I had sort of planned this outfit a while ago, having all of the fabric in stock, but hadn't planned on making it any time soon. Then the newly started VA Regency Society contacted me about doing a presentation on Regency fashion. I needed a good example of a drop-front gown, preferably something I wouldn't freeze to death in like my other gowns. I pulled out the last bit of camlet mixed cloth I had from B&T and started perusing the books. I liked the gown in Janet Arnold, but I wanted something closer to 1810. Fashion in Detail has two very similar gowns that are dated just a little later. The JA gown was mainly earlier because of the trained hem (something I definitely didn't need or want). I used the long sleeves of one of the FiD dresses along with it's pleated skirt, taking inspiration from the JA gown for the small tucks on the bodice.
The chemisette is also in both of those books. The bonnet is based on this one at the Met museum.
I'm hoping to put some gimp trim on the bonnet like the original, but I'd rather find the right stuff than rush it. I also need to put some extra tacks on the chemisette pleats in back since they are very prone to puffing (the pattern said cut it on a bias....). It doesn't help that I took off the gown at the talk and didn't properly adjust the chemisette when putting it back on.
Between the two of us, Gwendolyn and I managed quite a timeline of garments! I still need to make some early 19th century men's wear I can keep around (it's all gone off to clients so far).
The chemisette is also in both of those books. The bonnet is based on this one at the Met museum.
I'm hoping to put some gimp trim on the bonnet like the original, but I'd rather find the right stuff than rush it. I also need to put some extra tacks on the chemisette pleats in back since they are very prone to puffing (the pattern said cut it on a bias....). It doesn't help that I took off the gown at the talk and didn't properly adjust the chemisette when putting it back on.
You really look like Elizabeth Bennet!!
ReplyDeleteLove the dress (and the bonnet)! Aside from being well made, blue and brown is a very pretty combination.
ReplyDeleteyour outfit is lovely!!! i'm super in love with your chemisette...
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely dress (and bonnet)! You really did pull off the look.
ReplyDeleteYour dress is so beautiful, I like the simplicity of it very much! But especially impressed me your Chemisette! Just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSo neat and well done, with agreement about the tucks in the back. Everybody must've left that show seething with hidden envy. The gimp trim you refer to looks almost exactly like the soutache edging that my mother used back in the 70's to finish a couple of reupholstery jobs on some of our chairs here in the states. You might be able to just buy it.
ReplyDeleteI love your dress. It has remembered me the Jane Austen statue which is on the Jane Austen centre in Bath
ReplyDeleteNereida
Gorgeous outfit! The colors are beautiful, and I love how clean and elegant the lines are. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely outfit! I like everything in it)
ReplyDeleteAnd you are so beautiful..)
'An Angel is here from the heavenly climes,
Or again does return the golden times;
Her eyes outshine every brilliant ray,
She opens her lips -'tis the Month of May'
OMG I LOVE how you've done the back of the gown--the pleating is just gorgeous. Filing away ideas for my own Regency project...
ReplyDeleteRowenna: The back is based on a gown in Bradfields Costume in Detail, though it had far less fabric to squeeze in than I did!
ReplyDeleteStumbled across your blog and think it is great. Feeling inspired. Apologies if you suddenly get a splurge of comments from me.
ReplyDeleteLove the dress. I want to make one in that shade of grey/blue.
I saw this look on Pinterest and thought it was so immaculate, I had to track down the source!! Bravo to you- this is aspirational!!!
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