period correct fabric

[bvssmith]

Hello,

I made a couple regency dresses for etsy within the last year, but I am almost certain that the fabrics are not period correct:

www.etsy.com/listing/47083357/custom-formal-regency-dress-gown-or.

However, I did find one that looks similar to the fabric that Emma wears in the latest movie. I'm thinking of making a dress out of it for myself.

warehousefabricsinc.com/GANMUD.html

What do you all think?
Is it still too modern?

Brittany

[Mme de Beaufort]

The dresses are pretty, but not period. Aside from its syntheticness... the black velvet scrolling is not period appropriate by any means. I've used a red version of this fabric to make a corset and the non-patterened version of it for the skirts for a vampire/victorianish costume.

See here in this ridiculous photo of my busting a gut:
farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/4075136637_ca3bd83bdf.jpg

It's a 'costumey' fabric... rather than something authentic. I might use that fabric for a regency gown for events that aren't too fussy about authenticity.

The second fabric is pretty but the pattern looks too big. Regency fabrics were not typically large-of-pattern... they preferred subtler, smaller patterns, and border/hem embroidery if patterned at all; and for ballgowns, relied more on embellishments and trims to enhance them rather than pattern.

[bvssmith]

Thanks for your input:) I didn't realize that the regency era did not have large patterns on their fabric.

Brittany

[lastbloom]

Hi Brittany!

Your dresses are very pretty, but I agree with allseeing's comments.

Here is a very lovely period-appropriate fabric, and it is less than half the price of the fabric you posted (always a bonus!)

reproductionfabrics.com/lines.php?subcat=968

I am thinking of the dotted fabric on the right. In fact, I like it so much and the price is so good, I may have to buy some myself!

I suggest you take a peek at the extant gowns in some of the inspiration threads, or in one of the great costume books from the Kyoto Institute. I also love "Revolution in Fashion" -- try looking for it at a library because it is out of print and very expensive. Anyway, looking at the real deal is the best way to develop an "eye" for what looks period and what doesn't. Besides, who doesn't love drooling over beautiful gowns?

[oldlady]

I agree that the fabrics are not period correct. But if you look at the site it does say bridal wear, so these are meant for the general public, not us retro fashionistas! ;D

[Mme de Beaufort]

Aug 5, 2010 20:05:59 GMT -5 oldlady said:

I agree that the fabrics are not period correct. But if you look at the site it does say bridal wear, so these are meant for the general public, not us retro fashionistas! ;D

Understood. However the OP was asking if this fabric was appropriate and questioned whether it was period-correct. She made those lovely etsy gowns.

[amandamoose]

Very pretty dresses but no not period correct

[kingdomkm]

So would a print with small flowers be more period correct? I saw a couple of fabrics with small flowers at a good price at the fabric store and was wondering if they would be period correct. I guess what I am saying is how do you know if some fabric pattern is period correct or not?

[pinkweeds]

If at all possible avoid too much print! That's my general rule of thumb anymore. I honestly can't remember the last time I made a print dress. If you are going to make a print dress, remember the prints should be simple (think of the simple prints worn by the Bennet girls in the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice)

Here is a Regency gown with a fairly subtle print.

i67.photobucket.com/albums/h287/pinkweeds/my%20photos/Regency/Dark%20Dresses/regency7top.jpg

This muslin dress has a print only on the bottom of the skirt.

i67.photobucket.com/albums/h287/pinkweeds/my%20photos/Regency/orange%20dresses/RL07.jpg


This day dress had a slightly busier print for the time-

i67.photobucket.com/albums/h287/pinkweeds/my%20photos/Regency/White%20Dresses/2018l.jpg

If in doubt stick with stripes,

i67.photobucket.com/albums/h287/pinkweeds/my%20photos/Regency/Emma/emstripe.jpg

Plaids,

i67.photobucket.com/albums/h287/pinkweeds/my%20photos/Regency/Emma/pose_emma-hugh3.jpg

And soft florals,


i67.photobucket.com/albums/h287/pinkweeds/my%20photos/Regency/Emma/promo4.jpg

[wellybob]

I also love the dresses for the new Emma, I have managed to find some floral fabrics, but with small flowers, but it is from England from a company called Abakhan

[wellybob]

I think it is very pretty and would love some myself. Is it really that important to get the exact period fabrics and give up on something we really like.

[dawnluckham]

Wellybob, I guess I would refer you to the recent thread about flannel/flannelette: It totally depends on why you are dressing in Regency era clothing.

If you are involved in Living History then period correct prints are important and it’s important to do your research and choose your fabrics carefully. Scientists have discovered that people take a lasting first impression within seconds of meeting/seeing someone. If you are presenting history incorrectly your audience will walk away with an inaccurate impression. They trust you to do the research and get it right. They’re there to learn from you. It’s not that difficult to do a little bit of research and find a fabric that is both historically accurate and also appeals to you. There is just SO MUCH out there to choose from!

If you are wearing Regency clothing for other reasons – you just like old fashioned clothes, or if you participate in a Jane Austen society or a historic dance group. As long as you are not presenting to the public, you are free to choose any fabric in the whole wide world. Make yourself happy!

One thing I would point out, however: Some fabrics are more suitable for the style of the gowns than other fabrics. Heavy brocades or stiff fabrics do not often drape in the gentle folds that suit Regency style gowns.