Edelweiss Patterns The Gold 1860s Ballgown
When a formal occasion comes up that I don’t have a costume for, I always love a good excuse to sew a new one! This ball gown was just such a project. As I was planning toward a Civil War reenactment that included an evening dance, I thought it would be really fun to make an 1860s gold ball gown with shirred cap sleeves… The finished result was slightly different than my initial sketch, but I was so happy with how it turned out and I’m sure I’ll wear it for years to come!
I drafted the pattern almost entirely from scratch, making at least three versions of the bodice muslin before finally arriving at a pattern that passed my inspection. I drew a sweetheart neckline, added three sets of vertical tucks, and lowered the “v” waist at the bodice edge beyond the first version. The shirred cap sleeves were so much fun to make (there’s just nothing like making strips of puffing out of silk shantung!), and I had the perfect English netting lace in my stash for the sleeve trim. At each sleeve I added two brown velvet ribbon bows, to tie in the dark chocolate brown color from the skirt.
The skirt was made from one of my favorite fabrics I’ve ever worked with. These pictures don’t really do the material justice, but it is a stiff silk taffeta in chocolate brown, and sprinkled with hundreds of sparkly gold glitter flowers which are painted on in a slightly raised pattern.
At the neckline I added a double ruffle of double-faced sating ribbon, and I used a wider version of the same ribbon for the bow at the “v” waist ending.
As I knew I would be doing a lot of dancing in this gown, I marked it for a hem quite shorter than I usually would – you really must wear flat shoes for English Country Dance styles, and since the first dance I wore it to was outside I definitely didn’t want to be stepping on it.
Unfortunately I was unable to get any pictures of the dress taken at the actual dance that I attended. (Sorry! I did take my camera along, but I was too busy dancing to remember to ask someone to take pictures.) So you’ll just have to take my word for it when I say it worked very well for dancing in! However, as it was an evening event outside, it’s probably just as well that I didn’t get any photographs, because it forced me to do a full blown photo shoot today in better lighting.
I loved sewing this gown, and I hope you all enjoyed the photographs.
Till next time!
Katrina
Absolutely beautiful, in style and colors…, I am impressed. I love the sleeve treatment and the neckline… the dark brown overlay is lovely too. So impressive, and location for your photo shoot is perfect to compliment your beautiful new creation!!
Oh. My. Goodness!! You look like a queen!!! That is one of the most beautiful gowns I’ve ever seen. I love it!! 🙂
Your ball gown is breathtaking!! If I had to pick one part of this dress that I liked it would be the lace on the sleeves. It adds such a light, dainty touch. That bargain you found on the beautiful silk is incredible!!
Beautiful dress. Perfect photo location too. (Pittock Mansion?)
This is gorgeous, especially the sleeves. Would you ever offer the pattern in your shop?
Lovely fabric, Katrina. It’s exciting that you’re able to attend events and wear your historic clothes!
Best,
Quinn
Thank you so so much, everyone! I’m really happy that people have enjoyed the pictures!
Rachel, to answer your question, I would love to make a pattern from this at some point, but my current “to-do” list is already crammed with Sound of Music and White Christmas costume requests for patterns… Maybe someday, though! Right now my life is pretty much “too many ideas and not enough time”. 😉
Cari, yes! The Pittock Mansion is one of my favorite places on earth, and it was perfect for this dress I thought.
Quinn, I am so thankful that I’m able to actually wear my costumes to events! 🙂 I used to see the photos and dances on your blog and wish there was something like that in my area, so it’s very exciting to attend similar events!
Happy sewing!
Katrina
I’am planning to order some Swarovski Crystals to put on one shoulder of evening gown. What size stones should i order from Fred Frankel? I would really appreciate your advise. Your blog is so helpful.
Many Thanks
Teresa
Hi Teresa!
Well, it really just depends on what you’re wanting to do with the gown. But I would say you might go with a 20ss size stone.
Hope this helps!
Katrina
[…] which many of you will recognize from the “Liesl’s Dancing Dress” pattern, my gold silk ballgown, and my Edwardian tea gown. […]