Hi everyone,
I read enough comments about the blue capelet for Felicity to investigate some other possibilities. I looked online for capes for women in Colonial times and there were all kinds to see. I checked out a few sites and “got lost” for a little while looking at the things that were authentic and then things seamstresses had made.
This pattern got me to thinking about a lace capelet…
Then I discovered a new word… for something worn in Colonial times… It’s called a Pelerine, and they are as varied and beautiful as anything I’ve ever seen… I had no idea this was something I hadn’t heard of.
A Pelerine was defined as a small cape that covered the shoulders. Historically, the Pelerine possibly originated in a type of 15th century armor padding that protected the neck and shoulders. As they became popular in the years to come, they became more ornate and fancy, being made from muslin to silks and even fur.
If you click on my pictures, they will enlarge.
Here is the website for some beautiful ones. If you scroll down a little bit on this site, you’ll see a row of tabs which can be clicked. Find the one that says Pelerines, and you can see lots more examples. There is an arrow at the right that lets you see many more than just on this one row. This is where I got “lost!”
This next link was the one I enjoyed, and you’ll see why. This was the Pelerine that sucked me in…
After I looked at many, many lace capelets (or Pelerine’s), I searched through my laces and found this collar, and decided this was the direction I wanted to go with Felicity’s new cape. BUT, not with this lace… It was too shiny to suit me… I know it’s hard to tell, but it is.
Sorry my pictures are a bit washed out. I had my lights set up, but I think because there was so much white in this dress set, it needed to be toned down a little.
So, after all those examples, let me introduce you to Felicity’s new Pelerine. Actually this lace, was a collar I had saved from a Laura Ashley dress YEARS AND YEARS ago. I LOVED it. Now Felicity loves it. I had to do a little fussy cutting to make it work, but I hope everyone likes it better than the blue capelet. I have decided to save that for someone for Easter… (Maybe Molly, as someone suggested!)
It’s a cotton lace and looks very nice with her dress…
I like that it’s lighter weight and not so heavy looking as the wool felt was. Also I like how the ruffles of her sleeves show…
I had ONE last blue cameo (which I looked up and found they were worn in Colonial times), and added it to the front of the Pelerine. It closes with a snap…
It is slightly gathered at the neck and has piece of lace to finish off the edge…
Here is the back…
And one last shot…
Bit by bit, this set will get finished… and hopefully soon…
Have a wonderful Saturday! I’ll see you Monday!
Blessings, Jeanne
YES, Jeanne! This is what that dress needed to accentuate the delicate flower pattern! This looks so much more like Felicity’s time, and what a difference! What a great find in your stash, and to be able to match it up with this dress is perfection! The cameo is just perfect for the closure! Such a stunning addition that changes the whole vibe of the outfit, and I’m sure Felicity is loving this! Isn’t it wonderful when everything falls into place at the right time?
Can’t wait to see what you have planned for the rest of this beautiful outfit!
Such interesting info you shared about capes and pelerines; I just took a quick look as it is Very late and I need to go to bed.
Felicity’s pelerine is Absolutely Perfect for her dress! Just the right look and feel, I think, and so nice that you had that one last blue cameo to set it off! Can’t wait to see what’s next.
Joy, I agree, the waistband on that petticoat looked pretty wide. I think it’s the whole perspective thing–on a person, that stretch lace wouldn’t seem wide at all. But if I were making it, I would probably try to find a narrower stretch lace–not Too narrow, or it might not stay up, but a little narrower than this. However, it’s not going to show, so I guess it’s a moot point.
I definitely think the Pelerine works much better with this dress. It’s more flowy and demure. 🙂
It’s perfect. I’m reminded of a Philosophy Class I was required to take for a Business Degree in college, Group Communication. It was stressed that the sharing of ideas usually resulted in a better solution to a problem than if someone was working on their own, and we were divided into groups of 5-6 people. This result is certainly an example of the theory working. Of course it requires a person who is open to constructive suggestions, which Jeanne certainly is. We all learned something new in the exercise this time. Thanks, Jeanne, for being open to suggestions and for inviting participation by blog followers and for the research you did. The pelerine is a remarkable addition to the ensemble.
The Felicity dress (I love the fuller skirt & petticoat!) is just simply wonderful! I have enjoyed the journey as a new chapter unfolded each day…free entertainment! I really paid attention when the sleeves were sewn…thanks for making it easier for me! The lace touch is lovely.
Just returned from a visit down the rabbit hole. Wow, definitely got lost down there as well. Whether a capelet or pelerine or whatever they may be called, it was so interesting. Apparently, the clergy wore them and some still do. For the colonial period, they depended on your place in society. Those with wealth had more elaborate accessories while those of lesser means wore a simple shawl covering. Thanks so much Jeanne for sharing your findings with us.
That said, the new pelerine certainly fits the time period and goes well with the dress. It is also the perfect length and allows those pretty sleeve ruffles to peek out. I really love the one Jeanne showed us with the ruffles. Similar ones were often even longer and wrapped around or were belted.
Overnight pouring rain just stopped. Time to check out the outdoors. 🙂
Keep dry everyone.
The nicest thing about the new pelerine is that you now have the pelerine in your repertoire and lots of lace in your stash — so we’ll get to see more of them this year. They work for all of the 19th century and the years just before and after it. It’s going to be a pretty year on this blog.
I’m blown away with this new addition! It looks so perfect with the dress. So feminine and pretty. You scored again Jeanne! Your detective work paid off and we have learned a new word for this accessory🤗
I have seen Pelerines on colonial dresses but didn’t know the name. Oh my yes, the lace Pelerine is a much better and dainty choice for the lovely fabric. Best of all, the fabric shows through and the sleeve aren’t hidden! The cameo is a perfect addition. I love cameos!
I will have to get “lost” later in the websites. I love historical fashions of the Colonial, Civil War, and Victorian/Edwardian eras as you know. Marilyn is right, with plenty of lace, a new word to your repertoire, and the fact these work for all of the 1800s and a few years on each side there should be plenty of pretties.
Jeanne, This ensemble is so exquisite on Felicity. You know that Pemberly Threads on Etsy sells patterns for Pelerines? Elizabeth Gearhart does a wonderful job historically on all sorts of 1700’s and 1800’s styles. I love her Jane Eyre patterns. I am looking forward to getting them one day. I couldn’t do what you do and save something I loved to put on a doll outfit to sell. It would just break my heart.
Great authentic look. I have a few lace collars, now I have an idea how to use them. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity!
Glad you enjoyed seeing the collar used like this… I’ll be watching for more too!
Have fun yourself!
Blessings, Jeanne