The 1912 Evening Gown- Finished!

Choosing the trims was fun.

Two trims were applied to the neckline, as well as a narrow velvet ribbon around the bottom edge of the georgette skirt. Last of all, I hand stitched the center back lining along the zipper opening.

Looking at it on the dress form, I noted that the two layers really gave it the feel of a period dress. One night while watching Downton Abbey, I realized that I had a couple items in my Etsy shop- a choker and a black lace cardigan shrug- that would go very nicely with the dress. The choker isn’t as elaborate as some of them were, but it has a similar feel, and the lace shrug has the right shoulder lines for the period. I could hardly wait for my model to arrive!

The finished dress fit Katie perfectly. It is not floor length on her when made according to the pattern (she is @ 5’ 6”) but she really liked the length. 

We tried both it with and without the shrug. 

I think some of the most beautiful and classiest clothing is made from vintage patterns with a modern twist, and this is a great example. 

I am happy with the finished product, and have added the gown to my Etsy Shop.  I have obtained permission from Janyce Hill of VPLL to sell garments made from this pattern, and I think it will be a great way to plug her Titanic Sewing Project.  Maybe the dress will get to attend a Titanic event!

Speaking of Titanic events, there are Titanic Memorial events, balls, and dinners all over the United States, Canada, and England this year, many of them in April. I have posted links to a few of them below. If you know of more, please feel free to post the links as comments. 

http://www.titanic1.org/events/index.asp

http://www.titanictheexperience.com/titanic-dinner-event.html

http://www.novascotia.com/en/home/thingstoseeanddo/festivalsandevents/titanicevents.aspx

http://dinetitanic.com/submit/

http://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/culture/qa-with-a-culinary-adventurer-recreating-the-last-supper-on-the-titanic/?gclid=CM699faK4K4CFcRM4AodW0iRVw

http://www.1912theevent.com/#/Home-01-00/

Up next time.... a Steampunk Fascinator.

The 1912 Evening Gown- Putting it All Together

When I cut out the pattern pieces, I eliminated the back overlap as I intended to install a zipper. I rolled the edges of the georgette before installing the zipper, the entredeux lace, and assembling the garment. The pattern pieces went together easily. 

Once the body of the lining was done, I made the pleated flounce. Using a gridded ruler and rotary cutter, I cut a piece twice as wide as the directions instructed, then folded and pressed it in half before pleating to give the bottom of the dress some weight.  

I do not own a pleater, so gave it a try with my ruffler foot, as it actually makes small pleats, which I then pressed in place. This method worked reasonably well, but it was tedious.

Once the lining and outer dress were assembled, I pinned them together as you would a lined vest, leaving the shoulder seams open for turning. I clipped and trimmed the seams, then turned and pressed the dress. 

Another change I made from the pattern is the armhole seam allowance. Sewing a fat 5/8” seam widened the formerly tight arm openings enough to make them comfortable for the modern wearer. 

next time- the finished dress.