Tuesday, February 16, 2010

New Wool Dress!

Just today - this very day - I finished my new wool dress. I purchased the lovely fabric at Golden D'or in Ft. Worth. It was labeled as Italian wool. $10 a yard. Not a steal-deal, but not too bad. Also - it wasn't a color I would have chosen (I look washed out in pale colors), but the fabric bolt almost jumped into my arms and begged me to take it home. So it did. To make up for the color it does have some good qualities- it is so lightweight (almost thinner than quilting cotton) yet has a gorgeous drape and hand. I'm hoping it will be warm enough for cold weather events!

This is meant to be an 'everyday', mulit-purpose dress. It's not too nice that I will be afraid to wash dishes, yet it is classy enough that I wouldn't feel ashamed to attend an informal country dance.

The sleeves are a pleated variation on a bishop sleeve. I pulled them from an 1854 Godey's. I've had them sketched up and waiting for my next wool dress for several years now. 

Buttons are vintage white china piecrusts. Decorative - not functional. The patterns I worked from were Past Patterns Darted Bodice and Garabaldi Shirt. (yes - I've  been very bad and haven't made my own toile yet...)

I had lots of fitting issues with the bodice and armscyes. Hopefully your eyes don't see all the little imperfections mine do. :^) But - over all I am very happy with the way it turned out. Now I just need a reenactment...

Well, well. Without further rambling, on to the pictures. Enjoy!











8 comments:

  1. YEAH!!! It looks really good on you, actually!! It is truly a beautiful dress. :) Thank you for posting pictures! I wish I could see it in real life... sigh.
    That movie was SO funny! Thanks for all you did. :)
    Love and miss you guys!
    Sarah

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  2. Oooh!! Atlanta - I *love* your beautiful dress!!! The color is lovely, I think it goes great with your dark hair. And I want the sleeves... and those darling cuffs!! It fits you wonderfully.
    Oh, this makes me want to make a new dress, I really need (well, want) to make a new hoop-less dress. I've decided they are wonderful for reenactments. Now were can I get the time to sew...
    Yes, it is time for a reenactment! And we can wear our new blue dresses, I want to wear mine again :)

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  3. Ah!! I *love* your dress! The sleeves are fantastic, and I love the thin collar :)

    Mia

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  4. I was just looking at your pictures again, and had to comment about the bow :). I love it!! I've always wanted to wear a bow with a dress, I see them quite often in pictures but just never thought it would go with my dresses. It's darling (esp the color!)

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  5. Thanks everyone!

    Lydia - I am the same way - I ALWAYS wanted one of those cute little silk bows. I suppose 'back then' they would have used some actual silk ribbon - but I just made some 'ribbon' out of two layers of bias cut and turned scraps of silk. I just pinned it on with a straight pin. (I like it...but it makes me feel like a school marm for some reason...)

    Yes we will have to wear our blue dresses together. I didn't realize until it was done that it look similar in color and buttons to yours! (I hope you don't mind!)

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  6. I really like this dress. It looks great.
    - Nicole the sewing Goatgirl :)

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  7. wonderfully lovely! It looks very well made!
    -Marguerite

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