About a week after Independence Day weekend, I determined to drape a gown on my daughter.
NEW FRIEND TEACHES ME DRAPING SKILLS
Having met a kindred spirit at a recent UTR lecture, this a kind blog reader commented on my daughter’s blue gown debut, having read all about my struggles with getting historic patterns to work.
Self-taught, this genius mantua maker in the making said she could teach me how to drape.
So as suggested, I brought a length of fabric with me to Colonial Williamsburg on my next trip, Independence Day, where she draped me under the shade on the backstreet of the historic area, trying not to draw attention.
The only ones who noticed though, were Benedict Arnold, and later, Lafayette! 😉
Although their puzzled looks were too funny, this action from a kind friend unpuzzled all my issues. Huzzah!
All she did was drape the back, and her teacher’s spirit took off from there.
From there, we communicated back and forth in email as I sent pictures, that she gleefully analyzed, since historic sewing is her first love.
Patiently she endured my foibles.
DRAPING AND HANDSEWING SOLVED MY GOWN WOES
Exactly as she promised, and everyone at CW has always alluded to, draping is better than patterns for that perfect 18th century fit.
Again, using scrap fabric from my stash, we found enough length for my daughter’s newest gown in her favorite color: purple.
The print is completely inaccurate, but the fiber content is perfect for our purposes, 100% cotton, with a soft drape.
My daughter cares not for perfect accuracy, preferring the style over the proper print.
Wow!
As my new friend promised, draping made all the difference.
I also hand stitched this gown, another huge improvement, because it’s so much easier than machine sewing. I’m converted!
The look is amazing.
Since we didn’t have enough fabric for a matching petticoat, my daughter suggested wearing her previous white petticoat with embroidered pink flowers.
Again, not completely historic accurate. I think the size of the print should be larger, and of different florals, nevertheless, it’s enough of a hint to read well.
DEBUT OF DRAPED HANDSEWN GOWN IN COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
In the header, she and her brother are posing with one of our many heroes, Patrick Henry, whose home we had just visited.
This is the only photo I have of her wearing this ensemble, to date.
EPILOGUE
A few draped and handstitched gowns later, I took an amazing mantua making class, where I had a silk gown draped upon me.
Having signed many non-disclosure agreements, I’m not able to share all my tips, out of respect for the hard working Colonial Williamsburg employees whose time dwelt in deep research with authentic clothing led to my knowledge.
(Along with the NDA has been frequent requests not to share personal names, which I try to respectfully honor. Nevertheless, my deep thanks to all who have helped me in this sewing journey. My kids thank you too!)
Understandably this may seem a moot point to some, but over the years my bragging about some entities has brought joy, whereas others have carefully (though once rudely) approached me to say I had either cross the line of infringing on copyright issues, or was coming close to it.
Never my intent to do that, I always retract infringements, wanting to atone and help protect others’ property.
Further, my ability to differentiate details I’ve learned on my own from what I’ve learned later, is now murky, so the best I can advise, is taking classes from the experts at Burnley and Trowbridge!
Besides, I’m still on a journey, though definitely at the apprenticeship level.
So, I’m not the best person to learn from, but perhaps I can regale many thanks to hopefully inspire others!
Another tip is what I’ve often been told, enjoy the journey and the fun.
The end goal was to heed the request of my kids, for us to enjoy the historic family dressed in proper 18th century attire.
We had only a few years for me to conquer historical sewing: learning it and stumbling through with it, so we could wear the attire before they graduated from high school.
Time flew. The memories of our time-travel journeys intermingled with learning to sew historically has been amazing.
We hope to continue the journey with the grand kids!
Stay tuned!
