Spotty Evening Dress
A circa 1873 evening bodice made to work with the skirts from my Spotty Dress.
Inspiration & Resources
Useful Books & Links
Arnold, Janet. Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses and Their Construction c.1860-1940. Drama Book Publishers, 1977.
Cunnington, C. Willett. English Women's Clothing in the Nineteenth Century: A Comprehensive Guide with 1,117 Illustrations. Dover Publications, Inc., 1990.
Hunnisett, Jean. Period Costume for Stage & Screen: Patterns for Women's Dress 1800-1909. Players Press, Inc., 1991.
Construction Details
2011
I based this evening bodice after several fashion plates from 1873, and used the pattern from other spotty dress as a base. For the back I used the early 70s bodice pattern in
Period Costume for Stage and Screen, page 89-90. I love the little pointed, pleated tails. The back tails are cut in one semi-circular piece that attaches at the waist. Because the lining would have shown with the pleats, I lineed the tails in more spotty fabric.
I used spotted silk charmuese for the main part of the bodice and trimmed the neckline and sleeves in plain blue taffeta. The bodice has little cap sleeves and closes in the front with self fabric covered buttons.