Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Regency dress





Well friends, it's been a bit since you have heard from me, in a word homeschooling is taking much of my time. I am finally getting back into a routine of sewing again. I've been on a quest for a long, winter dress that is easy to wear and warm.  Last spring,  Casey had a sew along for a swing dress from Sense and Sensibility patterns.  Looking around the web site I couldn't resist the idea of making a winter dress from the 1700's regency style. This dress was a lot of fun to put together. I really like the high waistline, it's very comfortable. The material is heavy linen and it's lined for warmth. I really love this dress, my husband really loves it too.

 I also wanted to give a short review of the pattern for those of you who may be considering making this dress. The overall pattern is printed and packaged on heavy paper. The instructions are fairly simply, she also has step by step instructions (with pictures) for this pattern on the web site. The biggest problem I had with the pattern was fit.  The bodice is on the short side for me, it fell  above my bra band. In addition to it being short, it came down too low in the front. If I bent over you could see my whole entire bra. So I took the challenge to fix these problems and drafted up a new pattern using the pieces from the original. I added about 3 inches too the bottom of the pattern. I have narrow shoulders, so I  brought the shoulders in, which helped the dress from felling off of me. It was worth making a muslin for this dress, I highly suggest it. I had three goes at it before getting it right. I am 5'6 so the length was great and no adjustments were needed, if you are taller you will need to cut more length for your dress. I will be making this one again. Do you ever wear dresses in the winter?

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina

11 comments:

  1. I always wear dresses (or skirts) in the winter because they are so cozy with tights. I have a harder time in the summer with my bare legs hanging out.
    I love the fancy stitching on your sleeves.

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  2. I really like the color of this dress . . . I wear skirts in the winter but not dresses. I currently don't have any long dresses to wear in the wintertime, but hopefully in the near future. :)

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  3. I love your dress! the alterations were worth it - fits you great and so flattering on you. I love the color you chose too : ) Wearing long flowing skirts is one of my favorite things about cold weather!

    I'm working on some warm winter dresses in wool. I'd like to make a jacket and skirt set too : )

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  4. The back gathers and scooped neckline are gorgeous! I suspect it would look really great in a midi/knee length too! Might have to check it out! Thanks for sharing. It's gorgeous on you and beautifully finished too :)
    Px

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  5. We have missed you! Welcome back to blogging. I love your new dress - so perfect for winter. I wear skirts and dresses all winter long - but it can get a bit chilly walking from my car to work! I love the idea of long dress like the one you made. Beautiful!

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  6. Just Lovely!!! I really like it and I don't wear dressed ever. But that dress I might consider!

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  7. Pretty! The color looks great on you!

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  8. Yes, I do!
    You look beautiful dear friend. The color is just lovely with your black hair and the length is just perfect
    :-)

    Wearing long dresses in the winter is really a way of life for me. I am so warm because I am able to wear layers underneath.

    This style must be so easy to wear in the morning :)

    Many blessings to you Gina,

    Maria

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  9. Gina, it's beautiful and looks very lovely on you!
    The colour is wonderful!
    I really like the femininity of regency style dresses.
    blessings..Trish

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  10. That turned out lovely, and that color is amazing on you.

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  11. I found your blog through Maria's.
    A Regency gown is certainly a pretty and feminine style. The deep plum color you chose is becoming on you. In the film Sense and Sensibility Marianne wears a pale plum that I've always admired.
    Thank you for sharing about your alterations. It is encouraging to know you persevered. Fitting a pattern takes more stick-to-itiveness than I often feel up to.
    So sorry you were robbed. Your advice is taken.
    Karen A.

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