SHANNON'Sdresses

REGENCYdress

January 2010

I know I said I wouldn't make another regency gown after the disaster that was the long-sleeved brown one, but I came across a bunch of this cream-coloured cotton that was embroidered along one edge, and knew it was just destined for a regency frock. So I thought I'd go old-school and revisit the first pattern I ever drafted way back in 2003 for my first regency dress, because at least I knew that that one pretty much worked.

The only difference with this one is that I mixed the front bodice pattern from the regency dress with the back bodice pattern from the Ever After Renaissance dress, and made the sleeves a little bigger. However - and I seem to always have this complaint, I really must work on what I'm doing wrong - it is still a little tight along the front of the armhole. It's not uncomfortable to wear, but stretching my arms forward for too long can be a little painful. Certainly not appropriate for a young regency lady if she wants to spend any decent amount of time playing piano or sewing tapestries. I was going to make detachable long sleeves to hook under the short sleeves at the armhole, but didn't think it was worth it if it wasn't completely comfortable, so I will try that on my next attempt. Plus, I would rather do it with a more period-correct fabric - say, a sheer white cotton with a small flower print. I'll do this next time.