Miss Credit
Clergy
"To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love"
Posts: 118
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Post by Miss Credit on Aug 7, 2008 21:40:58 GMT -5
Well after just finding out that I am 6 weeks pregnant instead of filling my head with thoughts of baby clothes and nursery things all I can think of is all of the new gowns I am going to have to make!
I have read only a couple articles about maternity wear during this era and gowns for nursing but I have a few questions.
1. What kinds of stays, if any will allow for comfortable fit while I am still pregnant. I only have long stays with the big long busk down the middle and obviously thats not going to work. I need something to hold the large girls up but still offer comfort, suggestions?
2. I plan on breast feeding, but I wonder will I have to come up with a pair of stays that will allow for this or will most stays work?
3. I have read that any gown with a drawstring waist will work for maternity wear during this period. Since the drawstring waist is under the bust will I have to add extra length to the skirt panel in the front to accommodate a growing belly? (If this question makes no sense I can try and explain further)
If any of you ladies have any suggestions on patterns, articles or personal experiences I would love to hear!
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Post by dawnluckham on Aug 8, 2008 8:18:03 GMT -5
Congratulations! Past Patterns has a maternity stays pattern. It’s dated early to mid 19th century but the basic “uplift” can be designed (by shortening the gussets) to work for Regency and the overall look of the stays is very much suited to the early part of the century. Someone in all the cool CC photos posted is wearing what looks like these stays. www.pastpatterns.com/705.htmlHave a look at Jenny-Rose’s pictures here: www.jennylafleur.com/dressup/2008.0801/album/index.htmlAlso “corsetra” on LJ not too long ago did an excellent job of converting the Sense and Sensibility (I think it was the S&S pattern, but am not positive) stays for maternity. She shows some very good photos to help. corsetrasewing.livejournal.com/tag/regencyI’ve been “told” that Past Patterns will be coming out with the Connecticut Historical Society short stays “soon”. Now “soon” is a relative term when talking about Past Patterns but these stays appear to me as if they were originally made for a nursing woman. You can e-mail Saundra Altman (you’ll find she’s very friendly and willing to answer any request or questions you might have) and ask if she thinks the pattern will be ready for you in time. As far as the growing belly and your Regency gowns go: All women “grow” differently and it will certainly depend on whether you gain weight overall or if you just grow in the belly or how full your breast become, etc. Period images show women with the skirts raised up in the front because a pregnant belly takes up the length of the gown. I wonder if the Past Patterns Lewis and Clark dress pattern would suit very well. This front closing dress has a “tuck” that runs across the lower front of the gown. I believe it was to clear the shoes for walking. I think if you leave the tuck out while you’re expecting and then add it in later, you may gain a bit of length that way. You can also add an inch or two to the front panels of your skirts and take them up later, but I’m not sure how much they worried about it in period (maybe some). Another really practical garment might be to make yourself a suspendered petticoat and a half robe or bedgown. You can adjust the length of the suspenders with your belly and the bedgown will always be useful for nursing and re-enactment wear.
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Post by celticgoddess81 on Aug 8, 2008 11:13:11 GMT -5
Have you tried looking at Mrs. Chancey's site under easy alterations for the Regency gown, she is the person who designed the Simplicity Regency pattern and has been selling it on her site for years. She has a page on how to modify the pattern simply to get what you need here's the link: www.sensibility.com/pattern/alterations.htm this one is to alter the skirt so that you have more room for the tummy... As well as how to make a button down front for easier access. I have to run to work hope this helps a little. ~Lady Elizabeth
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Post by lauren on Aug 8, 2008 11:21:45 GMT -5
Congratulations!!! How exciting.
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Post by celticgoddess81 on Aug 8, 2008 20:23:41 GMT -5
As I was driving to work this morning I remembered what else I was going to tell you: if you are looking for support whilst nursing a boned bodice petticoat is an inexpensive way to go because you can untie it and get access for the newling and retie it so that you can still be held when in your bodice. Hope this makes sense. ~Lady Elizabeth
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Post by corsetra on Oct 25, 2008 16:21:03 GMT -5
Congratulations! Also “corsetra” on LJ not too long ago did an excellent job of converting the Sense and Sensibility (I think it was the S&S pattern, but am not positive) stays for maternity. She shows some very good photos to help. corsetrasewing.livejournal.com/tag/regencyactually it is a custom drafting method that I need to perfect and post to the world. I happen to enjoy math and drafting
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