Hi Everyone!
I wanted to share a Regency Gown (costume) I made. I really like historical costumes, and have gotten stuck on regency, empire, high-waisted era reproductions. I found a lady on the internet that has created her own Regency pattern and had to try it.
I think over all I like the results. Although next time I will use a much lighter material. I used silk this time around and am not happy with the “flow” of the gown. (It’s kinda pokey!) 🙂 It was a good pattern, and for a change it actually fit right. (If you can believe it!) I have really bad luck when it comes to pattern fit. For the most part I make a muslin first to make sure I don’t have any problems. I made a muslin with this pattern, and was pleased to find that it was pretty right on and didn’t need to change it that much.
I wonder what material I should have used to make a more acurate toile? I just used cotton muslin and didn’t even think that the silk would have behaved in that way… Live and Learn I guess! 🙂
Here are some pictures and a link to Dragonfly Formals if anyone wants to try it out.
http://www.dragonflyformals.com/Welcome.html
-Twila
Replies
Some silks can be very crispy and "pokey". That's great in a tailored jacket but for a dress, not so good. You can often solve that problem by prewashing. It turns your silk into having a very soft hand, world of difference. It also makes your garment washable after that. So I think it would be great to continue using the silks but do a test prewash on a measured square first. Also throw some white vinegar in the prewash to set your color. Is that a silk dupioni?
Your dress is darling and I can see why you are intrigued by this era. I love how historical groups give the opportunity to make some really wonderful clothing. Great job!
Of course! I didn't even think of that! Duh! LOL!Do you think I should wash it now?? in cold on gentle and hang to dry? Because as of now, I probably won't wear this dress anyway, so what's the loss? Yes it is Silk dupioni, I bought it at Joann's with my coupon and got it for $7 USD a yard. There's like 3.5 years here, so again, not a biggy, no real loss if the wash ruins it. Do you think it would hold up? All the seams are french, so it won't fall apart. I'll definitely think about it.-Twila
If you still have scraps of the fabric, test-wash those first, but if not, you're probably not risking a lot. Silk is a natural fiber that isn't heavily processed, so it often comes through the wash perfectly well. If you won't wear it otherwise and don't know anyone else who might want it (theatre group, book club, historical club) then it's worth a shot.Very lovely!
What a beautiful gown! Looks like alot of work, hope it softens up for you so you can make use of it!!!! Mary
Wow TwilaTee! Really nice job! Thank you for sharing it!
JT
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