Meet the Garments - Time Capsule Wardrobe
Time Capsule Wardrobe is a book containing patterns and instructions for sewing a history-inspired capsule wardrobe. It includes sewing patterns for 7 garments inspired by historical fashion. This list includes a brief introduction to each one, as well as the difficulty level of each pattern.
The patterns for all garments are printed in the book in a gridded format and include 3 sizes: UK sizes 10, 18, 26 / US sizes 8, 16, 24 / EUR sizes 38, 46, 54. Additional guidance is included for grading and adjusting the patterns to fit your unique measurements.
If you prefer to skip the scaling and grading process, the patterns are also available in a PDF version and printed version. These patterns are fully graded in sizes UK sizes 6-30 / US sizes 4-28 / EUR sizes 34-58. You can find more detailed size charts in the shop listings for the pattern bundles.
The Georgian Shirt
The Georgian Shirt is a loose-fitting shirt with a wide neckline and big collar. The style and construction are inspired by simple linen shirts worn throughout much of history – including the Georgian Era – but it works just as well made in bold printed fabrics as it does in white linen. The pattern is based on straightforward, rectangular shapes and includes gussets at the underarm and neck to ensure a comfortable fit.
Difficulty: intermediate
Georgian Polonaise Dress
The Georgian Polonaise Dress takes inspiration from the Robe à la Polonaise style of the late 18th century and adapts it into the perfect modern layering piece. This sleeveless dress features a supportive bodice with lace-up closure, a mid-length skirt with hidden bustle ties, and a contrasting hem facing. The skirt can be worn either buttoned closed, open, or bustled up to reveal another skirt (or maybe your favourite jeans) underneath.
Though a true Robe à la Polonaise is cut in one piece at the back, we’ve designed this dress with a waist seam, enabling you to easily adapt the pattern to create a corset style bodice.
Difficulty: intermediate
Georgian Petticoat Skirt
The Georgian Petticoat Skirt is the ultimate adjustable skirt. The tie closures – one set at the front of the body and one at the back – are inspired by Georgian Era petticoats and allow it to fit a range of sizes. This mid-length skirt is pleated at the waist and includes sewn-in pockets inspired by those worn in the 18th century.
Difficulty: beginner
Romantic Pelerine Capelet
The Romantic Pelerine Capelet is a short cape inspired by fashions of the 1830s. Pelerines at this time were made from a range of fabrics – from sheer cotton lawn to luxurious velvet – and this pattern has been designed for the heavier end of that spectrum. This pattern features a bias bound hem and seam finishes, and includes a facing around the neckline – keeping it comfortable even when made from coarser fabrics. The perfect layering piece to add a historical touch to any outfit.
Difficulty: beginner
Romantic Wrap Dress
The Romantic Wrap Dress is a top and skirt set inspired by dresses of the late 1830s. Both pieces feature a wrap closure and can either be worn separately or buttoned together as a dress. The bodice features gathering over the bust and at the shoulders, as well as full sleeves with elastic shirring at the biceps. The mid-length skirt is gathered at the waist, flared towards the hem, and includes side seam pockets.
Difficulty: advanced
Edwardian Shirtwaist
The Edwardian Shirtwaist is inspired by the fashions of the 1890s. This top features an intricate insertion lace yoke with pintucks, gathered sleeves with fitted cuffs, and a drawstring waist. It closes with buttons along the centre back and on the cuffs, and can be worn either tucked in or untucked to show off the peplum shape. Make it in white and wear it tucked in for a historical look or go bold and modern with a bright fabric.
Difficulty: advanced
Edwardian Walking Skirt
The Edwardian Walking Skirt is inspired by practical, everyday skirts of the 1890s. This gored skirt fits smoothly over the front of the body and flares out towards the ankle-length hem. It features a pleated back for extra fullness, side seam pockets, and a placket and hook/bar closure at the centre back. The hem is finished with horsehair braid.
Difficulty: beginner