Regency Regency Regency!
So much is going on! I am pleased to announce that Regency Women's Dress has been put up in the Pavilion Books store, with a release date of September 17.
Looks nice, doesn't it? I'll be giving you more information as I get it about international releases and such things, as well as (of course) a nice giveaway.
And below, I would like to show you the first gown made from a RWD pattern!
This pattern was taken from a gown at the New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown. Pictures were taken when I went home for my ten-year high school reunion, in my mother's backyard.
The entire gown, apart from the side and back lining (which is a white linen/cotton blend I had on hand), is silk taffeta from Renaissance Fabrics. The original was in a light blue, which would make it more appropriate for evening dance situations, but. This is my color.
It's definitely not perfect and there are a few things I'd like to fix (like all those wrinkles ...) but overall I'm very happy that I managed to get a nice wide, square neckline that clings to my corset straps, and to make a smooth bodice front with only very small darts.
When I started making this gown, my basic thought was just "I'm so glad I found that half-finished corset, now let's make a dress!" This pattern appealed to me because it's so simple, with the only decoration a tuck down the front and around the bottom of the skirt - and then when I started scaling it up, I realized that I barely needed to enlarge it, which was extra nice.
It never really occurred to me that I was making this in order to dance with a local group of English Country Dancers, so maybe a train is not the best thing to have? I don't think it came to mind until I was actually at a dance, with no pin at hand to keep the train up, so I had to do the best I could with my hands. (There are two pins in the corset, to keep the busk in at either end, because I never got around to finishing it - that's more important than holding the train up!) No regrets, I'll make a proper ball dress at some point.
Looks nice, doesn't it? I'll be giving you more information as I get it about international releases and such things, as well as (of course) a nice giveaway.
And below, I would like to show you the first gown made from a RWD pattern!
 |
| Riley never looks at the camera |
The entire gown, apart from the side and back lining (which is a white linen/cotton blend I had on hand), is silk taffeta from Renaissance Fabrics. The original was in a light blue, which would make it more appropriate for evening dance situations, but. This is my color.
It's definitely not perfect and there are a few things I'd like to fix (like all those wrinkles ...) but overall I'm very happy that I managed to get a nice wide, square neckline that clings to my corset straps, and to make a smooth bodice front with only very small darts.
 |
| Obligatory |
When I started making this gown, my basic thought was just "I'm so glad I found that half-finished corset, now let's make a dress!" This pattern appealed to me because it's so simple, with the only decoration a tuck down the front and around the bottom of the skirt - and then when I started scaling it up, I realized that I barely needed to enlarge it, which was extra nice.
It never really occurred to me that I was making this in order to dance with a local group of English Country Dancers, so maybe a train is not the best thing to have? I don't think it came to mind until I was actually at a dance, with no pin at hand to keep the train up, so I had to do the best I could with my hands. (There are two pins in the corset, to keep the busk in at either end, because I never got around to finishing it - that's more important than holding the train up!) No regrets, I'll make a proper ball dress at some point.
It is lovely. Lovely model as well. I do not know how people walked with trains on their dresses muchless danced. When ladies were presented to the Queen in their fancy court dresses, they had to curtsy very low without falling over and then walk out backwards moving the train aside each time. I don't think I will ever make a dress with a train. I think I would have cheated and seen if I could find a pin to hold up the train..
ReplyDeleteThis is such an awesome dress, Cassidy. The fabric adds to the overall look really nicely, too. Much looking forward to the release of your book too. Congrats on the publication! :)
ReplyDeleteCassidy, huge congratulations on the imminent publication of your book! It's a fantastic achievement and the cover looks wonderful. I've just pre-ordered it so I'm looking forward to it arriving next month. Your dress is divine, too - love that colour!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for your book! Do I understand correctly that it will have patterns?
ReplyDeleteHi Cassidy, will your book be available in the US?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Great job on the fit of the bodice and straps. I also like the way the skirt front falls.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress! That taffeta...drool. And can't wait for your book!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! Your gown is beautiful, and I'm sure the book will be too. It's on my list for Christmas... :-)
ReplyDeleteA hint for ordering: I searched my favorite online bookshops (in Sweden, in my case) for Pavilion Books, and although Cassidy's book isn't listed yet, I found that they do carry about 1000 other Pavilion books which is a strong indication that it will turn up there soon.
Congratulations on your book Cassidy!! That's so exciting!
ReplyDelete-Emily
Congrats! And the dress is delicious!
ReplyDelete