It would be so much fun to make a dress from a painting and then have a picture taken from that angle while in the same pose as the painting … maybe with a modern twist, like staring mercilessly at a computer loading a new program instead of a wall clock. That said, I kind of want that clock. It’s almost as fancy as the dress!

The bustled train in this painting is, I think, a skirt put on over the satin skirt like you would hold up a skirt to see if it might fit you before trying it on in the shop, and then finished of with the taffeta ribbon. Only done for the effect it would have in the finished painting.
Here is a differnt painting of (maybe) the velet skirt in question, from the same painter on very likely the same model.

Dans la bibliotheque

And here is a different view of the bodice with a differnt overskirt on, covering the peplum and with a satin petticoat/skirt under it like the other painting and is also on the same model – notice the lack of the yellow trim – now blue.

Lady with a parrot

Even if the overskirt is not a trick from the painter, it is, as you say, made out of one countinues longe piece of silk velvet, pieced together of 4 or more widths of fabric of the day and I think the shash is made of 2 layers of taffeta, I don’t think there is any organza between the layers as good taffeta is stiff enough in it self to make a shash like that.

I also think the peplum is cut to a semi-circle shape with an inverte box-pleat at the center back to get the smooth look at the waist, while getting the fullnes over the skirt.
My quess to the fornt of the dress is that it has a square neckline like the back and possibly stops at the waist – that would be my guess. =)

The skirt would be easier; more or less a standard romantic style tutu like I’ve made too many of, only on a cotton rather than stretchy base, and of tarlatan if I can find any, or another light, stiff cotton, rather than plastic net and tulle. The distinctive pinking of the bottom hem will take forever, but it will be so worth it!
Finally, a wide, trailing satin sash completes the picture. I’m seeing one in an eye catching scarlet, and one in sophisticated black.
The outfit is complete with a black velvet ribbon around the throat, and a practical updo, to ensure that I don’t eat hair on every pirouette. 🙂
And voila, Degas!

Thanks for the suggestion, Tracey. If I can get Frances’ blessing I would love to create an online class for how to use her books. For plates and drawings that only show one side, try the tips in this post to help you with the decision making.

I’ve gone back, and have chosen a Godey’s image which I can modify the Truly Victorian patterns to fit, but I would like to use the books in the future. Where do you even start?