Hello sweet friends! Welcome to a historical edition of Fashion Friday. This post will cover a Regency Apron, Chemisette, and Undergarments.
Regency Apron, Chemisette, and Undergarments
This past Wednesday I shared a Regency Inspired Valentine Craft and Tea. I wanted to protect my silk dress while serving and needed an apron.
To create the apron I selected Butterick pattern B5509. View D has an empire waistline. This was a prominent design feature in the Regency period.
I would recommend that a beginner start with view A or B and then move on to view D.
TIP: A different pattern brand (Simplicity, McCalls, etc) goes on sale each week at Joann’s for $1.99!
I had 2 and 1/4 yards of 60″ wide sheer cotton windowpane fabric. It was found at an estate sale for $1. This was a bit of a challenge as the pattern calls for 2 and 3/4 yards.
I simply just shortened the skirt a bit and pieced the fabric for the ties.
Piecing fabric is very historically accurate. Honestly, unless you are looking very, very closely you can’t even tell.
However, if I were going to make this apron again I would eliminate the ties and create a button closure.
It was a bit difficult to dress myself and the bows look a bit sad.
But I love how much coverage this apron offers.
Chemisette
A chemisette is similar to a camisole but shorter.
Mrs. James Andrew, by John Constable, circa 1818
The design concept is that it fills in the front and neckline of any garment for modesty and sun protection.
Portrait of a Lady, Pierre-Louis-Henri Grevedon
In the modern world, it is often referred to as a dickie or tucker.
The lovely Jane Austen wearing a chemisette. This 1870 engraving was inspired by a portrait painted by her sister, Cassandra.
I made the chemisette from the La Mode Bagatelle Regency Wardrobe pattern. I used leftover linen scraps from my chemise. The pattern went together very nicely.
The ruffle was a bit wide for my taste so I did make it a bit more narrow.
Chemise
I made a linen chemise from Simplicity 8579.
The underarm gussets were a bit of a challenge. The Burnley and Trowbridge Sew Along video helped me tremendously.
The neckline was too wide for my narrow shoulders. I ended up having to add a channel and drawstring.
I also shortened the sleeves considerably.
Petticoat
I also made a bodice petticoat that you can see peeking out from the bottom of my dress. It took me three tries to get right.
You can see the full-length petticoat, as well as my chemise and Regency short stays (corset) in today’s video. Click on the image to view.
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Weekend!
Laura
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All of your costumes are always done to perfection. Love that apron too
I love that apron to pieces. My favorite apron is my grandmothers, c. 1950s. I don’t even dare wash it in the machine — I think it would fall apart. But it is more like a smock and has such good coverage. This is great coverage — and back then, you’d need it!
That’s the kind of coverage I need when I cook. 🙂
You are a great seamstress!
Laura, you are amazing! I have great admiration for your skills.