17th Century Inspiration Strikes Again!

I have only made one 17th century gown and I loved it. It was polyester satin and featured spray-painted lace, but I adored that gown. Somebody else is adoring it now, and it’s time to make a new one.

I recently acquired an enormous amount of brown-black silk taffeta, one of those mismarked super-bargains you come by every once in a great while. I also recently found a new AD model who looks straight out of a Vermeer painting, and combining that with having recently watched “Rembrandt and I” (highly recommended!), everything has fallen in place for a whoppin’ great big Dutch 17th century gown.

Naturally, here’s some inspiration:

Portrait of a Married Couple in the Park – 1662 – Gonzales Coques

Merja of Before the Automobile – I saw this dress in person and it was *stunning*

Portrait of Lady – 1667 – Gabriel Metsu

I will probably focus on the 1660s, with the wide scooped neckline, restricted shoulders, and full cartridge-pleated sleeves, but I’m intrigued by the other decades of the 17th c too. Luckily there is quite a lot of support for patterns, research, and dress diaries, to help me through. My gown will probably be quite plain, but feature some pretty bodacious lace.

Diary of a Mantua Maker – Nicole’s gown is 1670s, a little later, but is also plain in its trimmings.

Woman playing the viola de gamba – 1663 – Gabriel Metsu

Detail from The Glass of Wine – 1661 – Vermeer

Books to reference:

• Seventeenth-Century Women’s Dress Patterns: Book 2 – a glorious book with tons of photos, in-depth detail, patterns, and instructions.
• Patterns of Fashion 1 – A good early pattern
• Period Costume for Stage & Screen: Patterns for Women’s Dress 1500-1800 – several patterns from throughout the century, plus instructions for skirt supports, collars, etc.