I sewed this Regency gown several years ago for one of our Becoming History presentations.
PATTERN
Before I knew of historic sewing, I only found a Simplicity pattern at one of the local stores.
STYLE
Inspired by the gorgeous styles in the 1995 Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, I designed a style I liked.
Referencing the Simplicity pattern for the changes I wanted to make, I designed sheer sleeves that were longer than the pattern’s.
Also, I wanted a yellow underlayer gown with a sheer overlayer that would match the sleeves.
(I’ve misplaced my design sketch but if I ever find it I’ll add it to this post.)
FABRIC
Shopping for fabric, I found exactly what I wanted at Hobby Lobby, a lovely yellow for the under layer and a sheer dotted swiss for the over layer.
SEWING PROCESS
Somehow, I incorrectly aligned the bodice to the skirt, causing it to skew and feel awkward to wear.
Also, it looks like I inadvertently put the sleeves in backwards, based on the puckering I see at the top of my shoulder when I wear the gown.
REFASHIONING THE CLOSURE
Recently I realigned the bodice, which now fits much better.
Also, I created a period accurate closure by adding an underbodice drawstring.
Here are the results from the outside.
Here is the drawstring from the inside. I took some extra linen fabric to form a casing under the bodice, through which I pulled the ribbon.
I don’t think my Simplicity pattern is period accurate, so I was stuck with the original construction.
Instead of the drawstring being tied in back, where everything was finished off with buttons and buttonholes, I tie the drawstring inside the center front.
And here are the results.
Now when I wear the gown, the bodice doesn’t look skewed on me (hence only one picture of my wearing it years ago!)
I added a white satin ribbon for the waistband…
For more photos, check my Flickr set.
COMMENTS FROM MY OLD BLOG
Time Traveling in Costume-January 15, 2015 at 11:39 AM-I love your fabric. I haven’t seen a tiny closely spaced dotted fabric like that. Is it cotton? I think this is the time of year we all start looking at our wardrobe and seeing where we need to remake, repair, or re-do many of our dresses.
So now you need a pretty Spencer to go with it. 🙂
Val
Lahbluebonnet-January 15, 2015 at 11:55 AM-I bought the fabric at Hobby Lobby in 2008. Wish I could buy more! Yes! I need a spencer for this dress! =)
