My Regency Princess robes are done

[Val]

I still have a little handwork to do on the trim but basically these are done. I've replaced all the in-progress photos with the finished ones. www.pbase.com/cinnamonhrts/my_costumes&page=4
Now if I could just get someone over here to fit my muslin, and try and explain how this darn bodice goes together, I can get started on the gown for them.

[dawnluckham]

Val, they’re very, very pretty!

What pattern are you using for the gown again? I’ve forgotten. Ask questions and I’ll make an attempt to help if I can.

[Val]

Thank you. I hope to be a pretty pretty princess.
It's the Reconstructing History day dress pattern. It only has written directions, no drawings, and the pattern has no notches. Each front bodice piece has a very long shoulder part that goes over the back and is sewn to the center back piece. The length of the shoulders are a very important part to the fitting, so it needs someone to fit to you.
I was having a hard time figuring out what part are the side seams but after walking away from it and coming back, I'm seeing a curved area, that I thought was to cross over in the front, is actually supposed to be eased into the opposite curved area of the back piece. This pattern has a bib front. I've never done or seen one so this is totally new to me. I wish pattern designers wouldn't take it for granted that everyone has made these type of costumes. If I have a sample in front of me, I can see right away how to sew it together.
I'm working on a quickie vest for my Steampunk costume right now so I'll start on the Regency on another day. I also need to cut up my old rabbit fur jacket to make an oversized muff to go with it. Never worked with real fur before, just fake stuff, but other than the mess, I think I can handle it.

[dawnluckham]

Do you have access to Janet Arnold’s book “Patterns of Fashion 1”?

The RH pattern is for the same dress shown on pages 48 and 49. I think just seeing the graphed pattern on the page could help you.

This gown doesn’t have “side seams” exactly. The front bodice, sides and straps are all one and this piece is sewn to the “princess seams” on the center back piece.

I don’t know if the RH pattern has the shoulder straps pieced as they are in the original, but I don’t imagine you’ll find fitting this shoulder strap too difficult. In a pinch, even your husband can help with this one.

The graphed pattern pieces in the Janet Arnold book do have notches (though they’re just little slash type notches). It may help to note the location of the notches on the graphed pattern and make an educated guess about where the notch might lie on the RH pattern.

Let me know if you aren’t able to look at the book and I’ll scan the relevant pages for you.

As for understanding the inner workings of the bib front gown, it can be a little difficult to wrap your mind around it at first – you’re not alone! Another book worth looking at for understanding is Nancy Bradfield’s “Costume in Detail”. There are some good drawings on page 95 and 96 of an “apron front bodice”. (This style of dress has so many different names and they all refer to the same style!) There is another one shown on pages 89 and 90, and another on pages 87 and 88.

Also look at Katherine’s Dress Site. She’s got excellent pages on her “drop front dress”.
www.koshka-the-cat.com/drop_front.html

[Val]

Those are the two books I don't have. I do have P of F book 2. But book 1 is on my shopping list for when I go to Costume College in Aug. They have a book seller there I can buy it from. I'll check on the other too.
In the meantime, I'll check Katherine's site.
If you want to show me some drawings, take your time. I'm going to finish this vest in a couple days, then start focusing on it. I'd work on it today but I have girlfriends coming over for a tea brunch at 10:30. Unfortunately none of this group sews, so I can't ask for help from them for fitting. I mean, totally, don't know how to sew! We do afternoon teas very well tho.
This is my inspiration gown www.pbase.com/cinnamonhrts/image/98774849
I found a fan that looks very similar to this, and will be making my muff from my rabbit jacket for it. Need hair now, but will probably make those tubes of fabric to wrap around my head.

[dawnluckham]

Val, I've sent you a private message.

[Val]

Back at you.

[Mme de Beaufort]

Wow, those turned out very pretty. I can't wait to see them modeled on you.

[Val]

Jun 17, 2008 0:40:37 GMT -5 Mme de Beaufort said:

Wow, those turned out very pretty. I can't wait to see them modeled on you.

Thank you. I'm finally getting someone to fit my muslin for the gown portion tonite, and with Dawn's help, I may get the muslin sew today so that can be done.
Since they'll also be able to put me in my corset tonite, maybe we'll get a pic of that too.