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Instructor Profile: Janice Pence Ryan also known as "J P Ryan" Do you remember, when you were a small person, people kept asking " What do you want to be when you grow up?" My answer always had something to do with the fashion industry, designing, merchandising, modeling, managing a boutique, or window dressing. Perhaps not being terribly focused was a good thing, because as it turned out, I have been able to do them all. You might notice, however, that having a pattern company was not on the list, so we'll just have to tuck that in under the "design" heading. The pattern company came about after recognizing my inability to meet the crushing demand for recreated 18th century clothing. It all began with a Fashion Promenade in Old Town Alexandria, VA in 1984. A charming lady from Decatur House, (a National Trust property near the White House), approached me after our performance and politely inquired about designing some early 19th century clothing for their staff to wear at special events, muslin day dresses, caps and spencers later. I was in the historic clothing business. Since then, it has been my pleasure to provide period garments to a great many wonderful people, and numerous well-known museums. While this was most enjoyable and stimulating, it was also very stressful and extremely demanding, and the "hurrier I went, the behinder I got." It was time for a change. The question was "How to please the most people without killing myself? The answer, "Provide them with historically accurate patterns and they can make their own 18th century clothes!" The Recollections of JP Ryan produced its first pattern in 1989. My introduction to the 18th century was through the Brigade of the American Revolution. A classmate of mine (I was a psychology major) was coming in on Mondays looking exhausted but very happy. Several months of discrete inquiry led to my first BAR event, in full kit. No mean feat, considering my California upbringing -where history began in 1849. The kind support of numerous Brigade members led to many delightful years of education and exploration of the 18th century, especially its clothing and its people. |
Janice P. Ryan
 Cover of the Caraco Pattern  Cover of the Stays' Pattern STRAPLESS STAYS ENROLLED STUDENTS CLICK HERE
 Cover of the Pet-en-l'air or Robe à la Française Pattern |
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While there are excellent publications available on historic costume, there is nothing like examining the original garment. My continuing quest to unlock the secrets of 18th century clothing has taken me to private appointments with the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Museum of London, The Gallery of English Costume, The Museum of American History (Smithsonian) and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, to name only some of the larger, well known collections. Each of my patterns represents several years of research. Not only does a pattern have to be historically accurate; it has to produce a garment that will serve the same functions as the original. Further, each design must be made to fit our modern, healthy, 21st century bodies, while maintaining the line and proportion of 18th century garments. And, most importantly, each design must be simple to construct, using modern sewing techniques. My goal has been to provide you with quality patterns equal to the best on the modern market. Your most generous response to my humble offerings suggests some small success in this endeavor. We are now about to embark on a new venture, working together on-line to create clothing for your very own 18th century wardrobe. Each course will offer additional advice and suggestions beyond what is given in the pattern. Answers to your sewing questions will never be more than an email away. Please join me in exploring and discovering the wonder of recreating the 18th century, beginning with the clothing. Costume Classroom is a division of The Costume Gallery, copyright 1997-2001.Questions or website problems contact: questions@costumegallery.com |
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