David took some pics of the finished dress tonight - well, almost finished. I have about 6" more of ruching to make and apply to the back of the skirt hem. I thought I had hemmed enough ruching strips, but I guess not. I was a little bit short. I am so utterly sick of hemming little white strips but enough for 6" shouldn't be too bad to do.
After seeing the pictures David took, I have to say, I am now thinking that yes, he was right, and the neckline is too low. : / Hm. What looks like one thing in front of our dimly-lit bedroom mirror where I fit things, may look totally different outside. I, erm, look like I may pop out of my dress at any minute.
I assure you, I did bounce around and jump energetically up and down whilst outside to prove to David that yes, I stay securely in place and nothing is jarred loose with even the most acrobatic movements that are becoming to a lady.
I guess it's historically okay. . .I mean, we've all seen worse, right? I've seen plates where it looks like the nipples of the breast are resting exactly at the same level as the neckline, and mine are definitely below my neckline. It's not like I'm wearing no underwear and damping the dress on top of it! But, it just feels a bit indecent.
I really do like the finished dress though. It was so fun to make and to see it come together. Of course, now that I have worn it outside it already has a dusty mark around the hem so I will need to clean it before packing it away for the weekend. White dresses can be SO impractical! But that's what makes them so feminine and charming!
For the ball, I have my pearl necklace David gave me for Christmas that I may wear. I have a little green pendant that looks adorable hung in the middle of the string of pearls that goes well with the trim on the dress too. I need to make sure pearl necklace + pendant is okay. . .oh, and I have some long gloves but they are the shiny satin gloves from David's Bridal. David also got those for me, and was very proud of himself for doing so, poor sweet man. I think I WILL wear them though, to make him happy and let him know I appreciate the fact he thought of me!
Love,
Sarah
You look beautiful in it! You did a fabulous job on it!!! You're so talented at sewing!
ReplyDeleteThis is an incredibly flattering style on you. I think you should raise the neckline a bit, and draft a pattern for shorter contemporary dresses with a similar cut. I think it would make a nice everyday dress.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful- the dress and you!!
ReplyDeleteOh my heavens...that is a gorgeous gown. You look like an angel! :)
ReplyDeleteThe dress is gorgeous and you did an amazing job! Two thoughts on this post: Have you considered using a sheer tucker or kerchief at the neckline? It's historically correct (if it's sheer enough and tucked in under the neckline, I think...) and it would help ameliorate some of the "concerns." :) Plus you may feel a bit more comfortable if you are nervous about exposure. The other suggestion is in regards to the gloves. I have a similar pair that were acquired from a similar source. Once, in a pinch, I turned them inside-out and trimmed back the seams and cut the tag out. I wore them that way and quite honestly, the raised seams sort of gave them some character and the non-glossy interior finish was far less obnoxious with my outfit. Either way you'll look grand.
ReplyDeleteLove the dress...very very flattering!
ReplyDeleteOK, I take back what I said about the neckline being matronly compared to the cover of Napoleon and the Empire of Fashion. But if you (and David) feel like you can do it, I'd totally wear it. It's a stunning example of a regency ballgown and the fit is remarkable. Even with the eye-popping neckline, I don't think the overall effect is anywhere near indecent - closer to angelic, really.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is beautiful! I too, dream of a white Regency ballgown. Someday...
ReplyDeleteYou look stunning in it, though I do think I'd be a bit nervous myself with such a low neck. Your dress, your choice, though. I hope, if you choose to try to cover up a bit, you're able to find a way to do it that you are happy with and doesn't take anything away from the overall look. That's always the challenge, I find, when trying to raise the neck on a finished garment.
I can't wait to see pics of you at the ball!
wow, the dress came out so beautiful. I like the green flower detail at the bodice. Yes, I would maybe add just a little bit more to the neckline,but I think the dress is historically accurate, at least from all the Jane Austen movies I've seen. Speaking of which, what about a sheer fabric, like what the Dashwood sisters sometiems wear with their dresses in Sense & Sensibility ?
ReplyDeleteYour hubby was sweet to help out, too :) :) Oh, I did want to add, the location for the photo is fantastic :) :) Y ou should take more photos there in future, too :) :)
Have a great week. You are so amazing with thread and needle ;) :) I told a friend of mine about your site. She's an older friend who I've known since childhood. She has young girls of her own. They all like period dramas, Victoriana, REgency etc...so I think they'll really like your blog :) :)
Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)
Love it! :o) Can't wait to see pics of you AND Jenni together! :o)
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful dress, and yes, a very flattering style on you! I'd think the neckline was a tiny bit too low as well, but if you have no time or energy to remedy in it some way, wear it and look happy! You have such a modest air around you, I doubt you'd look indecent in it anyway.
ReplyDeleteIt looks perfectly perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteSabine
Thanks! I am happy with it. It probably sounds silly, but whenever I sew a white dress I get a little thrill - probably because I didn't have a chance to sew up a wedding gown when David and I got married, and ever since then have regretted that soooo much. This kind of makes up for it. :)
ReplyDeleteThe neckline - yes - alas, what to do? I only have today to fix it, if I decide I need to. I do have a sheer cotton neckerchief/fichu I could wear, but tucked into the neckline it makes it look more daywear. :/ Hmm. I could add some lace or something to the inside of the neckline so it lays flat against the chest, but the only lace I have is synthetic and I don't have time to order real lace. Praying that the girls will shrink before then would be of little avail, so I will try today to see if I can smush them down a bit more with the shift, to get a better, tighter fit into the stays.
Choll, thanks so much for the tip about the gloves!! I turned mine inside out and yes, they are definitely less shiny on the inside.
Does anyone know where I could get long cotton gloves (I know leather is expensive and hard to find) for future events? Could one make cotton gloves themselves with something like cotton jersey? I was looking at the construction of my satiny gloves and they look ridiculously simple to sew up.
I can only agree with Kleidung um 1800 - absolutely perfect!
ReplyDeleteI don't think the neckline is too low - I'm used to the 18th century necklines where I have really to be carful that you don't see everything ;)
And if you wear it at a ball there will be hopefully only authentic candlelight!
This turned out perfectly. The green flower detail adds great accent to all of that beautifully pristine white!
ReplyDeleteSarah, it is GORGEOUS. You look stunning!
ReplyDeleteAs regards the neckline... I can kind of see where David is coming from, and I might be a wee bit uncomfortable myself. On the other hand, as you said, you're in no danger of "popping out", and I think the attitude with which you wear the dress is such that no one is going to think you are indecent or "slutty" for it. It's historically correct and if you're comfortable with it I think it's perfectly appropriate :)
Oh my GOODNESS! Your dress is the most beautiful thing ever!!! I'm so jealous. :P The neckline could be a bit higher, but its no where near indecent and I'd hate for anything to change the look as you look perfect already. :)
ReplyDeleteSarah, it IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!
ReplyDeleteI am ALL for modesty, but yet, how do I say it, this dress is all about femininity!! I love the last picture. From that view it looks just right. But from the side pics, I can see what David is talking about. I think your idea of tucking "the girls" in a bit more might work. Stays can be forgiving in that way.
Blessings,
Tracy L.
I have been slacking in the blogging world lately and you have been so very busy!! I looked at a few of the previous posts and oh my you have been busy! I love your dress, I love the little man's dress, and your husband looks so magnificent in his new clothing.
ReplyDeleteGasp! Sarah....I drew in a very sharp breath when I saw this....tears are brimming in my eyes...you look stunning, brilliantly historic, like you just danced off of a fashion plate. Smoosh 'them' in if you can, but don't wear a fichu, it's for day time. You look perfect! What a fabulous dream dress...
ReplyDeleteThat dress is beautiful and looks stunning on you! Even with the low neckline it is a gorgeous dress and you wear it well. Hoping you can find a way to alter it to make you and David more comfortable. In the last pic it doesn't look so low.
ReplyDeleteEither way, enjoy your time this weekend!
Lots of love,
Sommer
Sarah, you look stunning! I'm always so impressed with everything you sew. What about another row of ruching running just above the bottom of the neckline?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/1810klein.jpg
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to add that your dress reminds me of the above image...
Oh, and even Dolly Madison had a low cut gown for evening...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/dolymads.jpg
Dear me, you look absolutely gorgeous! These pictures are just lovely -- especially with the sunset behind you. You should frame them. You do such wonderful work. I pine for the hours of sewing I'm missing out on! :)
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Amy
Beautiful! Absolutely stunning! And the fouth photo shows a decolletage to be proud of (I'm envious!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous dress! It looks a bit like a wedding dress... :D I'm sure your outfit would have been much admired in 1806! :)
ReplyDeleteApparently, Blogger was acting up for me when I tried to comment here...
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful, especially with those flowers. As for cotton gloves - why not sew mitts? They are period and would be even easier. All extant mitts I've ever seen online seemed to have a very simple cut, and all were bias cut, which would help with the fit.