Elegance of Fashion: Sewing - A Regency Outfit: Part 1

Wow, a long time since I post any about my sewing. I've been hard at work on a big sewing project, which I mentioned here. Well, I'm finally going to reveal it! I'm including a "Read More" jump since this is going to be pretty picture heavy.

I sewed an entire Regency Era outfit, starting with the undergarments (must keep period accurate, after all!).

For the undergarments, I used Sense and Sensibility's Regency Underthings Pattern.

The Chemise

First, the chemise, which was a loose fitting under dress.

The Neckline was adjustable with a drawstring for different Regency dress necklines.

The sleeves. The seam instructions they had in the pattern were GREAT! They looked very neat inside and out!

The Stays

The stays went on top of the chemise to keep the stays clean. Note: on the dress form, the stays may not look exactly right.

I'm not sure this is 100% accurate. Cross-lacing, I thought, was first used in the Victorian era, but at the pattern website, the stays were shown like this. * Shrugged Shoulders*

Side View. For boning, I used thick cable ties that I got from Lowes. They're cheaper than buying boning from Jo-Ann Fabrics and they do the same thing.

Back View

Laid flat on a table.

The Petticoat

On top of the chemise and stays went the petticoat. Since my Regency dress was unlined, this was essential, but if the dress is lined then you could forego the petticoat. The petticoat was pretty much a Regency dress that was sleeveless.