Feature Friday: Out of a Portrait Patterns
A well-chosen accessory can take your outfit to the next level, adding polish and interest to even the simplest dress, and this week’s feature is the queen of chic accessories! Out of a Portrait Patterns creates beautifully detailed patterns and tutorials for historical accessories, often recreating unique or under-represented designs and making them accessible to all.
Owner Lynn McMasters is a big proponent of experimentation and encourages others to explore as well, adding, “Don’t ever talk yourself out of making something because you have never done it or few people know how to do it. Do research, find some patterns or books, take classes, get some materials and experiment. Just jump in.”
Her pattern catalogue and tutorial library showcases this love of variety. There is something for every skill level, from simple to advanced millinery projects and a wide range of time periods.
For example, either this 1920s Collapsible Hat or this 1920s Cloche would make a fun beginner project, and both would be adorable as part of your historic wardrobe or as a modern winter hat!
If you want something more challenging, try the Late Teens to Early 20s Lace Brim Picture Hat pattern. With a soft crown, wire frame, and covered buckram brim, this hat uses several different construction techniques to help you expand your millinery skill set.
Or, if Regency is more your style, you can try one of her many bonnet patterns, like this elegant jockey cap:
Or this Spartan cap and matching reticule:
This is just a small selection of the dozens of hat and accessory patterns available on the website, and there are both printed and digital patterns from the medieval era to the 1920s!
But even better, Lynn also offers a wealth of information for free through articles and tutorials on her site.
You can learn how to make ribbon flowers or feather ornaments to decorate your new hat. Or you can learn a variety of historical ways to style and decorate your hair. You can even learn how to make some truly unique accessories, such as this fascinating detailed feather-covered muff.
Be sure to check out the What’s New section for all of Lynn’s latest articles and tutorials!
Visit outofaportrait.com for her entire pattern line, and follow Out of a Portrait Patterns on Instagram (@out_of_a_portrait_patterns) and Facebook for updates and so much more project inspiration!