I finished the robe but the petticoat took me a bit longer to make. Finally, earlier this week, I was able to complete it!
I am pleased with how it came out, although it is a bit large for me. Since I draped the pattern on the dress form and designed it to be able to fit several sizes, I would certainly tailor it more to my specific shape for next time.
The skirt panels are two 45" panels seamed down the center back, tightly pleated at the back with two pleats at side front skirts. This gives a pleasing flow to the skirts. The skirts move very gracefully, although I think for casual wear a round gown is much better.
The drawstrings do a good job of closing the front. On the form, they tie shut at a 40" bustline.
I am smaller, and uncorseted in these photos, but by drawing up the strings more the robe fit well enough. (Excuse the weird facial expression. Seems my young photographer enjoys taking candid shots, and soon lost interest in a serious endeavor).
I made the petticoat using the same bodice pattern, but with the opening moved to center back and the neckline and armscyes cut down a bit.
The back was pleated, with a few side front pleats.
I used a yellow cotton for the petticoat. For "work" wear a darker petticoat would be much better.
I need to work more on a better regency hairstyle. Due to an unfortunate string of events involving unintentional black chemical hair dye in the spring of 2013, subsequent black hair dye to keep roots from showing, eventual detestation of the dull synthetic black, experimentation with hair bleach to get out the black (yet not all the 3+ years worth of henna) I ended up with dark blonde/light brown hair whose color was actually similar to my natural color. However, it was so damaged and weakened I had to cut about 5" off and after a few egg and mayo protein treatments I dyed it with my beloved henna and an equal amount of indigo. It is already so much better feeling and thicker, but now quite short, alas.
OK, so the open robe is done. Now to start thinking about a Christmas dress for Anne Victoria and to see how I can turn this pattern into a short gown.
Love!
Sarah
I am pleased with how it came out, although it is a bit large for me. Since I draped the pattern on the dress form and designed it to be able to fit several sizes, I would certainly tailor it more to my specific shape for next time.
The skirt panels are two 45" panels seamed down the center back, tightly pleated at the back with two pleats at side front skirts. This gives a pleasing flow to the skirts. The skirts move very gracefully, although I think for casual wear a round gown is much better.
The drawstrings do a good job of closing the front. On the form, they tie shut at a 40" bustline.
I am smaller, and uncorseted in these photos, but by drawing up the strings more the robe fit well enough. (Excuse the weird facial expression. Seems my young photographer enjoys taking candid shots, and soon lost interest in a serious endeavor).
I made the petticoat using the same bodice pattern, but with the opening moved to center back and the neckline and armscyes cut down a bit.
The back was pleated, with a few side front pleats.
I used a yellow cotton for the petticoat. For "work" wear a darker petticoat would be much better.
I need to work more on a better regency hairstyle. Due to an unfortunate string of events involving unintentional black chemical hair dye in the spring of 2013, subsequent black hair dye to keep roots from showing, eventual detestation of the dull synthetic black, experimentation with hair bleach to get out the black (yet not all the 3+ years worth of henna) I ended up with dark blonde/light brown hair whose color was actually similar to my natural color. However, it was so damaged and weakened I had to cut about 5" off and after a few egg and mayo protein treatments I dyed it with my beloved henna and an equal amount of indigo. It is already so much better feeling and thicker, but now quite short, alas.
OK, so the open robe is done. Now to start thinking about a Christmas dress for Anne Victoria and to see how I can turn this pattern into a short gown.
Love!
Sarah
Hey Sarah! If you want I can share some diagrams for Regency shortgowns. They're actually really easy and very simple, and you don't have to set sleeves which is always a plus.
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful. I love the look of regency clothing, but am always afraid it will look more like maternity wear on me. You, however look elegant and lovely. So maybe one day I'll try them.
ReplyDeleteSarah
AH! This is so gorgeous! You look wonderful. Does the underbust drawstring continue around the waist or is it anchored at the sides?
ReplyDelete