Regency: Blue Open Robe

 To go over my white round gown, I made this pale blue open robe: 

This robe is also from the American Duchess for Simplicity pattern S8941. Like the round gown, I added some length to the skirts. I shortened the train quite a bit, adding only an 8” train instead of a fuller train. I just don’t like tripping over all that fabric, but I did want a little puddle on the ground. Just a little one. 

I also altered the sleeves: I lengthened them so that the cuff would hit me about my knuckles instead of my wrist, and adjusted the elbow seam to compensate. For the dress and this robe, I made a size 22 from the pattern, but for some reason on the robe the sleeves were way too wide, and I had to narrow them quite a bit. I could have done more narrowing, but I didn’t want to push my luck. 

The fabric is Fabric.com’s Kaufmann linen in Paris Blue. The bodice is self- lined. I finished out the front with three covered buttons; I added a pair in the back, too, although I’m not sure it looks right without a belt or sash there to anchor them visually. I may rethink that.  Overall I really love the way this open robe came out, and I'll definitely use this pattern again.  

But first - accessories! 

Regency: White Ikea Dress

 Long time no see! It’s been about a year since my last entry. Dunno if anyone will even read this, but blogging is fun whether you have an audience or not. ;)

So, I’m still in the SCA and still making Viking clothing. I haven’t done much new since the last time I was here, in that vein - I made a new apron dress because I outgrew my old ones (again!), but I don’t have pics for you at this time. 

What I do have is a buttload of new Regency/Empire stuff, starting with this white round gown: 

This was made with Simplicity’s S8941 pattern, by American Duchess. It’s a 1790s-early 1800 round gown with a drawstring closing front.  The pattern is designed for a woman of about 5’4”, and I’m 5’9”, so I did a lot of adjusting and lengthening. The biggest changes I made were to the bust, where the pattern was too small for my rather ample bosom; and to the overall length, because of the height thing.  (American Duchess has a great post about fitting this pattern).

The fabric is from an old set of IKEA’s Matilda sheer curtains. It’s basically a cotton voile with a woven stripe and dot pattern. It’s very sheer, so I wear it over a long full petticoat; eventually I intend to create a couple of new busted petticoats in different colors so I can alter the feel of the dress. 

I love the way the dress came out. It fits perfectly, and it feels great to wear. I think the only thing I don’t like is the way the back of the bodice is pointed in the back - it’s totally apropos for a 1790s gown; but I think the next time I make this pattern, I’ll straighten out the back.