Try-on

[mala_14]

I got the fronts attached to the backs at the shoulders, so I pinned the side seams and had a try-on. I was expecting to feel frumpy and butter-churny etc, but OMG, it's actually kind of cute! With regard to the Regency pattern I drafted for this, I think the fit is good, but I would like the waist to be about half an inch to an inch higher, the front neck a bit lower, and the have the back piece curve narrower at the waist. But really, those are such minor things, the waist length really doesn't matter for this, I can cut down the neck a bit before adding the collar, and increasing the curve is just an aesthetic thing. I am SO GLAD it fits well!

The details are kind of lost with the busy print and I have a feeling it's going to be very visually...um...interesting combined with long sleeves and a petticoat. The pattern is taken almost exactly from this cotton spencer because it had the style I wanted and similar measurements to me, but altered to have a long crossover front. The back skirt is just a rectangle (12" long fabric width) pleated to the waist with double knife pleats. What's left:

1. Sew side seams


2. Hem fronts and bottom


3. Sleeves, with wristbands


4. Collar

Hoping to get this done Saturday (but probably won't actually get it done until Sunday, or possibly even Monday. Ack!). Then I will have time to make a pair of (mostly machine sewn!) pockets before the event on Wednesday.

Eventually, to finish off this outfit, I'd like to make an apron, a cap, a straw bonnet, a neckerchief, an alternate short-sleeved shortgown in a different print (for hot days), and a wool spencer (to wear with the petticoat for cold days). Then I could just stop worrying about what to wear for living history and focus on other, fancier pretty things. ;p

Comments

[mrs_maupin]

It looks fantastic ! I might want to steal it.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Good thing there's an ocean between us. ;p

[koshka-the-cat.livejournal.com]

It's adorable!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks Katherine! Totally inspired by your shortgowns!

[atherleisure.livejournal.com]

Very nice! I really like the pleats in the back. And if the pattern is too much, you could always make a plain wool skirt to tone it down or mix it up a little.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thank you! That was my thought with making a shortgown: being able to mix and match. I am also thinking that an apron will tone it down by covering up some of the print.

[fleurdelysa.livejournal.com]

Cuuuute! Love those pleats!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks! They were kind of annoying to try and figure out, but double pleat adds a nice volume.

[girliegirl32786.livejournal.com]

That is adorable!

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks Aubry!

[newmoonstar]

Very pretty! The blue print looks very spring-y.

(Also hi! Just wanted to let you know I've friended you- your costumes are all awesome, and I love to see what fellow historical costumers are making.) :D

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Hi, back. Nice to meet you!