Tartan Plaid Silk Taffeta Dress, c. 1871 |
Which I bought specifically because the pleated trim around the hem reminded me of a Victorian bustle-era skirt!
The dress had been languishing in my closet for months, because I had been unable to find matching taffeta to make a draped overskirt. Originally I had planned to pair the dress (as a skirt) with a frilly, creamy, gauzy blouse. However, I should have enough plaid fabric to make an overskirt and matching jacket!
First I had to revamp the taffeta dress a bit. I removed the zipper and lining, and let out all the seams as much as possible, since I want to use the full length of the dress (it was ankle-length on me) for my new floor-length skirt. Fortunately it was a couple sizes too big for me already, so I was able to get enough girth for my hips to fit where the waist was supposed to be.
Then I put it on my dress form inside out and pinned in the top to fit to my waist.
I sewed up the seams, tried it on, pressed it and put it back on the dress form, right side out this time. Then I draped my curtain fabric over it, just to get the effect of the plaid with the taffeta.
I think it'll be beautiful! Now I just need to find a pattern to use. Any suggestions?
Ooo, that really does match perfectly! That curtain fabric is fabulous, I can't wait to see the finished dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks Megan! I'm looking forward to working on it. :)
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