In selecting a style of Regency gown to make I had to decide between three categories; undress, half-dress, and full dress. Here is the sneak peeks of Becoming Jane Creating a Regency Day Dress on a Budget.
Becoming Jane Creating a Regency Day Dress on a Budget
Undress, contrary to what it sounds like, consisted of simple frocks worn in the morning, primarily in the home. They were generally made of simple cotton muslin without any trim or ornamentation.
Half-dress included dresses worn in the afternoon to events such as ladies’ teas, weddings, promenades, and carriage rides. The dresses were still often made from cotton muslin but would feature the addition of lace, ribbon, and perhaps a bit of a train. In addition, a hat and gloves would have been worn. Other accessories included simple jewelry, parasols, fans, and reticules (purses).
Full Dress was reserved for gowns to be worn to evening events such as a ball, lavish dinner party, or attending the theater or opera. Most gowns were made of silk and heavily embellished. Evening gloves were required and perhaps a fancy headdress. Jewels were acceptable as were boas and shawls.
Pattern and Supplies
Looking into the supplies I had on hand I found four yards of lightweight cotton white drapery liner and some antique cotton lace. Based on the materials I decided to go with the style of half dress to be worn at afternoon events.
I purchased the Simplicity pattern #4055 at Joann’s during a 99 cent sale.
Traditionally, maidens wore white and light pastel-colored gowns. Matrons, such as myself, would wear Jonquil yellow, Pomona green, red, blue and lavender. Based on my favorite fashion plates below can you guess the color I selected for my gown?
Periwinkle Blue! The above images also made me think that I HAD to have a train. Going through my linens I found an old tablecloth that I just couldn’t bear to throw out, despite the rips, as the embroidery was so lovely. To achieve a periwinkle blue shade I purchased one packet of Rit Royal Blue Dye and Dylon Ocean Blue Dye and combined the two in the washer. Using a coupon my cost was under $5.00.
Here’s how the tablecloth looked after the dye bath.
I made the view A dress with view B sleeves that were shortened to elbow length. With a bit of careful cutting, the tablecloth train came out beautifully. Here is a sneak peek of a lovely bit of the back.
I also adore the scalloped trim on the sleeves.
You can view the finished frock HERE.
I promise a full reveal is coming soon. But up next…. a Regency-era reticule (purse).
Laura
How beautiful! I love that color and can't wait to see the full reveal 🙂 You're very talented! I wouldn't even know where to start!
Your gown is so pretty! I love the way you used a tablecloth which wouldn't be able to go to the party with all its signs of age but when sewn into a beautiful gown it becomes Cinderella and shall go to the afternoon tea after all. 🙂 The sleeves and covered buttons make the gown look so well finished.
Now to wait to see the bonnet!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful work for us to admire 🙂
Laura you amaze me we your make do spirit! The tablecloth is gorgeous and you achieved the perfect shade of blue with the dye. This is a stunner! Great job!
Oh my word, you create the most beautiful dresses. I can't wait to see more.
Well, I'm not familiar with this character or any of this, but the dress you made is outstanding!! 🙂
I can't wait to see the entire dress!
So excited to seethe finish as I know it will be gorgeous!! You are amazing laura!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
My word, Laura, what a marvel of industry you are. Here I am feeling accomplished because I washed a wastebasket (but I am awaiting delivery of a yard of gravel to be moved by little old me!)
Have you read the Regency Romances of Georgette Heyer? You must have! If not, please find one – Venetia would be a good choice – and perhaps you will be hooked as have been many of the best readers and writers of the 20th, and now 21st century. JA + slang + a bit of the war and politics dear Jane ignored….
I can't wait to see it Laura, knowing you, it will be beautiful!
I'm in absolute awe of the time and attention you give to every project….art, fashion, decor. You are fabulous. Add in the “budget” aspect and it's off the hook! Needless to say, I can't wait to see you in full dress and accoutrements! Beautiful!!
Now this is a post with contents I can utterly get into! Love period pieces of any kind, and movies too! I'm so glad we have further posts to look forward to, dear Laura! Seeing the way my beautiful apron turned out, this dress will be a work of art! Thank you for this, I'm throughly enjoying the subject matter!
It;s already gorgeous, can't wait for the finished product!!
The dress seems beautiful and I adore each of your inspiration picture!
How lovely! I envy people who can sew. Can't wait to see the whole dress!
Everyone was so fancy back in the day. How did we become a nation of flip-flops and t-shirts? 😉
Fabulous my dear…just fabulous!
Your button back looks better than the original because there's no gappage – it lies quite flat!