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1887 Silk Bat

The base of the skirt is silk gazar as are the knife-plait flounces.
Once all of the flounces were sewed into place, I narrow hemmed the bottom of each to achieve texture similar to that in the original art.
More in-progress photos are shown in my blog via link given in this post-be sure to take a look!

Original art for the 1887 Bat costume. The pattern for this design was NOT included in the issues master sheet of pattern pieces.

Before beginning the skirt design, I built the bell-shaped crinoline in black cotton twill.

Detail of wing and glove.
A nice tip offered in my construction of this costume regards the mitering of double-bias binding which is the finish I applied to the edge of the silk taffeta wings. These details are also posted in my blog.
Part of the wing toile process involved testing the vinyl tube armature for each wing. I sewed channels along each wing seam sandwiching the wing and wing lining to acommodate the tubing.

The base of the skirt is silk gazar as are the knife-plait flounces.

Once all of the flounces were sewed into place, I narrow hemmed the bottom of each to achieve texture similar to that in the original art.

More in-progress photos are shown in my blog via link given in this post-be sure to take a look!

Photo: Photo by Cynthia DeGrand

I draped and drafted pattern pieces to create this silk bat costume.

I began this project by building an 1886 corset pattern from another issue of 'La Mode Illustree'. I adapted it to have the deep basque at the front to achieve the bodice of the costume.

Photos of the muslin and fabric progress are posted in my blog via the link below. I expect to have photos of the finished costume late this week once I have the pattern ready for release.

Pattern or design used: My own design - 1887 French Bat Costume

EvaDress, member
Posted on Aug 25th, 2010 in design, tips & tricks, reader's closet, vintage, draped patterns

Comments (5)

EvaDress writes: Hello,

I will not wear a headpiece, but I do have the perfect masquerade mask to wear.
I am putting finishing touches on the gloves now and will have photos made in its entirey on me at this weekend's festivities!
Posted: 10:36 am on October 28th

SilkyGirl writes: Nice job. Liked the fact thatyou have made a period correct hoop to go under this confection. Did you make a headpiece to go with it? Jackie Wakeling; Past Reflections
Posted: 9:52 pm on September 13th

CherieFrid writes: This is amazing! What a huge investment in recreating this Victorian design. I especially love the knife pleats in the skirt.
Posted: 10:51 pm on September 4th