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!

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~

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!^

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. 

Triple Layer Chocolate Vanilla Bean Chiffon Cake from Woodland Bakery Blog, frosted with Ombre Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting. Delicious!!

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!

Regency Gown Sneak Peek...

I'm hoping to finish it today! Full pictures and details will follow.