Ball Gown bodice patterns..the possibilities seem endless!

[Mrs. V]

I bought a ball gown pattern quite a while ago..it's a Simplicity, and yes, there is someone who is a fashion historian who drafted it..the skirt is simple enough, and I am looking forward to just making flat pleats for a change! But then! I saw a post by someone who used a pattern that I used to make a day dress..I love the fit...that just changed the neckline and sleeve...arg! Decisions, decisions! I usually make modifications on the trims, I dunno...at least I have the silk..

 

[PrivateBrooke]

I like ball gowns myself!

 

[Mrs. V]

Well, I cut the muslin for the ball gown bodice. I have until the middle of February to build it. I think I may do the very fancy trim later..I sewed the muslin up, and then fit it to my frame. Now I'll transfer the changes to the paper pattern. I've decided to add a privacy panel at the back where it laces. This will give me more flexibility with the lacing. Without showing my corset! (Horrors!)...

here's the paper pattern for the muslin

 

[Southern Peach]

I want to sew a ballgown, but I'm unsure as to where I would get a good, easy to follow, and above all historically accurate pattern from. What is your simplicity one called, if you dont mind me asking?

 

[Mrs. V]

Hmm..good and easy...I am using Simplicity 2881. You can make it simpler by not using the shoulder straps. I haven't decide if I will go that route or not. I've procrastinated, so now I am kinda in a crunch. If you look up that pattern you will see how other people have made up their dresses. It laces up the back, and I think I am going to add a privacy panel, so that if I can't lace it up the way I want to, no one will see my corset! Lol! I've also shortened the front a bit, to account for my short waist, and taken the shoulders seams up a wee bit as well.

 

[Mrs. V]

Also there's a website called The Great Pattern Review, which is great for finding pattern manufacturers. Plus you can see how others have made up a particular pattern.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

If this is a stupid question please feel free to say so? You know how Demorest's magazine ( Mirror of Fashion ) included patterns in some issues? I've never looked into them myself- do reenactors use them? You people who can make your own patterns knock me out. Mom could do that, too but I've never been able to see HOW.

So will yours be uber trimmed? Guessing that was seen mostly in chi-chi circles? Hang on- Mary and friends at one of the functions.

 

[Mrs. V]

If this is a stupid question please feel free to say so? You know how Demorest's magazine ( Mirror of Fashion ) included patterns in some issues? I've never looked into them myself- do reenactors use them? You people who can make your own patterns knock me out. Mom could do that, too but I've never been able to see HOW.

So will yours be uber trimmed? Guessing that was seen mostly in chi-chi circles? Hang on- Mary and friends at one of the functions.
View attachment 343039

Not a dumb question at all! Yes, some people do use those patterns. You have to size them up, which I have not mastered the trick of..but there are people at work who may be able to help me! Yes, I do have some very fancy trim for my bodice. I'll start with the lace, and then add the beading when I have time. The last bodice I trimmed, I used glass beading on a cotton tape that is meant for upholstery. I figured why not?? I will be looking for something similiar for this new bodice.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

used glass beading on a cotton tape that is meant for upholstery. I figured why not?? I will be looking for something similiar for this new bodice.

Ah ha! That glass beading? My great greats saved everything! Among the various sewing items was a decent collection of those, strung like tassels, maybe 50 on one string? Had to ask someone what on earth they were, who said ' everything '. Dress trim, embroidered purses, decorative chair sleeves- everything. Guessing your gown will be pretty much spot-on.

 

[Mrs. V]

Ah ha! That glass beading? My great greats saved everything! Among the various sewing items was a decent collection of those, strung like tassels, maybe 50 on one string? Had to ask someone what on earth they were, who said ' everything '. Dress trim, embroidered purses, decorative chair sleeves- everything. Guessing your gown will be pretty much spot-on.

Thank you! I'm taking my time with this one!

 

[lupaglupa]

Well, I cut the muslin for the ball gown bodice. I have until the middle of February to build it. I think I may do the very fancy trim later..I sewed the muslin up, and then fit it to my frame. Now I'll transfer the changes to the paper pattern. I've decided to add a privacy panel at the back where it laces. This will give me more flexibility with the lacing. Without showing my corset! (Horrors!)...

here's the paper pattern for the muslin
View attachment 342798

And just looking at this picture reminds me why women made quilts. Just look at the bits and pieces of precious fabric leftover. A thrifty housewife couldn't let that go to waste!

 

[Mrs. V]

And just looking at this picture reminds me why women made quilts. Just look at the bits and pieces of precious fabric leftover. A thrifty housewife couldn't let that go to waste!

That is true. Weird shapes might have made it into a crazy quilt..or maybe a reticule, decorations, a hair piece..especially if you are talking silks.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

What I'd like to see is a thread where women reenactors post photos of their ball gowns..... That's a hint. I'll say please!

 

[Mrs. V]

What I'd like to see is a thread where women reenactors post photos of their ball gowns..... That's a hint. I'll say please!

Ok....I just bought one..and it fits like it was made for me..

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Ok....I just bought one..and it fits like it was made for me..

So THAT'S a teaser. Ok, you know how we've had ' parties ' here on CWT, online ' gatherings '? Be pretty cool to see a ball.