the en-ferrou gown

one of my favorite 'everyday gowns' for re enactments. Goes on nice, easy to keep on too! I'll have to get a pic of it on a body so you can see how the back pleats make the fit. Especially over the rump!


This is an en-ferrou gown drafted from the lavender silk example found in costume close up. Gown #3, english style polonaise. I have made it out of a figured cotton, or a "diminity" with no trim to be a more simple working gown. This fabric takes a dye excellently and had thought to dye it a soft blue. Hand stitched except for back pleats. I should have done those by hand too for a better look.
Most of my gowns are quick mock-ups of my master patterns, just to be sure of the sizeing when pattern drafting, and to make sure of the 'sew-ability' of the pattern. Let's face it, no one wants to invest in a custom pattern, only to find out that the damn thing won't fit after spending countless hours sewing it... that would be only too frustrating!

the Pet-en-L'Air french jacket

This is an example of the French Jacket or the Pet-en-L'Air, a short sack dress. Created from a pattern I adapted myself from Janet Arnolds "Patterns of Fashion" book. Shown worn with hip panniers and new partial bone stays with straps. Currently this design is being demo'd by a local sutler. The jacket is now too big for me. Any buyers? 44" + bust and 38-40"+ waist 9" side. D.A.R. reproduction fabric. This jacket is probably one of my favorites. The fit was nice, and highly adjustable due to the laced up lining that will expand when needed up to 4-6" at the waist. Since I haven't had any buyers in all this time, I think I'll keep it. I'm going to have to dye it a solid dark blue, however, I just don't think the print is quite right for F&I.

the Yellow Saque back gown

I have completed my 1740-60 saque gown. I have used the Janet Arnolds Pet-en-Lair and adapted it for full length. I had to increase the front sides and add about 10" to the back pleat width to get the drape for the full train. I have used a cotton damask in yellow/gold. I got this done just in time for trick or treat with my 2 young boys this year. The cream petticoat is a woven pattern in a cotton blend. Looks like a hand embroidered petticoat and I am going to leave it at that. I certainly don't have the time to hand quilt one of these! Especially with my 2 boys. You can see stripes of light reflected onto the gown's skirts in these images. They are from a mirror that was in the room with the camera and they lit up the skirts when the flash went off!