Hello! I am searching for a Colonial American or Early American dress pattern. My specific need is Virginia, circa 1781. Folkwear does not have this era, and I do not know of any other sources. I'd appreciate any leads or links. Thank you. Pat in Virginia PS: I corrected the date: 1781 it is!
Colonial or Early American Pattern Needed
Oct 16, 2006
2 Replies
Man or woman? How higg fashion? And how authentic do you want/need it to be? Here's a list of the available patterns from the Big 3.
Simplicity 4092, 5041 McCalls 4548 Butterick 4570, 4484 (undergarments), 4315, 4317, 3640, 3071, 3072
For a much more comprehensive list of available patterns, check out this website:
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've got writeups on just about every historical pattern made, fromall time periods, so there's a lot of material there. As for your time period, there is nothing particularly unique to Virginia in that time period. Most generic colonial patterns will do, and since most of them tend to center on 1776, you'll be fine. The five year time span won't make a difference.
Good luck, Cathy
Just an ordinary dress ... not too fancy, more of an everyday cotton dress. It should LOOK good, but not necessarily
100% authentic. I've checked out the ones on your list, Cathy, and found several possibilities. One thing about that time period ... the styles did NOT change quickly, so a dress can cover a wide time span. So, yes, any thing from 1776 would do, as the Americans did not have access to much fabric dur> >Join the Discussion
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