Last January, I discovered that Burnley and Trowbridge had a new collection of silks.
One caught my eye…a sage green-grey silk that has a bare hint of extremely narrow cream stripes.
Although I’m not into grey, this looked intriguing.
Finding this fabric that I really liked encouraged me to pursue the purchase before the fabric option slipped away.
Even though I liked colorful changeable silks, this one looked too uniquely classy to pass up.
MANTUA MAKER ADVICE
While debating the stripes (since I am tall), I sought to visit the mantua maker for her advice.
Upon arrival in the millinery shop, I took a deep breath to ask the huge question.
Hesitantly, I told the mantua maker I was considering the purchase of silk for a gown for myself.
Learning of this, the mantua maker got excited!
She told me that first I need to decide on which type of gown to sew.
While the robe a la francaise is my favorite, with a flowing back that wafts in the movement of air, the robe a l’anglaise is fun with the gathered skirts.
Knowing my struggles with sewing, I felt more secure with the style I’ve already made several times for my daughter, robe a l’anglaise.
Also draping upon myself will be an additional challenge.
When I announced my choice of the robe a l’anglaise, she guided me with yardage requirements.
Wow! That was so helpful!
BURNLEY AND TROWBRIDGE FABRIC ORDER
Returning home, I ordered a sample of the fabric.
When the fabric sample arrived, it seemed a perfect complement to the sage green silk hat that I trimmed last summer in my Costume Design Center sewing class.
I love how the hints of cream from the pearls and cream ribbon soften the subtle stripes.
In fact, I like pearls so much, I’m imagining them in the form of necklace and earrings to accessorize my gown.
