Well, it's been far too long without an installment in the 18th c. category, don't you agree??
About 7 years ago, I made this pink linen/cotton round gown. It's been well-loved since then, and it's a fun one to change up with accessories!
About 7 years ago, I made this pink linen/cotton round gown. It's been well-loved since then, and it's a fun one to change up with accessories!
This dress was an early creation, but it's benefited from several updates over the years. After a few years, I decided to dress it up a bit with self-fabric trim and I'm SO glad I did. I was ready to call it "quits" with this dress, but that renewed my love for it. :-)
The dress went through another stage of almost-neglect, until I discovered how much I loved it when paired with my ruffly apron and silk sash. :-)
Pink is one of my favorite colors (although it's been strikingly lacking of late!), so I'm glad I could restore this one to the "love" pile. :-)
American Duchess "Kensington" shoes, embroidered clocked stockings from Colonial Williamsburg.
It is funny how you notice things more in pictures- I feel like these sleeves really need to be lengthened, so I guess that will be an update before the next wearing! Also, I think I really need a new shift with shorter sleeves. :-P
En fourreau pleats are so fun, but shockingly this is my only garment to have them!
The en fourreau pleats release into the skirt, while the rest of the skirt is pleated into the waist seam.
I used JP Ryan's pattern for this one- pretty much without alterations, I think!
I used JP Ryan's pattern for this one- pretty much without alterations, I think!
Pleated trim and ruffles around the sleeve edges.
My miniature is a favorite, and I've almost discovered a way to keep it from flipping to the wrong side all. day. long!
Almost. ;-P
· Photos by Kathryn ·
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But this is gorgeous! I'm not an expert on 18th century apparel, but looking at all the crisp pleats & ruffles...wow. I'm just gawking. It's gorgeous! I don't understand how you could tire from such a beautiful piece of work. Do give yourself some grace. =)
ReplyDeleteThanks Bethany! :-)
DeleteI am my own worst critic (at least, I hope so. :-P), so it is refreshing to have so many positive comments and encouragement! :-D
This is a work of art! Your attention to detail is amazing. Did you draft it yourself or is it a pattern? If it's a pattern I'd love to try it .
ReplyDeleteJustine, I forgot to mention that in the post! Thanks for reminding me- I just went back to add it. :-) I used JP Ryan's round gown pattern, pretty much without alterations, I think! (it's been so long it's hard to remember exactly...)
DeletePerfect dress ! you did an amazing work ! :)
ReplyDeleteSO PRETTY! I won't lie, until I saw the dresses you've made, I wasn't much on 18th century garments. But the ones you've made have been so lovely, I've changed my mind!
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks so much Emileigh!! That means so much! :-)
DeleteIt's so sweet and dainty! I love it! Great work and attention to detail.
ReplyDeleteOk, I have to ask... Where do you wear these fabulous creations?! I've just discovered your blog and only briefly read some of your past posts and see you do go to some fabulous events, but what else do you do when you dress up? I've often wanted to create some Regency garb and just pretend for the day with a handsome rakish man (my husband), taking a turn around my parents "gardens". LOL! Other than that I have no other reason - it would be pure pleasure. My perfect day would be to even COOK and eat a meal from that time - using modern day means though. I'd have to put my foot down there! I love my ceramic stove top, convection oven and KitchenAid mixer too much. LOL
ReplyDeleteHi Cris! Welcome, and thanks so much!
DeleteI wear my historical garments to events (some of which never make it on the blog) and our family usually takes a week-long trip to Colonial Williamsburg every year (which gives the excuse for so many 18th c. garments! ;-)). Other than that, I used to wear historical garments to church every week, but I'm in more of a "vintage" phase right now for that. To be honest, I don't wear my historical garments *nearly* enough, so I think I'll have to start inventing some excuses to don them more frequently. ;-)
Your regency "garden walk" and dinner idea sounds like it would be so fun! Making the clothes and dressing up purely for personal enjoyment is absolutely acceptable, and sometimes makes for the best fun! ;-)
That's the cutest thing I ever saw! I wish we could dress like that every day!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely colours, lovely dress, lovely shoes... you look like the sweetest little strawberry pie! :-) And as a miniaturist I must also add: nice miniature. Is it an original antique one or did you make it yourself?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Aurora! :-) My miniature is actually nothing like so impressive as your work....! (which I greatly admire, by the way!!) I printed off a miniature of Princess Yekaterina Vorontsova-Dashkova (waaaay above my social station to actually be accurate for me, but she is just so pretty! ;-)) and used a small pendant frame from Hobby Lobby.
DeleteWow! Gorgeous! Simply lovely!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful dress! Amazing details as always! <3
ReplyDeleteThis is beyond delicious!! It's making me yearn for 18th century sewing again. The colour, the style, the trimming, the accessories, everything is perfect!
ReplyDeleteI love this dress. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou look positively gorgeous Lily! And your dress is stunning! I've always admired and loved the styles of the 1700s, but alack-a-day, I have never had a reason to make an honest-to-goodness 1700s ensemble... someday! And then I can pick your brain and have you help me with all the details! ;D
ReplyDeleteBrigid
the Middle Sister and Singer
Brigid, I hope you have the chance to go to Williamsburg sometime and dress up! I think you'd all love it there! Well, I think *everyone* would love it there.... but I really do think your family especially would appreciate it! ;-) If you ever do venture into the realm of 18th c., do pick my brain! I'd love to help!!
Deletebeautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis is really and truly exquisitely gorgeous, as are these tremendously lovely photographs. Thank you for sharing all of this beauty and inspiration with us, sweet dear.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
Is there anything you don't look good in? Everything you make is perfection! This dress makes me so happy...the color, the color combination of pink, white and red shoes! You are so fabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
g
*blush* Gina, you are the sweetest!!
DeleteThis outfit really is such a stunning combination of pinks, red and details! Wow! So many details! The embroidery on your stockings, the pleating, that super darling miniature... Goodness, I haven't thought much about wearing historical costuming myself, but your work is super inspiring Lily and if I ever get the chance to try on a pretty dress such as this one, I know I *have* to take it now! ❤
ReplyDeletexox,
bonita of Lavender & Twill
Hope you get the chance some time, Bonita! I adore vintage, but historical still holds a dear place in my heart. :-)
DeleteThank you all *so* much! You are all so, so sweet!!
ReplyDelete