While watching Anne of Avonlea several months ago, I was inspired by the creamy yellow skirt and white blouse, a coloring which Diana Barry wears earlier in the movie, and then Anne wears one later in the movie.
Knowing it would be perfect for my historical interpretation for our upcoming 1900-1910 Becoming History Presentation, I tried to obtain all the assortments to recreate the look.
FABRIC
At Hancock Fabrics, I found some synthetic (and cheap, in many ways I’m sure) silky type fabric at an excellent price.
Using it doubly for both a toile and a costume, I was happy with the discovery.
Despite being a synthetic, the drape was exactly what I hoped for, not stiff, so I should be able to achieve a nice drape to the skirt’s pleating, so essential for the first decade of the 20th century.
Since it was 60″ wide, I only needed a few yards.
PATTERN
To save money, I used a basic costume pattern I’ve had for years in my stash, Simplicity 4078.
DRAPING
After cutting out the basic shape, I fitted and pleated on my dress form while analyzing photos of lots of extant skirts.
MACHINE SEWN, HAND FINISHED
After stitching the long seams on the machine, which is period accurate, I draped and pleated the skirt, while analyzing photos of extant skirts.
Elated that the pleating was super easy, I basted the pleats.
AUDITIONING THE YELLOW – WHITE STYLE
After securing the pleats, I couldn’t wait to audition my newly sewn white blouse with the creamy yellow skirt.
Although I’m not usually one to choose yellow, I love this combination.
PHOTO SHOOT AGAINST SNOW
Getting snow on Sunday, ice on Monday, and more snow on Wednesday, I’ve happily snuggled in with all the hand sewing of yards of hem.
Hemming the skirt was the most difficult part of the sewing, because of the synthetic fabric which doesn’t easily lay smoothly, especially on the bias.
Although not pictured, I completed the gown with hook enclosures on the waistband.
After trying on my skirt with my petticoat, I’m elated! It’s definitely Anne of Green Gables flouncy!
And speaking of snow, my next project is a period cloak and muff. Stay tuned!
