New 1884 reception dress

[madamemodiste]

So you'd think that a person in the middle of Fall semester, who is moving in less than 3 weeks should NOT be taking on a new project. I took a week off of sewing and I was just itching to make something, and of course it's better to use some Stash before I move, right??

So I looked through the Stash and saw I still had a bunch of that black velvet flocked rose print taffeta, and a bit of black/red shot taffeta. Then I pulled this out of my "do to one day" files:



From Harper's Bazar in 1884, it is listed as a "toilette for dinners, receptions, weddings, or any full-dress occasion where a high-necked dress may be worn". I plan to make it with 3/4 sleeves, which I have discovered was commonly done for evening dress with a high neck.

The bit of red taffeta will be the skirt center front panel, sleeve cuffs, and ? I haven't decided which TV bodice pattern I'm using yet.

Started cutting last night, but didn't get far before the season premier of Heroes came on, and sewing had to stop (Jason sometimes complains if I sew through our tv shows :)

I made one mistake already...I forgot to cut the front panel longer so it could drape like in the fashion plate, so it will have to do. I'm thinking of doing some bows up the skirt front anyway.

Comments

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

The gown in that fashion plate is so *you*! Can't wait to see it! Congrats on the house too, if I didn't say it!

[madamekat.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'm looking forward to both finishing the gown and living in our new house!

[sakara75.livejournal.com]

i look at fashion plates and i think "where on earth does one start!"
the bodices i can usually decipher, but the skirts with all the drapery and embellishment...not so much!

[madamekat.livejournal.com]

I usually start with figuring out the skirt base, in the case the TV 261. Then I look at the overskirt (if there is one. There isn't on in this case.) and figure out a base for that, or draft one from an existing TV pattern. Then I look at the draperies and trimmings and figure out how to simulate those. In this case, the fabric doesn't require a lot of trimmings, and so just lace gets sewn on...and a few rows of pleats at the bottom. Some of the skirts I see are sooo full of draperies and such that it makes my head swim, but this should give you an idea of my thought process, for what it's worth :)

[sakara75.livejournal.com]

hehe, yeah much harder when you only have one view to work it all out from!

[dark-phoenix54.livejournal.com]

Forgive my ignorance, but what company is TV?

[madamekat.livejournal.com]

Trulyvictorian.com. This is what I use!

[my-stitching.livejournal.com]

I love all of the ruffles on it!

[madamekat.livejournal.com]

Yay, me, too!

[ghost-ofa-rose.livejournal.com]

That fashionplate is gorgeous. Can't wait to see your version. I have no doubt it will be beautiful!

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I hope so!

[fancyfrocks.livejournal.com]

Oooh! that's going to be fabulous!

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Here's hoping I do it justice!

[curiouschilde.livejournal.com]

Oooh.. So Pretty!! I've always loved this gown. I can't wait to see what you do with it.

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

Hee hee...me, too!

[dark-phoenix54.livejournal.com]

Oh, I love that! That is like my perfect dream dress.

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

You should make one, too!!

[dark-phoenix54.livejournal.com]

Sadly, I have not the mad skilz that you have. But I have saved the picture, because someday, someday, I may be able to tackle that!

[vanityfairy.livejournal.com]

Yummy yum yum!
I wasn't allowed to sew for about a month while we were moving and never in my life have I wanted to sew as much as I did then...

[madamekat.livejournal.com]

I couldn't bear to allow my sewing things to be packed up. I knew this was going to happen!