Gray Striped Cotton Regency Gown

Gray Striped Cotton Regency Gown

This gown was the first one I made using the Elegant Lady's Closet Pattern from Sense and Sensibility patterns. The basic gown is a slip on style (no openings or fastenings) that has drawstrings in the waistline (underbust) and neckline to adjust the fit. The skirt is gathered tightly in the back although the only fullness in the front is acheived through the tightening of the drawstrings. The bodice also has front lining pieces, which are overlapping "flaps", to keep the bodice close to the body when being worn and also to prevent stay lines from showing through.
I made this dress when hugely pregnant with my son Malachi. It worked great as a maternity dress and also as a nursing friendly dress once Malachi was born. I used a cotton striped shirting from Jo Anns that has a woven figured lavendar stripe alternated with a gray stripe. It is quite pretty, and worked well for a regency era gown. I used the elbow length sleeves included with the pattern for this dress and cut them on the bias. I did this to conserve fabric (I was working with short yardage) but the finished effect is quite nice. This particular dress I sewed completely by hand since at the time my machine was out of order!
I used pea green linen for the inside lining, but think that next time I would cut the shape of the lining differently since when I overlap the pieces to pin them I get a smooth line across the fullest part of the bust, but gappage issues at the top and bottom of the lining. In other dresses I've made from this pattern I have ommitted the lining pieces with no mishap.

Sizing wise, this pattern was really great! However, the pattern was created to be worn with stays so if you plan to use this pattern and wear modern undergarments, make sure to cut a cup size or two larger than you usually wear, so the waistline does not hit across the bust!