madamemodiste

So I ended up choosing a faux black silk dupioni for the open robe. On an aside, I also ended up ordering the Period Impressions 1809 spencer jacket pattern. A miracle might happen and I might be able to whip it out the week before the event. You never know.

OK, so!! I had meant to add sleeves and do the Marianne front tab, but I put on the audio book of Sense and Sensibility, and before I knew it, the whole bodice was together complete with lining. The lining went on in such a crazy and new way (to me), that I didn't realize I was finishing all the edges before the sleeves and front tabs went on. It's too late for the sleeves, but I can still open up the CF and put in the front tab if I feel like it.

Also, I wish I would have thought of this in the beginning, but I should have used the back of the S&S pattern for the robe bodice. The Butterick version uses darts instead of having a separate side piece, which is obviously not period correct. But like I said, I was just trying to whip this out fast and wasn't thinking. Try not to stare horrified at my modern construction!

No photos yet because right now it just looks like some 1970's vest on a Regency dress.

So today I need to do the hem, do the front tabs, put the skirt on the bodice, and it's done.

Well, after over a year, I have picked up the Regency dress project again. Here is where it is now. It just needs a skirt and sleeve hem and it's done.
If memory serves, I think I used a combination of patterns from Sense and Sensibility as I wanted a flatter front on the skirt and the drawstring top, but I forget the details.

I hate how square the shoulders look on the dress form. Man, I hope it doesn't look like that on me!

So I've decided to finally tackle a Regency dress. I have that white on white striped voile left over from the Chemise a la Reine as well as a few patterns on hand. I have the Sense and Sensibility Elegant Lady's Closet and the Simplicity version of her Regency Gown pattern. I can't decide if I want a flatter, less gathered bodice like in the Simplicity evening version or if I want the gathered drawstring version. I'm doing elbow length sleeves. What do you think? I feel the non-gathered version will make me look less frumpy. As a girl of average height with curves, I have to consider such things.

I then plan to make an open robe of my black and red striped taffeta

It's rare when I see one on Ebay, and it shows the inside stitching, which is fun

http://cgi.ebay.com/Regency-Era-1805-1815-Green-Wool-Gown_W0QQitemZ190258300594QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item190258300594&_trkparms=72%3A1205|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

( CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BACK )
I have my Regency short stays on, too, to show how the chemise and stays look together. I'm so glad it's done!! And my gown pattern arrived in today's mail, so now I can go look at it and see if I can get the pattern cut out. Tomorrow I will wash the fabric before cutting the gown out.

Oh wait. I have to make the petticoat and bum pad first. Darn it! LOL!! Just as I thought I was about to start on the gown I realized I had MORE underthings to make!