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Friday, July 15, 2011

More 1812 sleeves

The 1812 gowns are coming along. This is the sleeve for the blue dress. Creating a Tudor style sleeve in the way it would have been done in 1812 was the challenge. This sleeve went through three mock ups before making the final sleeves.

I had to decide to use an under sleeve, which was made in silk organza. This adds body without weight.The bands of blue taffeta were made and set aside. The trickiest part was the white silk. I had this lovely white habotai silk, which gathered up wonderfully. Too wonderfully. Deciding how full to make the puffs, how wide to cut the sleeve and how long, was what took time. To get the right amount of fullness as well as the right amount of puff between the bands couldn't be calculated, it was done by trial and error.

The end result was that the width of the sleeve rather than the length created or altered the effect. Like the mauve dress, assembling the sleeve by hand was easy. How authentic! Gathered by hand, pinned and set in place by hand. It all had to be tacked in place to keep the look, since I know no-one will have time to tweak folds and puffs.

If anyone has other suggestions, I'd love to have them for next time!



3 comments:

Unknown said...

Edwina this effect in the sleeve is stunning! The ruffle almost looks like a pale pink in the photo. I love this period and want to dress some of my doll's in Jane Austin fare. Could you recommend a book or two on this time period?

Meghann said...

You know, as much as that took so much work (I can't even imagine!), it is just SO pretty! I can't understand why we can't wear this sort of thing now. It is so feminine and rich-looking. What a great job you did!

Edwina Sutherland said...

I'm glad you like them!

Jean Hunnisett is an author I recommend. Her costume books have patterns and great explanations!
Sue - I'd love to see your Jane Austen dolls!