After two years of the beginning of a dream, research, taking sewing classes, and practicing on my kids, I finally sewed my first 18th century gown for myself!
As my son has encouraged me, we can now be an 18th century family together in the historic area!
FABRIC
After looking at various options at on-line suttlers, I decided to create my first 18th century gown with history from my favorite place, Colonial Williamsburg.
Thus I used a reproduction chintz based on a gown that is in the Colonial Williamsburg collection, that I purchased in the historic area at the Mary Dickenson store last spring.
Offered online through the Colonial Williamsburg shops, its history is described as:
Wavy Floral Reproduction Fabric is inspired by a block printed cotton gown dating to 1780 in The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s textile collections. The design features undulating and intertwining vines with thin floral trails in colors of brown, olive green, yellow, purple, blue, and red.
SELF-DRAPED
Beginning the draping process on June 7, I did a lot of fiddling and fitting it to myself, before reaching my desired fit.
Since this style is so popular with the ladies, guests and employees, I wanted to create a unique look, which reflected me.
This was actually supported by my mentors, who reminded me that not everything matched in the 18th century, since fabric was more expensive than labor back then.
Although the original gown in the Colonial Williamsburg collection is perfectly symmetrical, that is more rare than common.
So, I happily and freely sought a look representative of me…focusing on springs of flowers.
Known for my signature style of flowers in almost all that I sew, why not carry that into this fabric with lengths of vining, surrounded by sprays of flowers.
In thirteen days, while working on other projects, I called it finished!
All that’s left is for me to whip up the petticoat!
100% HANDSTITCHED
Everything is handstitched.
However, I spent more time draping and fiddling than I did with hand stitching.
I’m really loving hand stitching more and more as I learn the 18th century techniques, which are so much easier for me than modern techniques.
With the hand stitching I have much more control of the fabric, than I do with a machine.
Also, I get to sit on the couch to enjoy period movies while stitching. 😉
DEBUT PLANNED FOR UNDER THE REDCOAT 2011
My plan is to debut this gown to wear this weekend at Colonial Williamsburg’s Under the Redcoat, so stay tuned!
