I made my own Graduation dress (but make it Edwardian!)

Hello everyone and welcome to a new video!
This was kind of a speed project, where I had a lot of work to be done in what is, to me, a short amount of time (approximately 3 weeks). As mentioned in the video, I decided to make a separate blouse and skirt which together would create the effect of an Edwardian lawn/lingerie dress. These dresses were popular for the summer and informal events in the early Edwardian period, often in white and made of lightweight materials with lots of lace insertion.
However, due to my setting I decided to make it in black for those dark academia vibes. The university buildings have a solid gothic vibe. I did not intend this dress to be historically accurate (and it's not, starting with wearing a summer dress in the winter), but rather it is historically inspired by the original Edwardian lingerie dresses, but made with the materials I had access to and the methods that suit me.
Overall, I am very happy with the project! There are a few things I am not 100% happy with, namely the closure is a little messy to me, and the collar needed extra support to stand properly (I tried to starch it, but the starch did not take to the lace). I think I also could have made the pigeon front more pronounced for a more historical look, but I like it this way, and I think it's more wearable for my life!
I will be posting more photos on my Instagram and Patreon (and a materials list with links on Patreon!)
-- THINGS MENTIONED --
TV£41 1903 Plain Blousewaist Pattern trulyvictorian...
Skirt draft video • Making an Edwardian Sk...
Other videos with lace insertion:
Edwardian corset cover • Making a Corset Cover ...
Gibson Girl Blouse • Making an Edwardian Gi...
Edwardian combinations • Making Edwardian combi...
Skirt placket tutorial • How to Make a Skirt Pl...
-- MORE --
Patreon (exclusive videos), / catscostumery
Instagram (perhaps overactive stories): @catscostumery
/ catscostumery
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/V7V7...
Blog: happilyevertaf...
Facebook: / catscostumery
-- All Amazon Links are affiliate links! I also have a list of all my useful sewing things here: www.amazon.com... --
For business inquiries, email [e-mail]
Music is from Epidemic Sound.

[@pwhite2579]

Congratulations! As to your sewing machine ... if you hit a pin and broke the needle and it still didn't work after replacing the needle , it might be the timing which you can reset yourself, no need to send it off to be fixed. It might cost a penny! Unscrew the needle plate, clean and oil everything, reassemble and test. It might be gunk build-up. Bob Fowler on youtube works on these old sewing machines and is VERY helpful with videos already on his page and answers questions in comments / email. He shows in detail how to set the timming. Good luck!

[@heathermclaren9506]

This turned out amazing! I love the idea of doing a lingerie dress in black, makes it much more wearable and less runaway-bride... Also so glad you got a proper graduation! Hope you enjoyed it despite the weather!

[@karenclement743]

Clear

[@cherylf7333]

Congrats on graduating! This is gorgeous! You in that dress, at that cool old university....*chefs kiss*. Definitely not too extra. Can I ask (even though they probably don't ship to the US) where you bought the black lace? It's so pretty!

[@cherylf7333]

Just kidding, just saw that was one of your patreon tiers and subscribed!

[@lauren2971]

Literally chefs kissing the whole time I'm watching hahaha 🤌🤌💕💕

[@cherylf7333]

@@lauraoneal5146 Thank you! I do but had only gotten into the costube universe a couple of month's ago and hadn't seen this!

[@TheMetatronGirl]

My deepest and most heartfelt congratulations on your graduation! Your dress was absolutely beautiful, as were you. The blouse too extra?? Dear lady, there’s no such thing when it comes to insertion lace! Seriously, though, it’s lovely and not at all “too extra.” I have zero doubt that the future holds great things for you, and I’m very excited to see what you create next. Be well, and have a joyous holiday season.

[@zombiedoggie2732]

If you do alot of pin tucks, what you may find helpful is a vintage tuck marker. It's a sewing machine attachment that should fit your vintage 1950's machine beautifully.

[@carmenfringer4740]

Goosebumps.....that dress turned out amazing. Congratulations

[@knitsandboltscostumedesign]

OH My!!! Gorgeous!! The white makes the insertion look like its silver metallic.

[@Jokerkles]

I'm impressed. The skirt insertion lace makes the underskirt shine almost navy blue. If you wanted to improve that, a long-cloak made from something like a blue-black velvet with a large hood (and hidden pockets on the inside, because POCKETS!!! lol) and maybe a dark fur of some sort around the collar and hood edge would set that off dramatically (feel free to omit the fur if that's not your cup of tea). Add to that a staff of moderate complexity (maybe with a "suspended" jewel of sorts that glows if you set the staff down and hold it), and a silver-decorated black leather hand-tooled belt with pouches, potions, scabbards, etc. slung off it would create a rather imposing wizardly look lol

[@sherrylovegood]

I have just discovered your channel. Congratulations on completing your Masters. What I like about your channel is the beautiful sewing, the craftspeople-ship and the absence of hyperbole. I also enjoy you don’t say, “Aesthetic”. 🙏🙏🙏🙏 It is never used properly & it grates on my nerves.

[@dee-annegordon5959]

The dress is stunning. Worth all the time it took to insert all of that lace.

[@e.urbach7780]

That is so great! When I graduated with my second degree I wanted to make and wear a white lawn "lingerie" dress like you see in so many Edwardian ladies' graduation photos, but I didn't even get the fabric on time. The black is so stunning and moody, and unexpected. A dark academia dream!

[@stevezytveld6585]

Your dress is absolutely lovely. Well done. The lace is absolutely dreamy. And a huge amount of congratulations for your graduation. Huzzah! I have a Singer automatic zigzagger (from the late 50's) for my vintage machine and it works beautifully - if you're looking for a period alternative. The only trick is to check if the gigantic foot is meant for straight or slant shank machines. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@amandasackman7723]

Anytime I need some sewing inspiration or motivation I just watch a few of your videos and it always does the trick! Thank you so much!

[@sonjialeyva]

CONGRATULATIONS! All that was missing was a photo of you in your Master’s regalia. An absolutely beautiful dress for a beautiful soul.

[@aquaaurora2747]

You opening 4 seconds pretty much sum up how I feel atm with sewing.

[@The_Viking_Highlander]

Hi Cat. Congraduations! I also studied at The UoG and seeing the main building again was emotionally nostalgic. It's such a beautiful University and the West End of Glasgow is a fab place to live. My BF and I had a lovely flat on Sauchiehall Street overlooking Kelvingrove Park, The Uni and the Museum. It was amazing, and is very much missed. I hope you enjoyed your time there. Btw, the dress is absolutely stunning. You did a great job!

[@repelsteeltje38]

First of all... Congratulations!!! And what a beautiful, beautiful dress. Let me tell you that you look beautiful in the dress. And it looked like you didn't even stressed to get it done. Girl... you dit a GREAT JOB. Enjoy your achievements. Congrats from the Netherlands.

[@jordisbraun4985]

this remembers me to a blouse and skirt I had to wear to a formal session. In the front of the blouse it had an out-cut part. Only laceRIBBON. I had to sew 10 m of 1cm lace-ribbon to get this piece where I could cut out. But the long skirt I made the old pattern without lace, only black silk. Tje blouse took time enough. But it was wonderful, worn with invisible corsett. I congratulate you to your most wonderful masterpiece. 🖒

[@ginalou5774]

Oooh. It does that fabulous sideways swish thing when you walk. Nice job! It would look absolutely wonderful if you change the colours underneath…I.e. red or purple or green. Beautiful

[@juadonna]

Congratulations on your Master's Degree! The setting for the ceremony was so suited to you outfit! And I always love me some 'pipes! And the Dress! Perfect! Now, take a deep breath, and enjoy your triumph/s! Take care, stay safe, and let your fans know how things shake out from here on! Love and blessings from your friend in Florida.

[@pv6450]

So exciting to see you graduate! I have enjoyed the parts you shared with us. A stunning dress!! It looks fabulous on you.

[@killamoosdraree730]

Definitely wear the blouse and skirt as separates as you like! They look great together as a dress as well. The result of all of your hard work is stunning. Thank you for sharing.

[@danhurl1349]

I think this might be one of the coolest dresses I’ve ever seen

[@paulamiller8386]

When you decide to make a black lawn dress and then go to You Tube to find someone has already done that. Great minds thin alike. Seeing yours has given me the encouragement to make sure I make mine in the new year.🖤🖤🖤

[@susieahn6594]

Your dress turned out lovely. The gothic vibe made it perfect! Congratulations on your graduation!

[@theoldways1549]

Love Scottland. Love dress history or custume history in generale. Bagpipes are beau tiful. The dress is beautiful, I wish I could sew like that. Personally I would not have worn white underneath. I prefer colours like moss green, or what used to be called ox blood red (very dark red, Almost brown red). Or night blue. I think it would have looked even more vintage. But that is just my personal preference. To each their own,

[@sunkenindeaf]

Delicate work. Well done, master of cuteness. _"Summer dress separates you from the rest."_ -- if you've heard that song of Red House Painters.

[@melinnamba]

Is anybody else thinking that this dress would be absolutely spooktacular if you put bright orange underlayers underneath? It would be perfect for Halloween. You could also go for bright poison green for a more general witch vibe. Oh, the possibilities are endless...

[@ThePixiixiq]

What a beautiful dress! It's so interesting to see this style of dress in black, you see the lace and shapes you created with them much better. It's stunning.

[@Celebrinthal]

Oh, this dress is superb! And the contrast with white undergarments really makes it pop (though I'm a fan of "sneaky extra", that's when you don't see the details until up close, too)

[@amorin329]

That's a beautiful dress!! It looks quite comfortable and even as someone who doesn't typically wear dresses, I can tell you for sure that I would wear that if I could buy it. Wait......this is a top and skirt?!?!?! Oh, I would definitely wear this. I thought it was a 1 piece dress, and found it absolutely lovely.....now that I've figured out that it is 2 pieces, I am even more impressed!!!

[@jodieroundtree488]

Yes, wear the shirt! I just bought a RTW similar without all the pretty lace inserts so you will be in style plus custom chic!

[@michelleross9782]

It's gorgeous!!! You're so lucky that you could find all the fabric & lace in the same tone, tint & shade of black!!! I've NEVER been that lucky, some would be cool tone, some would have obvious warm tone, & some would come in charcoal gray. I just hate that you had to put a graduation gown on top of it... I bet anyone else graduating with the same degree was exceedingly jealous of your dress. I hope it helps you start your new chapter with confidence & style as you move from academia to career wherever that might be!!!

[@lauren2971]

I want to like it 10 fold!!! So gorgeous beautiful 🥰 wow!!! Congratulations on graduating 👩‍🎓👩‍🎓👩‍🎓

[@jac_and_the_making_of]

THIS IS SO LOVELY 😍😍😍😍 Also, all that lace as a speed project..... You are amazing.

[@tiamatmichellehart6821]

First (though maybe not by the time I'd done)! I do rather like the Edwardian costume, up to and most-definitely including the hobble skirt! Your costume came out brilliantly in a dark sense; it feels realistically cautious toward the world to come in the dawning century...so I guess it's extremely fitting as a graduation dress! God bless and Merry Christmas!

[@saymyname2417]

The students at 28.10 min in their robes look like Hogwardians. Although I have no idea what house wears purple 😁 - but it looks awesome! I hope you own one of these robes, too (albeitnot wearingit at your graduation ceremony). And the back pipe guys are gorgeous! This impressive dress may be for another season but you made it work and were awesome in it! Anyway, CONGRATS to your graduation, greetings and GBY always, Cat.

[@IJUSTNEEDASTUPIDUSERNAME]

It turned out beautiful! I love the contrast in black lace and white undergarments !

[@jkabholat]

Congratulations on graduating and the dress. Please don’t stop sharing the videos of your sewing adventures.☺️

[@erinrabideau3691]

Such a beautiful dress! Congratulations on graduating!!! 🖤🖤🖤

[@lauraoergel6003]

Congratulations on a degree well earned, beautifully demonstrated, and a Friggin awesome dress!!!

[@RockinTheBassGuitar]

Congratulations on graduation! That black lace insertion on white under things looked spectacular!

[@lorisewsstuff1607]

Congratulations 🎉👏👏 You have made an awesome achievement and have glorious gown to mark the occasion. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@lucyannethrope7569]

Congrarulation!! And the dress looks absolutly stunning! I wish I had the patients to do something like this, but I don't. And to be honest I don't think it would look as beautyful on me. How ever, the idea to make it black was a superb decidsion. (Note, if we lived in the country, you should know that my fabric stash would always be open for you as long as you need black fabric 😉....or piece of red hand vowen red silk, that I have absolutly No idea what to do with.....and No, it won't look good on me, due to wrong shade of red against my natural red hair)

[@dariaorme1282]

You can put all sorts of fun contrasting colors under there! Blue, purple, green.. I'm intrigued by the possibilities :)

[@KenZchameleon]

Congratulations!!! This is fantastic! There's no such thing as too much lace.

[@marinalenzi3150]

Wow! The dress is stunning and you look beautiful in it! Congratulations!

[@carolynward5567]

Congratulations on getting your degree! The dress looks amazing.

[@sarahlongshore2605]

Congratulations!!! This is such a beautiful dress!!! You should be so proud!!!

[@susanlyda6620]

First, congratulations on completion of your studies! Secondly, what a perfect dress for the ceremony. It is truly a work of art. Love your work!

[@UnsortedSeeds]

😮... Wow! That dress is absolutely gorgeous! This is honestly one of the most beautiful dresses I've seen someone here on KZbin make. Congratulations on your graduation 🎊🎓🎉!

[@Grace_x68]

Congrats on your masters. Your dress has a serious Bellatrix vibe. Love it

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

The lace is stunning! The overall effect is brilliant. You look lovely!! Congratulations on your graduation!!

[@carolempluckrose4188]

Congratulations on gaining your Masters. Considering your degree subject, your dress is perfect.

[@lindabullock742]

Congratulations on your graduation 👩🏼‍🎓…you looked stunning and the dress was the perfect dress for the occasion. I bet there was some serious envy going on…The blouse could never be too extra, and you can wear it more often…look forward to seeing where your adventure takes you next and good luck with whatever you decide. Merry Christmas 🎄….🥰🇦🇺

[@MeadowoodRanch]

Congratulations on graduating! The dress is beautiful.

[@BrokenAnguissette]

Congratulations! Also, this dress came out beautifully 😍 I absolutely love it, and I am certain the bodice would make a stunning top!

[@InThisEssayIWill...]

Congratulations on graduating! The dress is stunning!

[@ChanelBlanc15]

Congratulations on your graduation!! And wow. I think this is my absolute favorite of everything you've made. It's just so freaking gorgeous! I just can't even.

[@ushere5791]

congratulations, cat--both on graduating and on making an absolutely stellar dark academia edwardian gown. so so so pretty!

[@conniemurdoch8528]

Hello Cat! I hope you are feeling better. My goodness but this Covid thing is really kicking everyone’s butts. I’ve been vegging out watching all the bottom of the barrel things on Netflix that I haven’t already watched.I don’t know if the costumes are correct for the time period or accurate or any of those things. I wasn’t watching it for costumes, I was mostly watching it for the story - veryCanadian story. It’s a series and there are 5 seasons. Once I started watching it, I couldn’t take my eyes off of the beautiful clothing of the female lead. The show is called “ When Calls the Heart”. Enjoy!!

[@atiya-said-hey]

That intro is amazing! And I understand. Edit: And now that I've seen the end, that costume is ridiculously awesome and I hope you get a ton of uses out of it. Fabulous!

[@kathharper]

Beautiful, stunning dress, just so glad you had warm undergarments and I think it was absolutely perfect for the setting and occasion. The lace insertions (just so you know) are lovely and distract from any "defects" you perceive. Well done Cat!

[@AriallaMacAllister]

Congratulations on your graduation! The dress is lovely!

[@maudline]

Congratulations on graduating and on making this dress in only a month! Like what!? So pretty

[@thinkuthink]

CONGRATULATIONS ON A BEAUTIFUL DRESS AND GRADUATION 💚

[@siwsanpackard1140]

Congratulations on your achievements - academic and sewing that lovely dress. You looked fabulous.

[@calicolyon]

Congratulations 🎉 very nice dress!! Perfect for your graduation!!

[@susanharris-rohde1127]

Congratulations!!! Fantastic Grad dress!

[@lynnecurran1787]

Oh my goodness, that's gorgeous! Congratulations!

[@BoundlessEyes]

Ah bagpipes, I feel my Scottish loins a'stirring, haha. University of Glasgow is gorgeous! (Too... extra? There is such a thing? Loving the dark academia vibes here!)

[@bobbie9066]

When your sleeves are bigger than your bodice 🤌 And thanks for making this, a goth lingerie dress is absolutely on my list.

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

Oh my gracious Cat! This looked super ambitious for the timeline but this is absolutely incredible. I think, even if it's technically a summer dress, this was the most perfect way to wrap up and celebrate your degree (in winter). Not too extra, not too costume or gimmicky or anything like that, just perfectly you. Mazel tov and congratulations on finishing your degree Cat! Thank you for taking us along the ride.

[@jodieroundtree488]

congrats on your graduation! Your dress turned out beautifully! Best wishes

[@KathleenStidham]

What a marvelous accomplishment! Congratulations on your Master's degree. :-) This dress is the ultimate "capstone" project!

[@elainebye9090]

Lovely! So perfect for your graduation. Great job. 😍😍🤗

[@Ompe8]

the dress turned out so pretty! congrats on your degree...

[@TanteElster]

what a gorgeous dress! it looks so magical, especially in that beautiful setting. you did so great on this!

[@hanatelige]

Oh my goodness it's so beautiful

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

This is the most stunning graduation dress I have ever seen!!

[@kateatschool]

I love the shape of the skirt

[@mouseluva]

I don't graduate for two more years from my part-time bachelors degree in architecture but this is making me so excited

[@christinapotter4631]

This is gorgeous and I’m so envious! Congratulations

[@judithlashbrook4684]

Congrats on graduation! Just a smidge disapointed to not see a lace insertion matching face mask... but hey if you don't need them at the moment in Scotland then good for you! Again, well done on the graduation and the gorgeous dress!

[@CatsCostumery]

We had university masks for the ceremony and only removed them outside for pictures 😊

[@Rhaifha]

Congratulations on getting your Masters! And such a beautiful dress to commemorate the occasion! Kudos to you!

[@beckyd3140]

You look stunning! Congratulations on your graduation and well done!

[@elizabethligon9218]

The dress is lovely and you look beautiful in it. Congrats on your graduation!

[@TayaSews]

Wow this is gorgeous. Congratulations on graduating! 🎈

[@KristenK78]

Congratulations! You look lovely, and you should be so proud of your accomplishments!

[@lilykatmoon4508]

It turned out absolutely lovely!

[@kida4star]

Congratulations! It is beautiful! Happy graduation!

[@makeda6530]

You look awesome, it looks awesome! Such a cool theme and you're wild for making a summer dress in winter but you pulled it together flawlessly. Don't think I'd ever try lace insertion on that level but I commend you~!

[@cdtube259]

Congratulations on your graduation! You looked amazing ☺️

[@nataliechim5227]

The dress turned out lovely especially the lace as the pattern pops with the contrasting undergarments.

[@annehartley2327]

Many congratulations on graduating! The dress looks amazing. Way to make your ceremony really memorable. All the best for the future.

[@bdoll1012]

that was so very beautiful! You did an amazing job. Congrats on your graduation!

[@lelaniadam]

✨This is so special.✨

[@costumingelle]

I love this. So lovely. Congrats on graduating. Hope the machine gets fixed soon.

[@alexandria3583]

congratulations!!! the dress is beautiful!

[@WindspielArt]

That dress is awesome and I think it suits you so well! Hope you could get your sewing machine fixed (if you mention that later in the video I must have missed that) And congrats to your graduation!