Last night I finally got back to work on the 1770s English gown. I’d only pleated the back and stitched one side down, before, but here’s what I did last night:
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| It’s amazing how something feels much closer to done when the skirt goes on, but I know I have a ton of finishing work waiting for me…. |
I don’t normally sew very fast, but this pattern is pretty amazing. The booklet makes it easy – just follow the steps and suddenly you have most of a gown put together! There are a couple confusing parts, but I was glad I had a little experience with the pleating on the back (from my Revolution Dress), so I could fiddle through it alright.
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| No boning in the back yet, and no lining in the front, but it’s looking pretty good so far. |
At this point there is no lining in the bodice front, no shoulder straps or sleeves obviously, and only one side of the skirt is pleated and attached. I still have a lot of work to do, but I’m really enjoying this project, so I hope it keeps going so well.
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| Tiny prick stitches attaching the front bodice to the back, and the skirt to the bodice. I love this type of stitch. |
As to the sleeve trimmings, I’ve decided to go with the pinked flounces instead of the winged cuffs, so I can wear this gown in Williamsburg this Summer. 🙂 Yay!
17 Comments
Unknown
February 19, 2015 at 10:00 PMExcellent work – very neat stitching! And the colour is gorgeous. Well done you!
Lauren Stowell
February 20, 2015 at 6:34 PMThanks!
Bianca Esposito
February 19, 2015 at 11:31 PMLooks beautiful so far! I love the color of this silk, it looks like gold shot with yellow, so pretty!
Lauren Stowell
February 20, 2015 at 6:34 PMVery close, it's yellow shot with pale pink!
C
February 20, 2015 at 1:32 PMI *love* the color!!! I love 18th century yellow gowns anyway, but this color is just awesome. Also, prick stitch for the win! I can't wait to see this when it's finished.
Lauren Stowell
February 20, 2015 at 6:35 PMThank you! It's definitely a strong color, though not even as bright as some of the original 18th c. yellows. It'll take the full fluff – hair, hat, shoes, accessories – to pull it all off.
Jainies Blog
February 20, 2015 at 4:07 PMIt looks so good! Love the stitching!
Lauren Stowell
February 20, 2015 at 6:35 PMThank you!
mr.darcy1
February 20, 2015 at 5:05 PMLovely! I recently made a 1810s bonnet from almost the same colored silk.
Lauren Stowell
February 20, 2015 at 6:35 PMCool! It was very popular in the Regency too. A friend of mine has a whole traveling dress made in this color, and it's just eyepoppingly gorgeous.
Angelica
February 22, 2015 at 8:27 PMLooks good so far! I can't wait to see this finished results
Donna
February 22, 2015 at 10:10 PMI made the Larkin & Smith gown last year. It was my first gown and I was thrilled with the result. I'm planning on making another, as soon as I finish my new stays (that's what happens when you lose 50 lbs. – new clothes!)
Kelly
February 24, 2015 at 8:35 PMLooks stunning!
Caroline
March 28, 2015 at 4:44 AMDrool! This is gorgeous!!!!! Ooo the close ups of the stitching. Love.
Amanda
March 1, 2018 at 5:09 PMSorry to revive an old thread….Would this pattern be an appropriate launching point for making a late 1980s redingote? I plan to make a ton of alternations, but am looking for a solid pattern to help me master the back pleating and sleeve setting. I'm just curious whether the bodice back cut is appropriate for a redingote. Thank you!
Lauren Stowell
March 1, 2018 at 5:59 PMI do not recommend this particular pattern for a redingote. Instead I'd use an Italian gown pattern and alter that – try JP Ryan's. I believe Nehelenia Patterns might have a redingote pattern as well…
Unknown
March 1, 2018 at 6:04 PMThank you, Lauren!