This dress shows how simple bedclothes can be turned into a stunning dress. Two from Ikea were combined to get about 10 yards of cotton. I only had to add some cotton fabric in a dark red to create some details. Due to the wonderful print, the overall design was kept very simple.
The exact date in the headline was chosen because of the pattern of the skirt. It was shown in a eastern European fashion magazine at this time. Since the overskirt was a design placed in a fashion magazine as well, I did not have to do any pattern drawing for the bottom half.
In contrast to this, I created the patterns of the bodices myself. While the one with the low neckline is meant for evening wear and ball attire, the second (that has not been photographed properly yet) is meant for day dress.
There are a lot of additional layers that cannot be seen on the photos, so I try my best to give you a picture. Next to my skin, I wear a linen chemise, followed by the corset. The original from 1875 can be viewed online at the page of the Symington Collection, while the pattern is shown in the book Stays & Corsets – Historical Patterns translated for the Modern Body.
The most important layer of the bottom half would be termined hoop skirt today. However, it is a transitional shape worn between crinoline and bustle fashion. The pattern is printed in Corsets and crinolines and dated to 1872.
Further, the shape is softened by a petticoat designed by myself. It has a lot of ruffles at the back, as well as a short train to protect the skirt. Therefore, I needed over 6 yards of cotton fabric.
Of course, everything was sewn by me. Again, I have to thank Franke777 for taking the photos and nils for his assistance.
