At long last my daughter has a new 18th century gown!
When we purchased the fabric from Colonial Williamsburg’s Mary Dickenson store last March for her birthday, she wasn’t too certain of this 18th century print…or any 18th century print for that matter.
Nor was she so certain of the color blue. She is a purple gal.
After the fabric arrived (it’s ordered in person but arrives via snail mail) I pre-washed it, ironed it, then tucked it away since she’s been happily content with her current gowns.
Meanwhile I busied myself with handsewing a new shirt and waistcoat for my son, and a Colonial Williamsburg floral vine reproduction fabric gown for myself.
By the time I pulled out the blue floral fabric again, my daughter was excited about it!
In August I draped my daughter in the manner of the mantua maker, a process of laying fabric upon a lady’s body to cut away unnecessary fabric, to create a bespoke gown that uniquely fits the individual.
The bodice closes in front in the 18th century manner of pinning, as seen more clearly in the header photo.
The trim is made from scraps of self-fabric that I pinked, also seen in the header photo.
She loves it!
Some of the ladies who interpret for Colonial Williamsburg have gowns with the same fabric, as well as some of the gowns available to rent or purchase at Colonial Williamsburg.
None of them look the same as this one.
My daughter says this is her new good gown.
In the historic area, she’ll be wearing it with a white neckerchief.
I plan to surprise her with a white breast knot and perhaps with an apron.
