Hello sweet friends, happy Fashion Friday! The D/FW Costumers Guild recently hosted their annual fall gathering. This post covers all the details of a 1790s Dress and Hat Attend A Georgian Picnic.
1790s Dress and Hat Attend A Georgian Picnic
I look forward to the Georgian picnic every year. Previously I have worn Regency-era attire and my Outlander dress.
There are so many fashion options in the Georgian era as the period of time covers 1714 – 1830 during the reign of Hanoverian Kings George I, George II, George III, and George IV in England.
I decided to give the transitional 1790s a go. You can find some of my fashion inspiration on my Pinterest board.
Portrait of Countess Yekaterina Skavronskaya by Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun
Simplicity 8941
I selected the round gown pattern, Simplicity 8941, by American Duchess.
This frock, for more than one reason, would soon become known in my house as the “hot mess dress”.
Unbeknownst to me, the skirt pattern had a major flaw in its design.
Lauren had made some wonderful notes on how to fix the issues HERE. Unfortunately, I did not become aware of the problems until my dress was already half sewn. Yes, I could have avoided some frustration by making a mockup first but I was short on time.
As I had watched Lady Rebecca Fashions’ video prior I did know that the sleeve pattern is also a bit of a challenge.
So with all that said I do not recommend this project for a beginner. I was ready to set the dress on fire more than once. It is probably wise to get a few other projects under your belt before attempting it.
I must say that the dress is quite comfortable to wear. Truly, like a nightgown.
However, I don’t think this style quite suits my body type.
Let’s distract with accessories!
The Accessories
Ladies often wore long sashes during this time. My sash came wrapped around a blanket I received as a gift last Christmas.
My photographer, The Fashionista, asked for an obligatory shoe and stockings shot.
I made the petal reticule out of silk scraps. Let me know in the comments if you are interested in a pattern.
The glorious Caroline hat was inspired by figure 74 on this Gallery of Fashion plate from November 1795.
You will never believe what the “before” looked like.
But I sure love the “after”.
The Picnic
We had such a glorious day for this year’s picnic!
Ginger’s blue dress was pure perfection!
Jennifer and Laura sparkled so beautifully!
Christine makes a truly stunning portrait.
Dashing in his Georgian finest is Sir Monty Etnom and the delightful Duchess Dixie.
The truly debonair Richard.
Lovely ladies: Megan in a Lavender Regency Dress and Meagan in wonderful white.
My friend Dartanyan in so pretty in plum.
The next costuming event, Trailblazing Women, will be this Tuesday at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. The FREE fashion show begins at 11:30 am followed by a picnic.
Mr. Decor, a fan of such women, will also be there sporting his 1860s finest.
For those of you who enjoyed the 1840’s Tea Party and Fashions I am happy to announce that Dixie DIY, Stitchin’ Addiction and myself will be doing a WWII collaboration this spring. If you have a costuming channel please join us!
This Week’s Video
Detailed instructions on how the Caroline hat was made, adjustments to the pattern, and delightful footage from the picnic itself can be found in this week’s video.
I’ll see you Sunday!
Laura