Emma’s Yellow Pelisse Takes A Regency Stroll

Hello sweet friends! This is a very fun historical Fashion Friday. I hope you will enjoy Emma’s Yellow Pelisse Takes A Regency Stroll.

Emma’s Yellow Pelisse Takes A Regency Stroll

A few weeks ago I shared the Harriet ensemble I created for the Jane Austen Festival.

While I was making this my friend Michele was creating some sewing magic of her own. 

We both had wanted to attend the Jane Austen Festival but decided to wait until next year. However, the virtual Jane Austen Fashion Challenge is providing an opportunity to share this project online.

Michele had fallen in love with the yellow pelisse and black bonnet worn by the character Emma Woodhouse in the film. 

Little White Dress

She began by creating a lovely Regency staple: the sheer white dress. It was made from the Sensibility Regency Gown Epattern dress with the DD supplement. The lovely fabric was cotton voile purchased HERE. 

Here are her alterations to the dress pattern.

• The front bodice was cut down down the center fold line. A 5/8 inch seam allowance was added.
• The neckline was reshaped into more of a “V” shape. I did a drawstring at the neckline and under-bust to match the movie dress but also for the dress to fit better.
• I used the  DD supplement for the dress but found it a little big in the high bust. If I make it again I will use the D size, size down in the back, and raise the arm scythe.
• I also plan to go back and add the little buttons and the trim on the sleeves. The original dress did have trim work.
• This “Little White Dress” is sure to be used often. I plan to make a sleeveless Spencer to change the look and get more use from the dress.

Her foundation garments include Redthreaded short stays made from coutil and a Ladies Bodice Petticoat Laughing Moon pattern #132. The petticoat was made from a polka dot Pima cotton from Wherehouse Fabrics in Dallas, Texas. 

The Yellow Pelisse

The yellow pelisse was made from the Laughing Moon Pelisse #137 pattern. 

While Emma’s dress in the film was probably made from lightweight wool Michele opted for a linen/cotton blend. The fabric was found at Wherehouse Fabrics.

Alterations to the pelisse pattern.

• View C with the high collar was selected. 
• I took the center back piece and added more volume by splitting the pattern from the waist to almost the neck. The pattern was fanned out and I created a new pattern piece for it. The original almost looks like it is darted but doing it this way was fast and easy.
• The long sleeves on this pattern were a little large for my arms and way too long. I shortened the length to hit my knuckles. I took in the under seam 1.5 inches in the upper section.
• The cuff in the pattern was not added. I did a straight hem and added a band at wrist height secured with a fabric-covered button.
• The top sleeve was the challenge of the piece. The pattern piece for the puffy short sleeve was used and a bit more volume was added to it. I made a ruffle about 3 inches wide and hand-stitched it to the lining of the top sleeve.
• Eighteen fabric-covered buttons were made for the front as well as the thread loops to hook them.
• The belt was altered in the back with more fabric buttons and thread belt loops to hold in place.

This pelisse is so stunning in person. The color just pops!

The Bonnet

• To create the bonnet Michele used the Lynn McMaster Pattern: Regency Bonnet Pattern view A. She found the instructions very easy to follow. 
• The base was made from this buckram. 
• The black duchess satin was from my vintage stash and I was happy to provide it for this fabulous project.
• Trim supplies were purchased at Hobby Lobby.
• The drab bunch feathers were found at Timely Tresses. 

Bonnet alterations.

• Michele made a bonnet style that was a bit different than the pillbox style that Emma wears in the film.
• The design features satin ruching to cover the stitching. 
• The trim was hand beaded. 
• The feathers were taken apart from the bunch. 

It is hard to believe but this was Michele’s first bonnet! You can see her work in progress on her Instagram page. 

Michele couldn’t resist a traditional Regency-era fashion plate pose.

A Bonus Dress

It’s more fun to stroll with friends so I quickly sewed a dress that has been on my “must make” list for a while. 

I had purchased this luscious mint julip linen fabric almost a year ago. The crossover dress E pattern is from the Elegant Lady’s Closet. 

The only alteration I did was to the sleeves. I’ve been wanting a Regency dress with tulip sleeves for a long time. The sleeves are self-drafted. I do plan to add a bit of lace to my sleeves in the future. It will look similar to this fashion plate. 

The back of the dress can be gathered or pleated. 

I’m a fool for pleats!

The Bonnet

This is my very first bonnet. The pattern was drafted by my talented friend Holley who also guided me in the making of it. The taffeta came from Wherehouse Fabrics. The ribbon and flower are vintage. 

This Week’s Video

A short and sweet snippet that is sure to make you smile. You can watch Emma’s Yellow Pelisse Takes A Regency Stroll video HERE.

I’ll see you on Sunday!

Laura