Starting the ball gown
Now that the alterations are mostly complete on Erik’s dress uniform (I may have to reconstruct the collar, as I can’t seem to find one), it’s time to start on my gown for the Marine Corps birthday ball coming up in November. Unfortunately, I haven’t had much time to work on it, since deadline is creeping up on us again. I’ll tell you a little about the dress, though.
I’ve had some wonderful golden yellow silk crepe in my fabric stash for a couple of years (I bought it on clearance from Fabric.com when it was less than $2.00/yard) that I’ve been wanting to use for a fancy dress for myself.
This year I’ve decided to use a lovely historical Regency era (approximately 1790-1910) pattern designed by Jennie Chancey of Sense and Sensibility Patterns. The pattern itself is very simple to sew. There aren’t many pieces and I won’t have to worry about the proper positioning of darts, because there aren’t any. I’m going to add a few special touches to this dress to make it my own, too. First, I’ll probably change the puff sleeves to something a little more fitted and elbow length. Second, I’m going to add a little extra fullness to the front of the gown. Actually, my dress will end up looking similar to this lovely wedding gown, only gold and not as embellished. The back of the gown will be quite gathered, and I think the front will look nice that way, too. And this way I won’t have to be ladylike in the buffet line.
I hope I can get to sewing a bit this weekend, but so far I’m pretty booked. Tomorrow my friend Katie is coming over, and we’re going to put up some veggies and applesauce using the pressure canner. It will be the first time either of us have used one, and I’m very excited.
Oh that is such a great idea. The Marine dress uniform is the best, and it’s because it’s a timeless classic. Formal Men’s wear was so much more handsome a couple hundred years ago…and your dress will look timeless as well! I can’t wait to see it!
P.S. before we were married and my husband was at West Point (with those historic uniforms) I used to invision getting married after graduation in a classically historic gown…but alas, they don’t wear those uniforms after graduation, and a cadet can’t get married…and my dream look for the wedding could never be.
Stumbled upon your blog a few days ago and have been loving it. Do you have a discount supplier for your wonderful flannels and snaps? I’ve been searching the net and haven’t really found a cheap snap supplier.
LJA –
I’ve purchased all of my resin and metal snaps from http://www.thesnapstore.com/. I’ve also heard good things about the metal snaps from http://www.snapsource.com/ but I’ve not ordered from them personally.
As far as flannel, it’s easy to find at any fabric store at decent prices. If you don’t have a Joanns, Walmart, or Hancocks near you, try http://www.fabric.com — they’re my major source for fabric when I can’t get to a brick and mortar shop. — Annie
Thank you Annie, those prices are more of what I was looking for.
Lisa