Patterns of Fashion

Recreation of The Filmer Collection Stitched Stomacher and Stays

This project was produced during the first module of my final year and entered into The Costume Society of Great Britain’s Patterns of Fashion competition.

I recreated the Filmer Collection Stitched Stomacher and Stays dated c.1660, working directly from Janet Arnold’s Patterns of Fashion 5. The pattern was scaled from the original and constructed using historically appropriate methods and materials, including hand stitching throughout and reed boning. No modern shortcuts or structural alterations were introduced.

This piece demonstrates my ability to interpret historical sources, translate scaled patterns into three-dimensional form, and execute precise, labour-intensive construction with consistency and control. The discipline required for this work directly informs my approach to tailoring, fitting, and teaching, particularly where accuracy, patience, and repeatable process matter more than speed.