1790s Cross Front Dress

A transitional 1790s wrap-front gown.

 

Inspiration & Resources

Useful Books & Links Arnold, Janet. Patterns of Fashion: English Women's Dresses and Their Construction, c.1660-1860. New York: Drama Book, 1984.

Bradfield, Nancy. Costume In Detail: Women's Dress 1730-1930. Plays, Inc., 1985.

Waugh, Norah. The Cut of Women's Clothes. New York: Routledge, 1968.

Related Blog Posts

Planning Ahead

Planning Ahead

Since I really don't need to make anything new for Costume College this year, and I have no other events planned for the rest of the year, I've decided to just follow my muse and make what I'm currently inspired by – late 1790s and early 1800s!
I never learn.

I Never Learn

I finally got to start my new 1790s dress and this is all I have to show for a week’s worth of work. It’s not that I haven’t been spending days working in the sewing room. No, my first attempt at the cross bodice was a complete and utter failure. It’s my own fault though. You would think that after nearly 10 years (!) of costuming I would learn to make a full mockup. Instead I get impatient and plunge ahead after just a few tries. It’s ok, really. At least I recognize my weakness. ;)
1790s Cross Front Dress Finished!

1790s Cross Front Dress Finished!

With Costume College looming I kicked myself into high gear and finished the 1790s cross front dress this weekend.
Costume College - Friday

Costume College - Friday

And I'm back! I had a lovely time, as usual, at Costume College this year. It was so nice to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. I really tried to overcome my shyness this year and one of the best parts of the weekend for me was chatting with lots of different costumers and getting to know them a little better. I hope to do even better next year! 
Costume College - Saturday

Costume College - Saturday

Continuing with my brief Costume College recap, Saturday started with another fun class taught by Janea Whitacer – Making Friends with Your Thimble. I had attempted to take Janea’s classes for several years but never managed to get in. This year I was super lucky and got both! The thimble class was really informative. Not only did we learn the proper way to sew with a thimble (being self-taught, I had never figured this out), but we also went over the most efficient ways to sew, as well as learned some 18th century stitches and seam techniques.
Costume College 2014

Costume College 2014

I’m home from my annual pilgrimage to southern California. Not only did I spend a lovely weekend at Costume College, I also extended my vacation to explore some more around L.A. I have fun things to share from both the Getty Villa and the Getty Center, as well as the Huntington Library. Also, I may have bought more fabric. Oops. But first, Costume College!