Christian's thinking of Dickens, too

When we went to HL, my fiance always amuses himself with looking at the pattern books there. He found a pattern I guess I overlooked because I considered it more fantasy than period - the Willy Wonka/Jack the Ripper Simplicity pattern #4083. I'm not too thrilled with something so late and probably fantasy, but I guess it'll have to do. It's an easy vest pattern, and it's cheaper than buying one, which I was thinking of doing.

So we'll need for Vest View B or C (not quite sure yet):

Simplicity 4083 pattern: $9

View B
1 1/8 yd. taffeta, satin, or jacquard
2 3/8 yds. of black lining
14 5/8" wide buttons

View C
7/8 yd. taffeta, satin, or jacquard
2 1/8 yds. of black lining
14 5/8" wide buttons

Not sure what colors he's going to choose, but I'm thinking along the lines of blue or burgundy, unless he chooses a jacquard. Also not sure if he wants the faux shirt (dickey and faux sleeves) that come with the pattern, or if he'll settle with his modern white dress shirt.

He's also thinking of putting even more work on me, and spending more money to boot! He really wants the coat (view A or C - only difference it looks like is the extra button holes on the lapels on C).

List of what will be needed:

A Coat
3 1/8 yds. black broadcloth, velvet or wool
3 1" wide buttons


C Coat - 2 7/8 yds. black broadcloth, velvet or wool
5 1" wide buttons


I put together a list of what he needs using Excel. It's a great but hard-to-figure-out software program which works well for comparing prices of the same product at different stores. Found out from comparing that the Gentleman's Emporium ( www.gentlemansemporium.com ) has actually the best prices overall.

Looks like he will want:

top hat - $80
black gloves - $6.50
pocket watch and chain - $55 & up

We're planning on also getting a fancy cane from Peggy's Victorian Corner in Galveston. She has them for a mere $20 - a good deal.

He also needs a nice pair of lace-up dress shoes (which he can wear in modern times as well as Victorian) and I'll have to make him a simple satin cravat, too.

Looks like I have my work cut out for me this season :-P