Today I am sharing with permission a recent post by Bethany House Publicist, Amy Green. Thanks, Amy!
Today, we get a special glimpse into a part of cover design that you might not have known existed…the costumes!
Beth and Raela
Most of the time at Bethany House, we rent costumes for use on our covers, but it just so happens that we also know a talented seamstress who takes on an occasional project. She is Beth Schoenherr, mother of Julie Klassen’s editor, Raela Schoenherr, and she created both costumes on the cover of the upcoming novel The Ladies of Ivy Cottage.
Aren’t they beautiful? (They’re even more detailed up close.)
She also agreed to answer a few questions on the blog today about the work involved in the process of making an author’s vision come to life.
What were the general steps you had to go through to sew one of those lovely Regency dresses for the cover, just to give us an idea of the process?
I started the sewing process for the Regency outfits by taking the model’s measurements and making a muslin version of the more fitted parts of the dress to ensure it would be a perfect fit before cutting into the actual dress fabrics. Then cut, sew, and—my favorite part—embellish!
How did you choose the colors and patterns for the dresses?
Julie, her editor, and the cover designer discussed and chose the color options for Rachel’s outfit based on what colors were appropriate for a woman in half mourning to wear at that time in history, as well as what a woman of her station would have worn at the time. Mercy’s outfit color and pattern were also chosen by Julie and her editor and cover designer as a good contrast next to the lavender outfit, as well as something that would be typical for Mercy to wear. For embellishment on Mercy’s outfit, I used antique trim for the collar, sleeves, and back.
I brought samples of fabric choices within the chosen color palettes to show the cover designer and editor to decide what would look best in the final cover design. They chose the lavender, pin-tucked taffeta because its texture would add some dimension to the coat that would show up well in photos. I found several sewing pattern options we could work from, and based on some costume inspiration photos from Julie, we decided on the pattern for the long coat.
You can find the pattern used here if you ever want to make your own Regency gown!
Since the approved cover direction meant the women would be seen from the back, we wanted to be sure the backs of both outfits (hats included) would also have some attractive elements.
Is there a particular era of fashion that you find the most fun?
Oh dear! I truly can’t pick a favorite era of fashion. I love seeing all the different shapes and styles throughout history. There’s always some beautiful or interesting or crazy element in every era of fashion.
For more from Beth, check out Tamera Alexander’s interview with her about the beautiful Southern belle dress she created for A Beauty So Rare.
I hope you had fun learning about one of many behind-the-scenes elements of book cover design!
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Stunningly beautiful and what a talented seamstress. Love your covers, Julie. Have a blessed day.
So interesting. I want this book now!
That is sooo interesting I had no idea so much went into the cover. 🙂
Love the behind the scenes info and always love your covers Julie. Can’t wait for your new release, I have the 1st book of this series but haven’t read it yet as I like to read them all together.
I loved reading about the process of making those dresses. The descriptions of clothing helps me visualize the background of the story while I read and seeing them is really fun.
I felt the same way as a child reading about the clothes the First Ladies wore in the paper and then seeing them at the museum in Washington D.C. Later was awesome.
I applaud the seamstress! It must have taken hours to do everything from the concept to the finished product! ( I have been sewing for 58 years) They are stunning! It’s wonderful when elements come together like this! I love the behind – the -scenes information. Looking forward to reading this book! Love Julie Klassen! And Tamera Alexander!
What a fun post! I love reading “behind the scenes” articles. These costumes are gorgeous. The cover is beautiful–it makes me want to grab it and read it. I’ll be looking forward to this book.
Loved this article (and the cover design). I love fashion through the ages but this particular period , with the empire waist shape, is a real favorite. The detailed drawings are a nice touch. Thanks!
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