Making a Gown Inspired by Meg March from Greta Gerwig’s Little Women

#ad Hooray, a ballgown making-of video inspired by Greta Gerwig’s Little Women!
Back in February, I was invited by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to take part in a fun project to celebrate the release of Greta Gerwig's Little Women on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital. I've made a ball gown inspired by Meg March as depicted in the film, drawing inspiration from the Academy Award-winning costume design of Jacqueline Durran. Watch for a (mostly) step by step process of the making-of!
Be sure to check out the work of the other three "March Sisters" as well on their channels:
Dames a la Mode as Beth: • Little Women Inspired ...
Angela Clayton as Amy: • Making a 1860s Transfo...
Rachel Maksy as Jo: • Making a Jo March Cost...
Final photos by Amanda Tipton Photography
Jewelry by Dames a la Mode
Footwear by American Duchess
Wig by Custom Wig Co

[@rachelmaksy]

I'm still not over how STUNNING this is.

[@sarahperkins2340]

I love how simple it looks and wish that I had the patience to actually sew. But that gosh darn ADD just doesn't go well with big projects lol but it's so Meg.

[@MrSockKing]

I had the same reaction. Just stunning!

[@availanila]

I know you, I watch a lot of your videos on sewing.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Watching you drape is so inspiring! And, of course, the final gown is *stunning*

[@cannibalcreep6180]

How beautiful it turned out and how beautiful you look in it.

[@29jgirl92]

They really nailed the "casting" of this project!

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Didn’t they just? I want to know who came up with the idea, and then who picked which person to do what, because they definitely deserve a raise! I cannot imagine a more perfect casting!

[@MorganDonner]

That was so lovely 😍, and A MILLION thanks for adding all of the theater tips and tricks commentary!! So many cool things I had not thought of before.

[@cincocats320]

So lovely. Too bad the movie didn't pay as much attention to the historical accuracy of the costumes. Academy award not withstanding, this project shows that by playing so loose with the design they really lost the potential to elevate it beyond merely being just a good film to the absolute definitive version.

[@patriciabrightwell196]

I am not an historical anything; however, I absolutely agree with all you said. This was such a big night for all of them. But, to be fair, the gowns were lovely, but I'm on the fence whether -- solely on the basis of both, historical accuracy and staying true to the book, whether it deserved an Oscar in view of that year's competition. She is clearly a talented designer and put in many hours on this film.

[@martafernandes4531]

Am I the only one dreaming about a photoshoot with the four of them as the March sisters?

[@dirgniflesuoh7950]

Or Emma Watson in the dress? But unlikely to be her size.

[@bluestockingdressmaker4982]

I love that you put so much thoughtful consideration into this project - not just working hard to make it historically accurate, but thinking about the choices Meg would have made as a character had she had the freedom and budget to design her own beautiful gown. Magnifique!

[@mariebray9831]

Oh, a dress, that Meg would love, I think, and maybe a dress that Amy would envy.

[@cinemaocd1752]

Can't wait to drop the term "bertha" into my next costume chat with period film fans.

[@jokiskywalker5417]

This is absolutely beautiful, and thank you so much for showing the guts! The mix of theatrical and historical techniques, especially the loops for hanging the skirt and the tip about sewing the side seams and waistband so they can easily be adjusted but still look finished and professional from the outside are so very practical and really inspiring for me.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Gorgeous gown, and great video! Can you please do a video on how on earth you can make an elliptical hoopskirt in three hours? Because it took me like over a week to make mine.

[@crazyforNarnia1]

Lovely gown! I really appreciated your tips in here, like having extra long hanging straps on the skirt.

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

Thanks, glad it was helpful!

[@ComptonCreations]

Gorgeous. You did such a detailed and well thought out job to taking Meg's character and bringing it to life.

[@georgiannarockwell7634]

What shocks me the most is that you made an elliptical hoop... In ***three*** hours?

[@yolandaflower5749]

Amy would have cried for joy over this dress. I'm in aw of it's simple but stunning lines. You nailed it! Beautiful gown and beautiful lady.

[@priorattire]

lovely!

[@DamesalaMode]

This turned out so glorious! This is a style that looks especially lovely on you!

[@remembersunshine6669]

This was truly wonderful to watch. The way you put this gown together and describe each part is superb. You look so beautiful in this wonderful dress . I have watch all 4 of these '' little women'' dress videos now and I really couldn't pick a favourite. Well done .what a fantastic project!

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Cynthia this gown is simply stunning! Thank you for sharing your process

[@Crescend0ll]

WOW. A true marvel. Looks like a historical reintepretation of Belle's ball gown!

[@RainbowSprnklz]

15:44 princess mode initiated

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

RainbowSprnklz 😂🎉 yessss

[@brookeg5979]

Legit started tearing up when you started spinning in the dress one minute in. Gorgeous.

[@peggyriordan9857]

Ditto Rachel Maksy!!! Thank you for showing part of the draping process. I learned alot from watching...actually I learned good things from watching the whole process. I love those little tiny pleats that were sewn one by one to the bodice. Leaving the front unattached was something I never would have thought of and it was genius! Congratulations!

[@kissmekate14]

Little Women is one of my all time favorite books (It is was sparked my love of reading at a young age). On my ever growing project list has been the idea to create a dress for each of the sisters, so this series tickles me dearly. Your gown is very Meg. I always planned to do her in blue, inspired by the afternoon dress she wears in the 90s film.

[@MrYoungwhip]

I have theatrical training. This is exactly how I was taught to build these dresses!! It’s beautiful. Can you tell me where the silk satin is from? I’m having trouble finding non polyester!

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

The silk satin is from www.fabricmartfabrics.com/ They have a random and changing selection, but sometimes have incredible sales on silk.

[@danariggle8038]

Girl, I feel you. I have a long torso so if I want shirts long enough I have to buy tunic length. This was a gorgeous project!

[@onecatsopinion]

Absolutely beautiful; very relaxing to watch. I taught pattern design and draping for many years. You're so talented, an inspiration.

[@ateliernostalgia4088]

It's absolutely beautiful, the fabric with the trim is perfect, and a gorgeous shape. I really loved seeing the 'theater' tricks as well, especially on how to leave space for eventual altering! That really seems like a good thing to start incorporating more to ensure costumes can have a long life.

[@DanielleStJohn]

I haven't yet seen the movie, but this absolutely suits the spirit of Meg. Spectacularly done

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

Thank you!

[@tornadogirl9099]

I love the dress but I also love the background music. It's calm, soothing and not too loud. It's just right for this video.🥰 What is the name of the song?

[@SmittenKitten.]

Just found you via Angela's channel... You look so much like Kirsten Dunst and/or Claire Danes... Do you get that all the time?

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

Only in photos/video--never in person!

[@kitkatstitch]

I love this video. Absolutely marvelous. I've learned a few things while watching. Thank you for sharing.

[@kbc3757]

You’re so incredibly talented. You always take my breath away. Your work is absolutely gorgeous!

[@thecuteladybug]

Me seeing a sewing machine after binge watching Bernadette Banner videos: What is this sorcery?

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

LOL yes

[@deborahkelly1489]

Absolutely beautiful. I thought I could sew......... but you run circles around me . Thank you for sharing this beautiful talents you have.

[@Mark_R_Tho]

Honestly in awe....✨

[@ElizabethS-wv2ge]

My husband & I made several wooden boats, I taught him in a way from making my own clothing patterns, it’s called lofting in boat building .Fun Fact. The first width of fabric was an ell. Thank you Ken Follet in “pillars of the earth series. I think that was the loom capacity of the time. The ell was originally the length from the elbow to the tip of one’s longest finger, about 24 inches, probably what Meg March bought. It was later replaced by the cloth-ell or "double ell". I am quite tall for my age group (62+) so I used upholstery fabrics to take advantage of 54-60” widths instead of spending so much on 45” fabric. Lots more choice now, thankfully

[@TheFrigidsnow]

Wauw, I wish I could make a dress like this . I’m oddly shaped and can’t sow, so it’s just a dream :(

[@OddlyElly]

Do not give up! Sewing is a skill that improves with practice. I'm sure you'll be able to make it! Plus, Bernadette Banner is also oddly shaped and makes historical clothes, too

[@TheFrigidsnow]

@@OddlyElly she is lovely! My trouble spot is that my chest is very large but my waist is tiny. I'll check out more videos but to try.. I'll need more courage for that haha

[@bkolm2179]

"took inspiration from greta gerwig´s little women" *litteraly remakes 1994 version of Megs ball gown* but its no hate 1994 costumes was SPLENDID next to 2019 ones glad you made what you made its perfect

[@LaDivinaLover]

Lmfao I’m such an opera nerd that upon seeing the gown in the thumbnail I immediately **shouted** VIOLETTA VALERY for no reason! 😂🤣 I just woke up and that be how my brain works apparently.

[@kvocon]

So very beautiful. Are any of your dresses for sale? My daughter wants a Meg-inspired dress for her community service commitment. She hosts tours at the historical "Melrose Plantation" in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

[@emilyneal9610]

this is AMAZING! and it also reminds me so much of the dress in The King and I with Yule Brennan when he is twirling her around the room

[@SEFenno]

Your video is very enjoyable to watch. What a fun project...thank you for sharing.

[@kentario1610]

This is... I'm speechless, I can't find any words. The dress itself is of course just blowing me off my feet with how good it looks, but also how you filmed this video, I loved it so much! Looks like I have a new person to watch and subscribe to!

[@makethelakes]

Hi, Such a lovely gown and great video. Am currently making it myself but getting in a muddle when doing the pleating on the skirt. How much of the back panel did you cartridge pleat please? Also where did you switch the direction of the pleats from pointing to the front to the back (i.e. the seam between the back and back-side panels or the seams between the two side panels?) Hope you don't mind me picking your brains about this. Best wishes.

[@stefanwild326]

Stunning

[@rachellesch8681]

I think this is my favorite dress in the series. Angela Clayton's dress is super pretty but a bit too Disney Princess costumey. This one tops it for being more authentic to the time period.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

This is also my favourite dress- but it also fits my style better. I think Angela’s is perfect for her character (and also for herself). Whoever did the “casting” for this little series deserves a raise! They really picked the most perfect people for each March sister, resulting in the perfect costume for each character.

[@EyeGlassTrainofMind]

Your construction is amazing and the thought process behind this was so well done! Definitely subscribed :)

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

Thank you so much!

[@makingthings123]

I've seen this video probably more than I've seen any other video on youtube. It's so informative and your creation is simply incredible!!!

[@neenmach]

Amazing! What a beautiful dress. So glad I found your channel.

[@alankritaverma]

Literally saw a picture of you on Instagram an hr and half ago.. Open yt and yours the third video in the timeline.... ❤

[@dirgniflesuoh7950]

I would think of a lilac dress för Meg. Lilac as the fabric she could not afford and sold to her friend so that her husband would have a warm coat. Beautiful dress!

[@granifulano]

Beautiful, how did you learn to do this? Did you go to University for this? Where?

[@k1tkat-kate]

Oh, that's absolutely beautiful!!!! So cool to see the inner workings too, thanks for sharing!

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

Thank you!

[@lovegidget]

I love this dress so much!! Like I would get married in this dress

[@nittygritty7034]

There a photoshoot with all of you in it?

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

Maybe someday! We don’t live close, and couldn’t get together right now if we did in these strange times.

[@JB-vd8bi]

I have cried watching all 4 videos - in the best way possible. Well done. So beautiful

[@Fuiotter]

And I am a fan. Hi there, I shall be looking through all your videos.

[@piglingbland3903]

😍splendid interpretation! That's interesting about the width of the 20 yards of silk. I had never considered it. I love the blending of historical and modern / theatrical techniques.

[@Lilithofeden1]

OMG it looks like my grandmas wedding dress. 😍❤🙏❤😍

[@kyradavis7130]

Would love to see someone bring the book edition costumes to life. These are stunning though

[@dadaantu5150]

Very beautiful work and such a lovely dress 😍💕

[@LasiaBee]

Thanks for the inside view!! As a beginner in historical costumes, it helps a lot! 😍

[@Midge5184]

Gorgeous! I am speechless, this dress is absolutely stunning!

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

Thank you so much!

[@beawild]

Beautiful gown. I also love the hairdo and flower arrangement. Great job!!!

[@annak1371]

Oh my word. How beautiful! Well done!

[@flowerpot6058]

You interpreted Meg so well with this dress. Just the dress I imagined she would dream of from her character. Amazed by your skill and eye for detail.

[@marygrimard7266]

+

[@valeriezebra1939]

Beautiful workmanship.

[@LauraIngallsGunn]

You and the exquisite dress are absolutely enchanting!

[@diesilberglasscheibe8626]

This has a "Queen of England" vibe to it💙

[@brooke_reiverrose2949]

Love the double pipping and cartridge pleating

[@zarahshaw927]

This is DIVINE!! Do you do custom orders?

[@Elkycreates]

I love this!! Would love to see more. Would have liked to see a detailed demo on the tailoring of the top mock up. It’s such a timeless style in my opinion. Otherwise, this gown is absolutely beautiful. I hope you took some portrait photos with the gown on to keep forever. You certainly look so regal in it.

[@Sorana44]

My ! That is stunning! So much work!

[@seamsuneven7824]

You did a lovely job! This is just beautiful! Well done!!!

[@crowznest438]

The double piping is a lovely touch.

[@jeremiahgabriel5709]

Am not often speechless. But just...wow.

[@mfg2324]

This is so amazing! Stunning! I love it!

[@estelledesigns]

Such beautiful work! I love love love your version of Meg March so much! Thank you for sharing the process with us!

[@dawngable4622]

I definitely could see Meg in this dress...

[@karupe9982]

Here form Rachel´s video....omg this is so BEAUTIFUL

[@christinareynolds1161]

It looks like a House or Worth level gown!

[@e.urbach7780]

So gorgeous! And thanks for the view of the "guts" at the end!

[@mannyespinola]

Thank you for this video

[@marysandersmacfadyen2675]

Absolutely stunning dress.

[@austinity]

So pretty wow! you have such a talent

[@Amiharah]

Absolutely stunning! 😍😍

[@orgjam]

This is truly a prejudice on Gods part.... You got all the talent....not fair lol .........You are a total talent in a complete form ! Unbelievable !!!

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

Anyone with an aptitude for handwork and research can get into this--this dress is the result of 20+ years of study and practice. As with anything it's about practice and repetition--and making a lot of mistakes! Thank you :)

[@Aglaya89]

Hi 🤗 i've loved your video, thanks for sharing ! ❤ i wonder if you could explain how to make this beautifull flowers 😀 Greats from deutschland!! ❤❤❤😘

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

I bought the flowers from MaryNotMartha on Etsy.

[@katecolgan7770]

This is one of my favorite dresses.

[@dawngable4622]

It’s a stunning dress

[@dmcc100able]

💜This is absolutely 💜FABULOUS 💜

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

Thank you!

[@kittybrowning]

Very beautiful

[@jasminnemcdonald94A]

How long did it took to make that dress???

[@manuela_esse]

I am trying to recreate this gown as well and your video is an excellent starting point! I have the pattern, I only don't understand how many panels the skirt has... 5 in total? I am a newbie in this field, so sorry if it's a stupid question... thank you!!

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

I don't have the Janet Arnold book in front of me, but she draws out exactly half of each garment. So you'd do twice the drawn panels for the skirt, cutting on fold if/where indicated.

[@pedinurse1]

Divine, just divine

[@ashleycaulfield1823]

This is heavenly!

[@Olivia-Little-Dove]

Beautiful gown and video! I would love to learn more about the theater tricks you mentioned that allows the garment to be altered in the future. Is this just about how you choose to finish the seams in the inside of the dress? Beautiful work!

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

It's mostly about how I finish the fronts and back separately, allowing for much easier side seam alteration

[@misswazzra]

Such a stunning project. Your craftsmanship is #goals !

[@RedthreadedCorsets]

Thank you so much!