Wednesday 6 January 2016

1850s Ball Gown - Gold & Ivory Brocade

Patterns: Skirt - Truly Victorian #244 "1859 Double Skirt"
                 Bodice - Simplicity 2881 as base, but heavily altered.
Fabrics: Polyester/Rayon brocade with metallic thread. Gold and Ivory stripe.
Available on Etsy HERE SOLD
Available on Ebay HERE
Final Garment Measurements:
Chest: 44"*
Waist: 33"
Hip: Free
Hem: 42"
*The bodice contains built in padding that alllows
the wearer to reach a final size of 44". The wearer
can have a smaller chest, then supplement with the padding.



~The Skirt~

I didn't take any pictures of the skirt construction, as it pretty simple. The skirt is basically a lining with a pleated ruffle, then another full panel over the lining.

For the pleating, I decided to do wide double box pleats instead of the usual knife pleats. I would have liked for them to form to thee fabric pattern in the same way on each, but it just didn't fit that was with the numbers.


~The Bodice~

I started with the bodice back, side, and front pieces of the Simplicity 2881 pattern, but I altered them at the neckline to result in a different shape. The original pattern had a subtle V dip at the front and the back is squared off. I altered both to make the neckline a smooth round.

I also kept the sleeves according to the 2881 pattern,but I added double layers of netting.

The black lace on the bertha and the sleeves is antique, most likely 1890s. It is patched in several places, but not very noticeable.



The lacing at the back is done with handmade eyelets, wrapped over small metal rings for extra support


~Finished~




























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