Maria Louisa Dolls » 18th century

Starting a new 18th century project

admin — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 22:37:47 +0000

Well I been doing some research and I want to create another 18th century gown. This time I want to work on a Robe à l’Anglaise. I have seen many examples of this gown from where the back of the bodice continues to the skirt. Deciding on which one and designing it on this scale has been a challenge. Only as, on completion, I want it to be possible to make this many times, effortlessly.

I was very inspired by the gown worn by Keira Knightley in the opening scene of ‘The Duchess’, and after watching this scene a couple of times, I really wanted to create a version of this dress.

Keira Knightley in The Duchess

Yesterday I went to Global Fabrics, here in Wellington, now my favourite place for beautiful fabrics. I got four new pieces, all of them silk, except for the two-toned stripes that were a cotton/silk blend. For me this is really exciting, as it confirms to me that the project is really on its way Why the need for the silk? I do plan to sew more than one, and maybe make a robe à la Polonaise.

Starting a new project

admin — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 08:55:42 +0000

Have been looking through my fabrics and collection of laces. Planning for my next big project. I can’t help myself. I want to do another 18th century gown. I found recently an amazing fabric store. Global Fabrics, based in Wellington, have a collection of some pretty admiring wools, silks and cottons. I felt fairly limited before, but after visiting their store, I rushed home to come up with my next pattern.

a new petticoat

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:18:29 +0000

petticoat and stays

I now have finished the petticoat, and I do love the silk on her. This will be for another gown known as Robe à la Française. I do enjoy making this gown, and look forward in seeing her looking a little more formal.

entrance to her pockets

If you’re wondering how to make that set of stays (or corset), I’m actually selling the pattern including all the other garments in this beautiful collection as one project.

Here’s the direct link:

http://www.marialouisadolls.com/shop/rococo_elegance.html

a new gown, Robe à la Française

admin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:06:54 +0000

Well I’ve decided to include a blog in my website, it seems like everybody’s doing it now days. I really enjoyed having that opportunity to share my feelings, thoughts and progress on a great forum called Den of Angels. I just thought it was about time that I set up my own blog.

I’ve decided to make another dress. This time it will be more of a formal gown own in French as the, Robe à la Française. I wanted to show off the differences of the same pattern, and because I love the idea of seeing her in more formal attire.

silk fabric

I have chosen silk in two shades of green. The dark green will be used on the petticoat and I plan to use the lighter green for the main gown. Yes green is my favourite colour, and this will be the second dress I make using this colour.

The first one was a ‘60s dress I made as a limited edition. I love the garters on that outfit, for its really cute seeing ‘real’ items of clothing on such a small model. She’s so cute