A Surprise Project! || Making the 1790's American Duchess Simplicity Pattern

[@ashextraordinaire]

So my company is sponsoring a fundraiser for the local library, and I'm making this gown for my boss (because I love her and we're that rare company that's actually like a family... I digress). I made a mock-up yesterday and cursed that bagged lining because nothing matched up, even though I'd been super-careful cutting out the pieces. Thought to myself, "I bet Lady Rebecca has done this pattern and can share some wisdom." LO AND BEHOLD. So thank you for saving my sanity and showing me that I CAN flat-line it!!!

[@PsychoKat90]

Hahaha I really appreciate the "let's read the directions so we can more effectively ignore them" approach! xD

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Yep, that's basically my theory to all sewing!

[@Zimothy]

"I should probably read the instructions and at least find out what I'm supposed to do before I completely ignore them" made me giggle, because it's very true to my own experience XD The piece turned out wonderful!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Hahah! Yep! Heck, otherwise you might find yourself accidentally following the directions without knowing it! ;)

[@roxiepoe9586]

Ohhhh. Pretty. (If I go to bed 'on time' while mid-project, I don't go to sleep because I keep problem solving for longer than I would if I had just stayed up and worked out the problems and I feel like poo in the morning.)

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I totally feel that, and that happens to me frequently too!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Me too but once I figure out the problem I decided I should just carry on. Then it’s really really late so it’s a toss up which I should do neither are good for sleeping

[@maudelynn13]

Haha. I came here to learn about how to do waist casing. And it’s the one thing you didn’t show 😩💗

[@momstruction]

I love how you're all "I do what I want" in this video

[@emanonfox1709]

this is so pretty with the blue ribbon, I feel like you could wear this to a non-costume event and it would be fantastic, like an evening at the yacht club or something

[@hattyburrow716]

So, I was rewatching a part of your process and my husband was watching the cricket beside me (UK) he looked over to see what I was watching....long story short, he turned off the cricket and watched with me. I said ‘you have no interest in period costume’. He agrees but said ‘She’s so cute though, in fact she’s gorgeous. She has other videos?’ So now you have another watcher! In Oxfordshire, uk x

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Hahah! That's so awesome - thanks to you both! :)

[@Bexahlia5933]

that dress is absolutely gorgeous, you looked so elegant swishing your skirts about in the garden.

[@dee-annegordon5959]

What is it about semi-sheer, flowy white dress, regardless of era, that makes us love them so much? It's gorgeous by the way. Seemly so simple and yet so elegant.

[@catstreat9434]

Simplicity often equals elegance. Too many frills can just cheapen the appearance of a dress.

[@rd6203]

I apologize for being anal, but semi-*sheer*

[@dee-annegordon5959]

@@rd6203 thanks for pointing out my typo

[@Risaala]

Chemise à la Reine!

[@elewysoffinchingefeld3066]

Pirate Rules Patterns: "guidelines". Turned out lovely! Just like the weather! Gotta just go with the flow in the Pacific Northwest (I live in Washington, too).

[@rcamels3042]

YAY!! I love your videos and there is nothing more pleasant than the 1790s ☺️☺️

[@juliabreckner2759]

So pretty! With the blue ribbon at the end, it reminds me of the painting Pinkie by Thomas Lawrence, which (I just looked up) was painted in 1794! :)

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I love that painting! :)

[@gulfgypsy]

Imagine a perfect late spring afternoon in a garden with a few friends also in beautiful period outfits. Enjoying mint tea, biscuits and conversation. It's just such a beautiful gown, simple, elegant and devastatingly feminine.

[@jlynn2724]

I just got done making up a Simplicity 8941 and I made *tons* of changes but I can't believe how much I love it. Like a floaty elegant nightgown.

[@horsenroundstudio]

Sitting here hand-sewing Swarovski crystal beads on a horse bonnet while catching up on my YT watch list and giggling that almost every update starts with, "Please ignore my hair because I just came in from taking [this or that] photos..." :D This was really informative about fixing things that need to be changed from a pattern, and turned out beautifully. Thank you!

[@tiger10526]

Thanks for doing this pattern. I’m new to sewing and I got to the bodice and got so confused and had so many problems with it since I’m a DD. Now I can go back to it and hopefully finish it soon.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Good luck on your dress!

[@janellkendall12]

The drape on that fabric is gorgeous! It looks amazing!

[@kirabowie]

What a beautiful dress! For some reason I kept picturing Mr Darcy appearing out from behind one of the tall hedges to take you on a stroll through the rest of the garden! :D

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Umm, yes please! And thank you! 😊

[@kirabowie]

@@LadyRebeccaFashions :D You're welcome! :D

[@darklymoonlit]

It's gorgeous and you look so stunning and elegant in it! (I really, really need to bite the bullet and make a Regency/Directoire gown. I've only wanted one since the '95 Pride and Prejudice...)

[@pokagal7335]

I wonder if the sleeves were done as two-piece sleeves, the under piece of the sleeve could be on the bias and fit tighter without binding your arm. Love that striped voile. Thank you for sharing your travails, lol, it is so real. I do not care if you are making an historical dress or a modern one, there will be some adjustments to the pattern. I am over 6'2", and so, wow, there are a zillion adjustments for me to make. Congrats on hitting your goal! You are amazing, and the dress turned out just lovely. What an interesting respite from the lavish styles prior to and there after this period.

[@deborahd3810]

I so enjoyed your little dancing routine as you modeled the gown. So graceful! And your arms are very lovely from a dancing perspective... have you had dance training? If not, it certainly looks as though you have. Thanks for your videos. I have enjoyed them immensely. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻♥️

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! I took ballet when I was little, and then tap and jazz in college (and a little after). I do musical theatre. 😊

[@kallandar13]

If you don’t mind eyelets, you can also lace that lining panel at your bust shut. Pins are accurate and the go-to afaict, but I believe lacing is attested in period sources/extant pieces.

[@kallandar13]

Also, the open robe is the best part of this era! It’s A LookTM, for sure.

[@katiejo911]

A Slightly longer than one week project is perfectly fine. I love your videos

[@brigidscaldron]

This video is so fun! You look really pleased and your joy is contagious! I haven’t even seen the whole video yet but I had to comment! Also - LOVE that red lip!

[@shirlymoody4279]

I love the gown. It would be lovely to see more Regency done. How about a Court gown, you would look fabulous in one.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! A court gown is honestly so tempting...

[@denisebennett3144]

How beautiful you look!

[@katherinemorelle7115]

So pretty! I love that train length too- short enough to be practical, long enough to get the right vibes. Honestly, the trains on 1790s dresses blow my mind. I’d never make one because trains tend to get all caught up in the wells of my chair, but I do live the look of them. So swooshy! And floaty! Maybe I should move my regency project up a bit? No. It’s a summer project, and I’m a slow sewist, and I need to work on my winter project first. But it’s so tempting.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Yeah, probably best to save it for summer. I don't expect to pull this one out again until then!

[@New_Wave_Nancy]

Congrats on completing your era collection! I'm at the start of my journey, so I'm keeping to 1910s since the corset I made is that era. So far I have the corset and combinations.

[@KaloCheyna]

Aaaah! I've been planning on making that red and blue worth day dress as well! For anyone that's interested, it's at the NGV. The museum will happily send you pictures of the back of you ask. That reminds me, I should post those pictures that I took of the hem on my instagran

[@KaloCheyna]

Pictures posted, I've tagged you in them!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you for sharing those!

[@quicksilvertears921]

Beautiful. I LOVE the lines on the back of the bodice. I love the gloves with the 3/4 sleeves. I enjoyed your blog so much. Thank you for making my night 🌙.

[@hazeluzzell]

Loved the video. You always make me smile. I love it when you talk yourself into, or out of doing something!

[@silvergypsylady]

That came out fabulous 😍. I love the blue sash you put with it. Basically you could use different colored shashes to make many outfits. I love it.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! That's one of the wonderful things about the "little white dresses" of the Regency period. So many ways to style them!

[@denisebennett3144]

Dress looks absolutely gorgeous. Just waiting for Mr. Darcy to arrive.

[@vickifischer-rasmussen3850]

The dress looks so fresh and beautiful, elegant. I appreciate watching you adjust and problem solve standard patterns. I am plus (plus plus) size but find my height measurements are the same as a size 14 but the girth measurements are...well bigger. This creates problems for me buying clothes but you have helped me. Thanks

[@anieth]

Oh man, you made it snow! Going up to snow country! This dress is to die for. Once again, you did fabulous! We didn't get snow down here in Eugene, but it did snow up higher out of the valley. Not like two years ago when we got slammed! I just hope they're getting it in the high country so we don't burn next year. Love to see you parading around.

[@impishcreations7900]

Gasp! The flow of that fabric in the train is giving me LIFE! Beautiful job. * applause *

[@cd2street]

It is so classic because I made this dress too and all the dilemmas you are noting - and I mean every single one - are exactly the same as the dilemmas I had!! It's like you are walking through my memories. I had to just stop and message at 31.08 when you are talking about the train - again snap!! I have yet to find out if your train survived :) Back to the video!!

[@thestrangemusician168]

I had the same issue with the lining not sitting right when the drawstrings were cinched, and my sleeves were also way too big (and I usually have to size up my sleeves.) I’m glad to see it wasn’t just me.

[@michellecornum5856]

YAY!! GOALS!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS! How exciting! How Satisfying! And it looks SOOO LOVELY!!!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! 🥰

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Wow that’s lovely. The blue ribbon added a beautiful finish to the look. Also congrats on making your year/era goals. I’m totally drooling over your new fabric it’s gorgeous!! I want all the pretties!! Lol

[@MysteryMommy1]

Gorgeous

[@empirex334]

Oh yes! Please make the open robe! I would love to see that process!

[@lisaowen6103]

May not be easy . You did your mock up. However it's in your fresh on the brain ... so good for you for continuing .

[@DOSBoxMom]

I remember from one of your earlier videos that you didn't yet (at that point) have an early Regency gown; now you have that period covered! This is the kind of outfit Mrs. Bennet and her sister should have been wearing at the balls in that 2005 film version of Pride and Prejudice (perhaps in a slightly heavier, darker, more "matronly" fabric for them), rather than those older styles they were made to wear. A 1790s-style petticoat would be a great next early-Regency project, as you had commented that you'd like just a bit more fullness supporting the gown than your mid-to-late Regency petticoat was able to provide. As for the gown itself, it looks like you arrived at a reasonable compromise length on the train, something you can still walk in (without having a page or maidservant tethered to you for train-holding purposes!).

[@suzanmarie5374]

This was fabulous! I love the way you take us through the adjustments we need to make! Also I took the pattern out of the trash and followed your advice! It worked!

[@samwhyatt8685]

You look stunning! If you had enough fabric in the same blue as your stash, one of those sleeveless Spencer over waistcoat type things would look awesome too. Beautiful! 😚

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! The sash is actually just a piece of wide vintage ribbon - no sewing needed! (though I don't think I have anything else to match it in my stash currently)

[@Susanfuzz]

Been seeing that bolt of red in the background 👀 and wondering about it :)

[@yezzyjames]

That dress turned out looking amazing!! Plus congrats on getting your goal of a dress for every decade! :}

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! It's been a long time coming! 😊

[@val_nightlily]

You look gorgeous and you've encouraged me to thInk I could make a classic Regency white dress.

[@daisyball2338]

I feel the height never working, I'm 5 1 so the other end of the spectrum. Last fall I was making a modern dress the OG dress was supposed to be mid calf length. After taking off 5 inches it was ankle length and I decided to leave it 🙃

[@trudicole3520]

I love you, that you better find out what they want you to do before you ignore them. You probably know better than them anyway.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I don't know that I know better, but I seem to like to overcomplicate things. 😉

[@lighthearteddesigns5493]

I love silk taffeta!!

[@emilyroselowe524]

This video really makes me want to make that pattern :)

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Do it! :)

[@katrinabaumann9244]

Yes to making robe type piece to add to this!

[@kimbelinag]

Thanks for the heads up! I just got this pattern for my stash and wrote myself a note about the added length.

[@LinniuesLinens]

Wonderful gown! Congratulations on meeting your "every era" goal!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! 😊

[@carolmccormack2381]

Wow Rebecca such a beautiful dress and fabric.

[@daydreamwalker618]

Not really a clothing sewer but trying to make this. Got really confused with the two bodice pieces. Thanks for this video it helped me figure out what the heck I was doing wrong.

[@byusaranicole]

It's so flattering, I want to make myself one, and I don't really sew or wear historical clothing! (Why am I here? I just like your channel!) I didn't know how a dress like this would look on someone with a larger chest (which I DEF have), but I love it so much!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

It's honestly a great era to start with if you're looking to get into costuming. And I think as long as you have a good foundation garment, a large chest would look really flattering in a dress like this. Thanks so much for being here! 🥰

[@annak1371]

I love how this turned out. It is so pretty.

[@themindflayerst_]

wow you looked absolutely gorgeous in the gown....so beautiful....the blue sash really kicked it up a notch.....so elegant.....would love to make something like that.... the 1790's is my new favourite era!!

[@historicalgarb8790]

I need to make a dramatic regency ball gown now😂

[@alabee3069]

Your dress looks gorgeous in the garden. How lucky that the rain stopped for you!

[@paloma_hill]

that looks great on you, I adore the train especially!

[@cindyzigler1198]

So beautiful, and the navy blue ribbon really makes this dress pop!

[@iconstarchild8567]

Well done! Would look great with a Spencer jacket.

[@Marsha1901]

You are awesome, that is stunningly beautiful, seemingly simple and elegant. I think you are amazingly talented.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Aww, thank you so much! ♥️

[@ShannonLambert]

This is so pretty but those accessories really pop it up another level! I'm in love with the sash.

[@Ventura0404]

That looks so soft and pretty on you

[@sarahmwalsh]

It turned out so lovely!! And of course you got a "wedgie shot" in there. Perfection!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Gotta have that Regency wedgie! ;)

[@WhimsyCourier]

That dress is so flattering on you. I enjoy your vlogs, I learn so much from them.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

I love it! It's so floaty and delightful and the dark blue sash is so pretty. ❤

[@marykallis3677]

Congratulations on your achievement! You are rocking this sewing thing Rebecca! 🥰🥰🥰

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! 😊

[@mariathorning9848]

Congratulations on reaching your goal and what a beautiful dress you ended your goal with

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! 😊

[@angelaross1]

Oh my gosh, I’m ordering patterns. I might never make them, but you are so inspirational

[@thestrangemusician168]

Also you look like Penelope Featherington at the end, in the best way!

[@annak1371]

Also, thank you for showing how to enlarge a pattern. When I was in high school, I went to Walmart and I purchased a pattern and I didn't know anything about patterns and I thought that the size that it said for the pattern size someone would need is going to be the same size as what I am so I was a size 5 in clothing and I thought that I could buy a pattern including size 5 and now I know that I was really really wrong. LOL because I'm actually a size 38 bust and that's so far off from a size 5 pattern. LOL

[@rondabeal5204]

Most Excellent!!

[@suzismith9681]

So the skirt will be a perfect length for me at 5foot 4 inches! Makes a change from me turning up the pattern by 3-5 inches.

[@hattyburrow716]

That’s just beautiful. I love these gowns

[@katiejo911]

Love your enthusiasm :D

[@trudicole3520]

It looks lovely

[@amb163]

I WANT THAT RED AND BLUE DRESS.

[@terrifoster2089]

What a pretty pretty dress 😍 Love it!

[@karengoldie6801]

Beautiful. I just found you and I am loving your videos!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thanks! And welcome!

[@kayta84]

Just beautiful! I can't wait until my pattern arrives so I can try my hand at making this. I'm going to make it goth🖤 no white in my wardrobe except stripes and dots hehe

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Ooh, I love that idea! I've been wanting to make a black chemise a la reine for ages, so I totally get it!

[@emily-janecurtis2105]

I absolutely love this!

[@DOSBoxMom]

Your fabric hauls make me feel a bit better about plunking down $150 on yarn from Turkey (as I did once last year, to meet their free-shipping minimum).

[@susanhillis5952]

You have so many lovely sweaters

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thanks! They're pretty much all from the thrift store. I think I have a sweater addiction. 😉

[@lighthearteddesigns5493]

I have that pattern! You inspire me

[@pamgassman1001]

that is stunning on you!!! I want one - now to sew the 18th century redingote - we are having the colonial festival (but not calling it a festival (Gov. you know) and it will be free to the public again) come see me there! I run two booths, fiber arts and my sales booth.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I hope to be there! And thank you!

[@lesleyharris525]

Hi, you look lovely, very elegant, I'm a sucker for pretty clothes but I'm not a frilly person, I'm to short and small build, frilly stuff on me looks like I belong sat on the back of the loo hiding the loo roll,lol.😅

[@jennyperthold9924]

So pretty 👍. I had the same neckline issue with my 1760 Shift standing up and out in the same area. So I was wondering If a dart would be the solution. Thanks for showing it 😁. Maybe that a more oval than square neckline works better 🤔. I Love your confidence, read 2 patterns, didn't like them, so here WE go and live with some DIY 😁👍. Regarding the skirt length: So you are also not matching the 5' 7" height for the big brand patterns?! 😁😂😉

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Oh wow, I wouldn't think big 3 patterns are made for someone 5'7"! Feels more like 5'4" or 5'5" to me. They're all so short!

[@jennyperthold9924]

@@LadyRebeccaFashions Pardon me, Simplicity is 5'5" to 5'6" for Misses and Misses Petit. You really need to search for this Info on the patterns company Website 😉

[@fawntheresa5338]

I'm trying to get my sew-jo back so I'm just going to binge your channel k?

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Sounds good to me! 😉 Good luck! 🤞

[@christinkern5231]

This helped a lot while making the dress myself, thank you! :D Any chance you will do the overcoat too? That would be awesome. :)

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thanks! I don't plan to anytime soon, but I'd never say never!

[@Mary-nl9uy]

I also had trouble with the lining showing once the outer front is gathered and tied.

[@marywest2896]

you amaze me...why don't you put your revised patterns for sale? that style looks so good on you.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! I'm not sure how copyright laws work on stuff like that, since I did start with a commercial pattern.

[@dees3179]

I think you’d have to change it so much that it wouldn’t be recognisable or you are in breach.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

@@dees3179 Yeah, that's kind of what I figured, too.

[@morganw.438]

How many hours would you say it takes to make this dress??

[@morganw.438]

Also, great video!! Subscribed for sure! Very glad I found your channel.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thanks! I'm bad at keeping track of my hours, but once you get the bodice to fit well, this one goes together very quickly.

[@christinacutlass1694]

You look beautiful.