A quick post about my most recent completed project: a late 1770's working class gown. There are no new techniques to show off here. I used my favorite pattern and converted it to a center front closing gown as outlined in this post. Because this is a working class gown, I made sure the hemline was straight around as I was not planning on wearing any hip supports. I also made the gown about 2 or 3 inches shorter. The fabric was a new one from Burnley & Trowbridge that is a wheat colored linen with a white stripe. The petticoat is linen dimity which has an interesting texture. The apron is a madder red medium weight linen from Liberty Linens.
The petticoat was constructed in the usual way using two widths of 60 inch linen pleated to 1 inch linen tape. The apron was a full width of 60 inch wide linen that was stroke gathered to a 1/2 inch wide waist band with 1/4 inch linen tape ties. The sides were narrow hemmed and the bottom was completed with a 1/2 inch hem. All hemming was stitched with running stitch.
Here it is put together with my smaller cap as I wore my hair in a modest style.
Finished off with my green silk market bonnet.
I was very happy with this color combination which is a departure from my normal 18th century self. I wear a lot of blues and pinks in period clothing. This outfit is more reminiscent of my modern color scheme.
