I’ve had my sewing confidence rattled lately by the utter failure of my Robe a la Turque, so I’m sorely in need of some hand-holding through a project.
Enter the Larkin & Smith English Gown pattern. This pattern comes with paper pieces for the bodice, and a spiral-bound color booklet of history, materials guidance, and step-by-step instruction. It’s *fabulous*.
I’ve just started, only cutting out the bodice lining pieces and pleating down the back, but so far it’s been very easy and enjoyable, and I truly feel that an excellent gown will result.
I’m doing the gown up in yellow silk taffeta shot with bronze. I would have preferred a stronger Chinese yellow, like some of the gowns below, but it didn’t seem to be in season. Still, the fabric is gorgeous, and I’ve wanted an obnoxious yellow gown for so long!
To get more familiar with this type of dress, here are a few of my favorites from my Pinterest board:
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| National Trust, 1750-60 – this one has winged cuffs, which the L&S pattern does have as an option. |
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| The Met, 1770-75 – isn’t that just gorgeous! Crisp pleats and fly fringe. |
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18 Comments
Esther
February 13, 2015 at 3:17 AMOh my! That's going to be beautiful!! In fact, it already is!! I love pleats.
I can relate about sewing troubles!! I am working on a '40s dress that is pieced all over because of a lack of fabric, and as if it wasn't pieced enough, I forgot to make the neckline narrower so had to add these wonky little pieces to cover it up!! I came SO close to dumping it in the UFO drawer..TI can't wait to see this gown when it's done!! I need some more 1700s inspiration – the 1940s have a very gripping hold on me these days. 😉
Anonymous
February 13, 2015 at 3:53 AMOh my sweet baby Jesus, those are absolutely glorious! Especially the last gown. I love the soft, comfortable blue with the bold golden embroidery. I'm sure I'll be dreaming about wearing it for the next several days, Hehe!
Naomi
teenyboppinalong.blogspot.com
Lauren Stowell
February 19, 2015 at 7:16 PMI love that color combo too. It just seems so sophisticated 🙂
Rachelle
February 13, 2015 at 6:47 AMI've got that pattern too, just need to finish the 1810's and renaissance Italy and then I can get back to the 18th century again. Have the silk already; it's a deep reddish terracotta. I can't wait to see it finished and your yellow too; love the colour.
Lauren Stowell
February 19, 2015 at 7:16 PMSounds GORGEOUS!
MrsC (Maryanne)
February 13, 2015 at 8:58 AMOh no! Can you not save the Turque? I mean, they are kind of a hot mess anyway, that's the point really? 😉
Lauren Stowell
February 19, 2015 at 7:16 PMNot this one – the fabric was off-grain and funky. The pattern was OK, but I just need to start again with fresh fabric that doesn't fight me the entire time.
Rowenna
February 13, 2015 at 4:30 PMLooking forward to your yellow gown! I've been contemplating trying the L&S pattern, myself…though I need another gown like I need another hole in my head.
Who am I kidding. I need another gown. I will always need another gown.
Lauren Stowell
February 19, 2015 at 7:15 PMYes, we always need new gowns!!
Lauriana
February 14, 2015 at 10:12 AMIt's looking good already! And that pattern sounds amazing!
OldFashionGirl
February 14, 2015 at 8:10 PMLarkin and Smith patterns are so detailed and fabulous! You pay a little extra for them, but it is so worth it! Your English gown looks gorgeous so far!
Lauren Stowell
February 19, 2015 at 7:15 PMThanks! So far it's going well. There are a couple confusing parts, but I figured it out. I can't imagine trying to do this gown as a beginner, without the thorough instructions.
Jainies Blog
February 15, 2015 at 8:12 PMWhen it´s ready, it will look faboulos! Now, I want another english gown too!!!
Kendra
February 18, 2015 at 5:18 PMThis is looking so pretty! Lmk if I can help virtually on the turque. I'm happy to answer questions or offer advice!
Lauren Stowell
February 19, 2015 at 7:14 PMI may take you up on that! I think I had a good thing going, but my fabric was all off grain and weird and I was struggling with things that I shouldn't have been having issues with.
Unknown
February 18, 2015 at 5:51 PMAwwww, what happened with your Robe a la Turque? Do you think you'll do a write-up on it here? I learn so much from you and other costume bloggers, and am especially happy when I see blog posts about projects that either didn't turn out or took a lot of fiddling with to get right. It makes me feel less incompetent and it's also very instructive! I should do that more with my blog because half of my stuff doesn't turn out. I still haven't made a historical costume yet, so ladies like you are so aspirational to me!
On another note, yellow is my favorite color and I am really in love with all those gowns. Can't wait to see how yours continues to shape up! I am also planning on buying the same English Gown pattern once I finish my stays so I'll be interested to read more about your experience with it.
Lauren Stowell
February 19, 2015 at 7:13 PMHi Jennifer – The Turque is just on hold, no worries. I AM going to do a write up about why it didn't work out, but after I start on it again. I wanted to do the English gown here to get my confidence back, because I struggled so much with the Turque. 🙂
bauhausfrau
February 26, 2015 at 8:40 PMOh so sorry about the Turque! I'll have to go back and read what happened.
I love yellow gowns, this looks so pretty. I've long wanted to do a bright 18th C yellow and black Francaise…