Monday, May 26, 2014

Regency Gown: Simplicity 4055

*EDIT: This dress is now for sale in my Etsy shop!  See the listing here.*
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At last! The long awaited Regency Dress post!!
Pattern used: Simplicity 4055
I have to say, this was the most wonderful experience I have ever had with a pattern. Ordinarily I have trouble with patterns, and they’re all stuffed full of crazy sewing language that I have yet to interpret. This pattern, however, is a different story. I basically had no trouble with it whatsoever! Hurray! AND, I made my very first buttonholes. I have conquered my fear of them forever. Victory.
I had only a week to make the whole entire dress, and I finished the hem the day before our Ladies' Day tea party. That was a miracle.
I made view B, using A sleeves, and making the back a button closure. I lengthened the bodice by three inches because the pattern is made to be worn with period underpinnings. I didn’t want to bother with that with this dress, so I chose to lengthen it. I also used elastic instead of a drawstring, to make it more wearer-friendly.
I love this pattern SO much, that I am already making another one! It is not only beautiful, but also absolutely comfortable. Pretty much, it’s a feel-good dress! 


I had to pick Bleak House, since the leading lady is Esther...



those flowers actually don't smell like anything...





I found cute shoes 5 days before the Ladies' Day, and they had to be ordered. 
That. was. scary. 

You will never play really well, Miss Bennet, unless you practice more!

I haven't gotten a chance to wear this collar with the dress yet, but I think it would be beautiful!

Back view. 

Buttonholes.

The hem! And I didn't even have to do it by hand!!



The way the placket ended up, we used snaps so that there wasn't a gap.


Back.

It is lined with lovely batiste, which feels wonderful on, and is the perfect weight for a lining.

Shoulder

Shoulder seams actually fall behind the ordinary shoulder seam area, like actual Regency gowns did.

Puff sleeves!!!






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Sorry for the picture overload, but I love my dress so much, I just couldn't help it!!
Thanks for stopping by!

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Friday, May 23, 2014

Fabric Stash Update #1143

I know...I keep promising pictures of my Regency dress. I took them yesterday, so they will definitely be on here in the next day or two.
Meanwhile, I am happy to announce that I added to my fabric stash today. Isn't that always a good thing??!!!

Purple satin back shantung. It is definitely going to be a regency ball gown-type dress. (No, I don't go to balls, but the dresses are too purty not to make!)

Vintage style fabric, Aunt Grace Scrap Bag from the collection of Judie Rothermel for Marcus Brothers Textiles. 
Vintage dress, here I come!!

This. Is. My. Favorite. Fabric. EVERRRR!!! 
Garibaldi II by Sara Morgan for Blue Hill Fabrics, Pattern #7645

This beautiful print is destined to be a regency apron.
??? No name.

And last but not least, the most gorgeous green striped fabric on earth. Ever.
Canterbury by Robert Callaham for Red Rooster Fabrics DSN#18177.
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Not a bad haul, eh? I am excited.
I am also in the middle of yet another regency gown, using Windham Fabrics Somerset Shirtings, #35207-2, which also happens to be the most beautiful fabric in the world, ever. 
I think I like fabric...
Look for pictures coming soon! Thanks for stopping by.

~Dolly~

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Monday, May 19, 2014

Preview: Regency Dress

Yep. I actually finished my regency dress. Can you believe it? I will post more pictures in the next couple of days, but for now, here's a preview. Enjoy!
^my mom and I; pictures of her dress coming soon also!^


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Saturday, May 10, 2014

Happy Mother's Day!

I made this cake for my mom for Mother's Day. 
Happy Mother's Day, Mom! You are a wonderful mom, and I love you
Roses made with Wilton tip 1M, using Wilton pink gel food paste.




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Meanwhile, my regency gown is almost finished! I just have to make buttonholes, sew on the buttons, put in elastic around the neck and waist, and hem it. I'll be posting pictures soon, so stay tuned!


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Friday, May 9, 2014