Comments on: A Gown for a New Year’s Party

By: Jennifer Rosbrugh

Jennifer Rosbrugh — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 18:45:41 +0000

In reply to Christine. That's brilliant! She is using like a strip of quilt batting, which is nice and light and fluffy. It's a great modern substitute indeed!

By: Christine

Christine — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:30:13 +0000

In reply to Jennifer Rosbrugh. May I suggest a great tutorial [by Angela at Walking Through History on Facebook]. Best regards

By: Christine

Christine — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 11:55:22 +0000

In reply to Jennifer Rosbrugh.

Thank you so much for your answer. I will try each technique, and tell you which one is the easiest to do/ best looking. The n°1 problem is the (very light) silk tulle. But the dress is so beautiful…
Take care, once again: happy new year!

By: Jennifer Rosbrugh

Jennifer Rosbrugh — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 17:04:12 +0000

In reply to Christine.

I can believe the trouble you’re having if you’ve got bias strips you are trying to wrap around bias horsehair! You might try cutting the fabric on the grain (straight or cross). Also, historically the wadding was bits of wool (before it was spun). Another idea would be to get some raw wool or even cotton as those are relatively light weight and use the smallest amount – in other words, no need to pack it tightly into your fabric tube. Strips of silk organza might work too, pushed lightly into the fabric tube as you hand stitch it into the roll. Sorry I don’t have much else for you. But best of luck!

By: Christine

Christine — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 15:47:42 +0000

Happy new year for you, your family and friends! Concerning rouleaux, for my new 1818 project, [project item] . I need rouleaux with as little weight as possible, because 3 rows (circa 10 meters) are to be sewn on silk tulle. A professionnal seamstress of my friends suggested to stuff the bias strips with (millinery) tubular horsehair, Now I am trying to sew (of course by hand) it neatly and nicely, and it's no piece of cake (rolling, and waving;;;) My dearest Jennifer, do you please have any tip? or book, or anything to recommend? I and my gown -to-be would be so grateful. Even if you don't , thank you.

By: Hannah

Hannah — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 01:11:45 +0000

That dress is so pretty!

By: Jennifer Rosbrugh

Jennifer Rosbrugh — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:49:57 +0000

Wadding was traditionally wool but could be strips of linen too.

By: Geraldine Mitchell

Geraldine Mitchell — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:23:20 +0000

I love the neckline! I do not know this era very well. In Elsie Frost McMurry’s study of American Dresses 1790-1900 there is a dress from the Valentine Museum. In the notes it states The skirt front is gathered slightly at the bottom of the built-in waistband. This fullness is continuous, increasing at the sides and through the back in the form of gathers.
“The hemline stands out as a circle and is made quite structural by the three-dimensional embellishment—a repeat of the sleeve motif, only much larger in scale. Nine repeats of the motif extend nearly 12 inches upwards from the hem. The hemline is made somewhat rigid by two strips of bias satin stuffed with wadding. This serves as the base of the border design.” My question is..the wadding, is it wool or cotton or what?

I am a bit out of time for this year. Maybe next year.