SHANNON'Sdresses

REGENCYday dress

February 2009

This dress is probably my biggest disappointment to date. I bought the pattern (Simplicity 4055) over a year ago before I left to go overseas, and planned to make it when I got back, as the relatively simple design appealed to me. And I do like the style of the regency period - I like the empire line and the fact that it looks relatively comfortable.

But it seems that the regency style is not my calling (at least on my figure) because this dress was a major failure. I have made Simplicity patterns in a size 8 for me before and they have been perfect - or even a little big - but this size 8 was far too small. I don't know how I didn't notice during construction. The sleeves were far too tight, and by the time I noticed this, I had already trimmed the inside seam. I tried in vain to open out the sleeve with the extra millimetres of fabric left in it, but obviously I got too greedy, and when I put it on the seams split at the elbows. The bodice is also too short - I had to constantly tug it down for it to sit where it should have been sitting. The ties at the back also don't do up comfortably, and the shoulders are tight. This is the reason why there are no photos of the back without the spencer jacket on. :)

But I think I've decided that I don't like the regency style on me anyway. I'll make one for a friend if I am ever requested, but I won't make another for myself.