress
    November 6, 2012 at 1:37 am (11 years ago)

    Oh, I just love this period! So sophisticated and body friendly, and so much scope in trims and colours. Thank you for sharing!

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