Starting a new 18th century project

February 20th, 2011

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.

Silk fabrics for my next projects 

 

Starting a new project

February 14th, 2011

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 gown, Robe à la Française

July 3rd, 2009

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

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 cutesmile