Well I’ve gone through all the easy bits now, and am on to the hard I-hate-these-parts bits, with my 1912 gown.
The sleeves of the gown are made of just the net, which requires tiny roll hemming by hand. Yay.
Anywho, here’s the progress. Since my last post about this gown, I installed the side hook n’ eye closure, attached the net skirting, and made the long sash.
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| The beginning of the net sleeves. The maroon colored stability strap will be covered in sequins, leading up to the leaf applique. |
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| The sash is made of bias strips of the under dress’ satin, and is several yards long, so as to wrap twice around the waist and tie with a large bow and long tails. |
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| The “so far” dress. I feel the overlay is a bit short, and I have extra beaded net, so I think I will add a second tier beneath the first shown here. |
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| The sleeves are a very odd shape, and the arms on this mannequin were absolutely essential to figuring them out. This one sleeve is not done yet…just wanted to see how that tassel would look 🙂 |
More to come on this project, of course! April will be here before we know it. 🙂
20 Comments
Lauren
February 7, 2012 at 6:24 PMI can't wait to see it completed!
MrsC (Maryanne)
February 7, 2012 at 6:36 PMGosh it is fabulous!! Absolutely fabulous, and very authentic looking too! I dore the sleeves, they have a real designer elegance about them. Can't wait to see more more more!!
American Duchess
February 8, 2012 at 2:55 AMThank you very much! They are weird…weird shapes…but seem to be coming out alright. fingers crossed it stays that way, lol
Elysse
February 7, 2012 at 6:42 PMWow! Can't wait to see it finished!
Debbie Sessions
February 7, 2012 at 7:39 PMIf you want to use my serger for your rolled hems you can anytime 🙂 Just need to find serger thread in the right color.
Lauren R
February 8, 2012 at 2:54 AMYES!
Unknown
February 7, 2012 at 7:50 PMThat is lovely. I'm excited to see the finished product!
Eileen
February 7, 2012 at 8:11 PMI really love that. Between your blog, and my current Regency/Downton passion I just found myself digging out a theatre costume I made years ago. Not exactly fine sewing, but effective in a good, dim light! (It's going to be early Georgian. Ish…when I'm finished (the one good thing it has is a hand-embroidered beaded stomacher).)
American Duchess
February 8, 2012 at 2:54 AMGotta start somewhere! It's better to have a costume to wear than none at all. So long as you feel great wearing it, that is all that matters 🙂
Unknown
February 7, 2012 at 9:32 PMIt is looking very nice and I agree with you about the 2nd tier of net along your hem. It will add to the elegance. The color is really lovely. Your making excellent progress:)
American Duchess
February 8, 2012 at 2:52 AMThank you. Yes, it definitely needs that extension
Caroline
February 7, 2012 at 9:34 PMGorgeous! The sequined overlays on the shoulders are beautiful.
American Duchess
February 8, 2012 at 2:52 AMThank you – found them in the "headband decorating" section at JoAnn's 🙂
Zach
February 7, 2012 at 9:40 PMI love it! Love it! Love it! Love it! It is my very favorite time period. I can't wait to see it finished!
Anonymous
February 8, 2012 at 1:25 AMDid you do all the beading or did you buy the material that way? I've seen beaded material but it has been all synthetic fibers. Excuse my newbie ignorance but were they using a lot of synthetic fibers during that era. Liking mainly Victorian I've had to swing between expensive real fibers and cheaper non authentic synthetic and usually settling for good enough blends. I have to keep reminding myself I'm not entering contests yet!
American Duchess
February 8, 2012 at 2:51 AMHi Wanda – silk would be the fiber for this era. Poly wasn't invented yet. My net material was pre-beaded – I would never attempt to do so much by hand! It is almost definitely poly, but I haven't tested it – based on the price, but as this dress is just for fun I didn't worry about the historical accuracy of the textile, but am focusing on silhouette, construction technique, and the overall impression. 🙂
Tara Janelle
February 8, 2012 at 4:15 PMThis is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! You're getting me more excited to start my Titanic gown in the near future!
Olympe de la Tour D'Auvergne
February 9, 2012 at 12:13 AMLovely! I'm excited to see the finished product!
Aija
February 9, 2012 at 3:59 PMThis is so lovely. The colour is my favourite 🙂
Madeline
March 25, 2012 at 9:22 AMI just found your blog while looking for examples and styles of the time period. I was invited to a Titanic party, and I'm trying to decide if I should alter the dress I wore to my brother's wedding, (a plum color, and very typicalish style of the 1910's, but doesn't fit too well any longer and needs more layers), or if I should make an entire new dress out of fabric I have in aqua and cream. I'm also trying to not spend any money! LoL
Anyway, your dress is beautiful and coming along nicely, and is a great inspiration!