1860s Ladies Vest & Jacket - Victorian Era - Reproduction (ca. 1863) Sewing Pattern #E0161 - 32/34 Inch Bust

This reproduction sewing pattern is from the May 25, 1863 issue of La Mode Illustrée. Typical of the era, sizing is not included, but it would fit approximately a 32 to 34-inch bust and a 22 to 24-inch waist.

This pattern features both the vest with center front points and the bolero-style jacket as shown. No directions are given for trimming the garment.

The vest includes double darts at the front edge and a narrow shawl collar. It buttons high on the chest, and a small, optional pocket may be added. The jacket has large turn-back cuffs and rounded shoulders. It lies open along the front and includes a small flare at the lower back edge.

This pattern has been re-digitized into its current format. All content is under copyright at www.BeespokeVintagePatterns.com (©2006). No portion of this pattern may be photocopied or reproduced by any means without written consent.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A solid understanding of vintage garment construction is highly recommended.

The source material for these early patterns contains much less instruction than modern patterns from the 1920s and 1930s. Fashion journals and patterns from this time period presumed that the home seamstress had sufficient skills to construct a garment without detailed directions. As a result, patterns for facings, linings, and other details—such as how to create trims—are usually non-existent.

Be aware that all of these patterns run small compared to modern sizing, and were drafted with the assumption that “proper” undergarments and corsets would be worn underneath. Armholes especially tend to be much tighter and smaller than modern garments.

It is very important when sewing these items to make a fitting mock-up (toile) out of muslin or another inexpensive fabric. Adjust the pattern for your individual figure using the mock-up before cutting into your final fabric.

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PLEASE KEEP IN MIND
This is an exact copy of the original vintage pattern and as such may retain any original errors or miscalculations in formatting native to the original pattern.  While I have made up some of these patterns, I have not tested them all out and cannot attest to their accuracy or perfect fit.  As with all garment construction, it is best to make a mock-up for fitting in test fabric prior to cutting and constructing with your final fashion fabric.
  
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 NOT YOUR SIZE?
 Here are some resources for resizing a pattern...
 https://www.patreon.com/posts/grading-your-own-68272892
 http://sensibility.com/blog/tips/how-to-resize-a-pattern/
  
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CAN YOU MAKE THIS FOR ME?
 I sure can! I'd be happy to make this up in your size and your choice of fabric. Please message me with a custom order request and we can finalize the details.
  
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CAN I SHARE PHOTOS OF MY FINISHED PROJECT?
 YES! Please tag and share pictures of your makes from this pattern. I truly LOVE to see photos!
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