Monday, July 25, 2011

Regency Ball Gown


Remeber the Jane Austen Convention I am attending this fall? Still finding time here and there to make Regency items to set aside for my booth in October!

So - a few pictures of a white cotton voile ball gown I made last month.

This particular dress is an apron-front style, which means the front bodice and skirt are actually like an apron or a bib which fastens with straight pins and buttons to the shoulders and waist.

The base pattern was from Janet Arnold's book. Note the very small back!


I apologize for the ridiculously un-regency tan line! :(

The skirt back is very full - the most material I have put into a Regency dress yet.
I like it!

Sleeves are very short and full-gathered. Look closely and you can see where the waist buttons and the bib neckline is pinned.

Catherine Morland wears a dress very similar in the 2008 film 'Northanger Abbey'.

25 comments:

Moriah Simonowich said...

Hi Atlanta,

Ooh, what a beautiful dress!
I'm hoping to either make or buy a regency dress similar to this one to wear to a historical ball I attend yearly. :)

Much <3 in Christ,
Moriah

Moriah Simonowich said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Mama Rachael said...

That is a gorgeous gown!

theresa said...

Beautiful gown! and it is lovely on you!

Unknown said...

Atlanta - you have outdone yourself again. . . Simply Gorgeous!

Kristin said...

Oh my goodness! It's gorgeous. :) And you look lovely and very authentic wearing it (the tan line is not noticable :).

~Kristin

Brooke said...

Atlanta, this is one of the most gorgeous regency dresses, I've ever seen! :) It looks fantastic on you. :) And the back is VERY tiny.

Blessings,
Brooke

Rowenna said...

Beautiful! This gown in Arnold's book is marked on my desk and fabric set aside (pale blue :) ) to make it soon. I had intended to do so already but...life takes over. Thanks for the inspiration to get on with the sewing!

AuntLou said...

Oh! Oh! I think this is my favorite, so far. :)

Kellie said...

So lovely! I adore the apron-front design - it looks demure and sophisticated all at once. The hair flowers add a nice touch, also=)

Hehe - I know about those bothersome, decidedly non-regency tan lines! Ball gowns are rather incompatible with a farmgirl lifestyle in that respect;)
~Kellie~

Joanna said...

I love it! That is SO beautiful Atlanta. Now I want to make one just like it. :-) Someday. Did you use a Sense and Sensibility pattern, or some other one?

Atlanta said...

Joanna,

thank you ! :)

I used the pattern (with a few changes) from 'Patterns of Fashion 1' by Janet Arnold.

Lilac Bud Gal said...

Very beautiful!! You did an excellent job, as always! HA! I totally loved the tan line!!!

Starlie said...

Hello Atlanta,
Such a beautiful, simple, elegant dress, I love it!!!

I was wondering if you know a good regency online pattern that I could use...I think I'm ready to attempt making one but don't know where to find the pattern! :)

Thanks!

~Starlie

Sophie Covey said...

Wow Atlanta! This dress is beautiful! I've always wanted a dress like this for my wedding dress... :) So pretty!!!!

Atlanta said...

Starlie,

You can basically convert any Regency pattern into this type of gown. Check out this article for some really good visuals and some helpful tips:

http://hungarican.blogspot.com/2010/04/benefits-of-bib-front-and-happy-friday.html

Janel said...

Gorgeous! I love it. Great work. : )

The Dreamstress said...

Super, super sweet! I love it!

I love this pattern too - it's so versatile, you can make it look sweet and girly, or very sophisticated and clingy depending on the fabric and the pleats you do.

Melody said...

Oh oh oooohhhhh!

(Need I say more?)

Rachel and Sarah said...

Absolutely love it, Atlanta! There truly is nothing like a white gown for a young lady. :) Especially a young lady with dark hair. :) Love it.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love that dress! I so wish I had it!!!!!

Savories of life said...

Love it. Come and see my dress and follow me.

The Kautts said...

I'm sure I'm repeating this, but THAT would make a lovely wedding dress! :)

~Johanna

PrettyKitty226185 said...

Gorgeous, simply gorgeous!

Lyric said...

Bravo. Excellent job and please do not apologize for the tan. You're human and humans tan.

Cheers,

Lyric
http://www.sewcroandquilt.wordpress.com

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