Late Bloomer

Part 2 of The Edwardian cycling outfit from  Laughing Moon #110.  I was originally planning to make the entire outfit in the African wax print, but pattern matching and fabric width defeated me.  I got this rather gorgeous quality black cotton sateen as a substitute, and used it for the collar on the jacket, to tie it all in.

Waistband and knee bands on the bloomers are from the wax print borders.  The knee bands are cut to a sensible width to slip over my calves easily, then elasticated just enough to keep them at the right height.

Fabric width again fought me [these bloomer pattern pieces are HUGE] so I folded a tad out to make them fit.  I also shortened them a bit because I’m such a short-arse.

Construction is very very quick and simple, the bloomers are pleated to the waistband [and if you have a waist, unlike me, gathered at the sides too.]  The side opening is bound, and I’ve used a large press stud here rather than the hooks and eyes which would have been more historically accurate.  [After wearing them for a while, I’ll be adding elastic threaded into the waistband.]

They fall beautifully into folds, looking rather like a puffball skirt.  Comfy, practical, mad.  What more could I want?

Now all I need is the gaiters and a boater!  Here’s the complete outfit so far.

Ohitibombed by Oscar

Does my bum look big?

Hussy, showing my knees!