One of the fabric samples featured in the the December 1813 issue of Ackermann's Repository was an orange wool, the color of which the writer noted “we expect to be the favourite colour of the season, in compliment to our new friends the Dutch” (see last week's post for more on why the English and the Dutch were now “new friends”). And, lo and behold, the first fashion plate for January 1814 features an orange coat! “A Spanish lapeled coat of fine orange merino cloth” covers a fine cambric gown in Plate 4. Even the lady's half-boots are made from orange jean. Swans, ermines, and geese have also contributed to the celebration, in the form of trim for the coat, fur for the muff, and a jaunty feather for the hat.
Vol. XI, no. lxi, plate 4
Plate 5 features a white “Morning Dress,” which, with its lemon-colored trimmings, slippers, and gloves, makes for a complimentary companion to the striking orange of plate 6. I'm wondering just what a “Flushing” mob cap is—anyone have any ideas?
Vol. XI, no. lxi, plate 5
This month's magazine does not include any fabric samples. Instead we have this lovely pattern of needlework for a “half collar.” I'm working on hand sewing a man's shirt for the cover model for my next book, and it is painstaking work. I can only marvel at the skill of a person who could embroider a pattern like this just to decorate the top of a collar!
Pattern for Needlework: a “Half-Collar”
