Molly Brown A basic Molly Brown costume To get the Molly Brown look a hat with "plumes" is essential, whether it be
straw (the inexpensive decorator hats painted with spray paint to match the outfit works well) made of cardboard,
fabric or a salvage from a thrift shop.(an
online book on hat making can be found here) Plumes can be taken from a ostrich plume feather duster (about
$5 at Wal-Mart) or binding smaller fluffy feathers together on a pipe cleaner to give them length. Gloves can be
found at bridal shops, thrift stores, and accessory shops.
The costume help listed in here is meant to have a historical "feel"
and be as accurate as possible while remaining on a budget.
I will try to explain the main parts of the costume and list what they were made of and what an inexpensive substitute
would be.
Be aware this is not used for true historical reenactment,
but instead suggestions to help kids "get into" history.
If you want true historical patterns please check out the links section.
Photos from the Colorado
Historic Society- via the Molly Brown website
Molly
Brown History
Circa 1900-1914
Demi-trained Edwardian era skirt and loose fitting jacket and hat.
Skirt- Edwardian Era
sew together matching notches.Gather top edges as marked. Leave open center back, circle to top and apply waistband,
close with button or hook and eye.
Edwardian coat.
Sew back seams first, then shoulder seams. Cut 2 of collar pattern and seam together on top and sides, and turn
inside out. Match to markings on neckline of coat, on the right side of coat, baste in place. Fold back facings
of coat over collar and stitch. Run a gathering stitch as shown in sleeve to ease it into armhole. Sew in place,
and sew side seams and underarm seams. Hem bottom of coat. Roll sleeves up in a wide cuff to elbow line.
Fabric for the skirt and jacket can be anything from silk to cotton to wool. I recommend a poplin in a solid color.
With the skirt and jacket wear a high necked white or ivory blouse(lace is preferred) Pull the front of the blouse
out a bit so that it droops over the waistband- to give it the "pouter pigeon look" of the era.
Hair should be worn in the Gibson style, if you have long hair- pull it into a ponytail and then pull the hair
band away from you scalp and allow the hair to "puff" around the face. Wrap the remainder of the hair
around ponytail base and secure with bobby pins.
Jewelry is a must, long chains or pearl strands and heavy bracelets show her wealth.
Hat- wide brim with soft crown. Gather the edge of the crown and sandwich between lining and stiffener layers
of brim. 2 layers of craft interfacing works well for stiffener layer. Bind outer edge of brim with bias tape.(can
be glued on)
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