Making a Robe à la Française : Part Two

The first 500 people who sign up for Skillshare get 2 months for free! : skl.sh/angela6
✩ PART ONE ✩
• Making a Robe à la Fra...
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This video includes a paid promotion for Skillshare
✩✩✩
✩ Things Mentioned ✩
NOTE: amazon links are affiliate links
Fabric from Hamed Fabrics in NYC
Janet Arnold's Book: amzn.to/2T01ISf
Norah Waugh's Book: amzn.to/2W1ow6g
Nancy Bradfield's Book: amzn.to/2ALNQUL
Shoes paired with dress are from American Duchess
Boning: www.onlinefabricstore.net/unc...
✩Videos Mentioned ✩
Ribbon embroidery: www.skillshare.com/classes/Si...
✩ References ✩
www.mfa.org/collections/objec...
collections.glasgowmuseums.com...
✩✩✩
If you are interested in seeing more of my work or contacting me, I'll leave links to my various sites below!
Instagram: / angelacostumery
Blog: https: angelacostumery.com
Email: [e-mail] [serious inquires only please!]
✩✩✩
About me:
My name is Angela Clayton, I’m a twenty year old designer and seamstress who is currently living on Long Island, in NY.
I’ve been sewing for five years and focused on period costumes and original designs for the last three. I make costumes for fun and to expand my skill set so I can hopefully get a job in the industry someday.
I can be contacted with inquires about paid work via the email above.
✩✩✩
My patterns (go buy them!): mccallpattern.mccall.com/prod...
Meet my sewing machines video! : • Meet My Sewing Machine...
My dress form is a 10-12 display form from buystoreshelving.com
My reference books: angelacostumery.com/2016/11/2...
How I do my hair! : • Mid-Century Hair & Mak...
✩✩✩
Tutorials (features actual sewing): • Embellished Brass Crow...
Making of Videos (features actual sewing): • Making a 1950's Dress ...
Progress Log Playlist: • Weekly Progress Log #1...
Project Vlogs: • Project Vlog: Edwardia...
Music:
Luminous Rain Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

[@lady_sir_knight3713]

"I think the dress has enough going on already." That's not very 18th century France of you, Angela.

[@AdirondackRuby]

You could also say "That's not very Angela of you, Angela" LOL!

[@ayannasmart2611]

"Enough going on already"... as she makes her own buttons.

[@sapphirecamui6447]

i thought the same. but i think she might have been right. it doesn't really look like it needs more...

[@fancierthangreen]

ha ha ha

[@yvettejones5323]

HA! True! Those women use to put actual bird's nest in their wigs. If your instincts tell you to stop, add 3 more things 😆😆😆

[@MicarahTewers]

ok I love so much of what you make, but this HAS to be my favorite. Like.... This is legitimately perfect. Bravo.

[@danimoreno3754]

YASSS GIRL this is my comfort sewing video 😊

[@MicarahTewers]

At 6:40 it looks like you're using marshmallows to weigh your pattern down

[@Dogluverkiwi]

Not nearly as efficient as chickens.

[@kirstenpaff8946]

So, considering how much time it took to create the ruffles, it seems plausible that 18th century dressmakers would have somebody whose sole job it was to create the ruffles. Professional ruffle maker might have been a legitimate job.

[@lasphynge8001]

Probably they handed that to their apprentice(s). :)

[@usagilamperouge]

Can you imagine? poor thing, doing that 24/7 :(

[@raineaye]

@@usagilamperouge brutal

[@jdbstar]

I was thinking the same thing :)

[@katiehartmann7111]

I think they would be considered piecework makers, right? Sort of like an assembly line worker, focused on only one part of a whole

[@maggerzjett]

I like that you went with a monochrome design, and relied on textures to add visual interest.

[@jls4382]

So very tasteful and elegant!

[@robyn3349]

"Ruffles were the bias tape of the eighteenth century." You are gorgeous in your gorgeous dress!

[@nancyvolker3342]

this dress turned out perfect it really is on of your best to date. The color and fabric used is just wonderful and you only used 4 nail varnish colors in the making of this video

[@Bexinmo]

Two words for you, Stun ing! growing up, my mother sewed. Not beautiful historical costumes, but she could turn out a wardrobe of simple skirts, shorts, and shirts in a day. I loved watching her sew. As an adult, she bought me my first machine, but I was always so scared of using it, scared of breaking it, scared of messing up, scared of sewing my fingers. So I would call her, and she would sit with me while I sewed, telling me I could do it, I would be fine, and that perfection is not a requirement for what I was making. After she died, I don't think I touched that machine for 7 or 8 years. I just couldn't. A couple years ago I finally got brave and sewed some costume pieces. I had so much fun (and frustration, because my machine was a pain in the neck after sitting so long), and felt so much accomplishment from doing it. I wish I had the patience and talent to do work as gorgeous as yours, but even though I don't, you inspire me to sew again.

[@Stettafire]

A good machine is trickey to break (except the darn needle which you can replace) start small and you cant go wrong. If the machine breaks chances are it wasnt you it was the cheap machine. (So long as you defluff after every use and oil once a month)

[@veronicapersson9124]

WHAT BUT...BUT... YOU FORGOT THE HAT.... I want to know how it is made, i need to know ...ahahah

[@dianapovero7319]

Yes Please, how did you make the hat?!

[@AngelaClaytonCostumery]

I posted about making it in my instagram stories, but I didn't film it! :(

[@veronicapersson9124]

@@AngelaClaytonCostumery ok Instagram...

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

The finished dress is lovey! Congratulations on completing your first Robe a la Francaise! They are so much fun to wear!

[@oliquin-roo3420]

Your finished dress was amazing!

[@jessicaisabella5824]

The most satisfying and also most painful part of this is watching you iron the ruffles...its like well now it looks right but but but floof 💜

[@philippaclarke2844]

I'd always assumed extant garments had flat ruffles because they had been packed flat and they were too delicate to 'reinflate' but now I know it's intentional. Fascinating and yes, a bit painful 🙂

[@evilrose412]

I think you are too harsh on your own abilities. And i think, you should start selling your patterns on etsy. I bet many people would love to buy them, even in "wrong" size, so they can work their correct size out of it. I just love to watch your videos. They always give me wings on things I'm planning to do (unrelatred to sewing).

[@megancarbonetto3849]

I would buy a pattern for this in a hot minute

[@raineaye]

I would buy some patterns for sure

[@sewmuchdrama8487]

I found out she sells patterns through McCall. I think the link is in the description

[@yobespierre]

so do we add "ruffle monster" to your CV under the "lace monster" listing? :P love the dress, and i love how monochrome it is. :D

[@animosity9197]

As a costume designer and technician, I'm so impressed by your skills and designs. You are far more willing to take risks on personal projects than I am, haha, and I feel like your astonishing progress over the last couple of years really shows the benefits of that approach! One professional costumer to another, I would be delighted to work under or with you. Your design sensibilities are so thoughtful and refined, and I know that sometimes when you're changing stuff as you work on the project it might not seem like that, but I think that's your excellent instincts. It's also so refreshing, as a theatrical costumer, to see someone doing historical work but not being afraid to use modern techniques when it's appropriate or just plain easier! I'm so glad I saw your work on tumblr and managed to find you again on youtube, because you are one of my absolute favorite bloggers/vloggers!

[@carolineLonnqvist]

This dress is a frilly dream from an 18th century painting...love it!

[@SmittenKitten.]

Umm... What?! I JUST finished watching the first part when I get the notif for the second part! Today's my lucky day!

[@maryfesta1480]

If I made a dress like this, I would wear it everywhere... even walmart. If I had that much time to spend, you best believe that is what I would wear for the foreseeable future. Beautiful job, Angela- I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ProfoundConfusion]

You look like you just stepped out of a rococo painting ...... everything came together perfectly & your dress is a triumph!

[@samantham6367]

I'm not a fan of eighteenth century costumes but I watch your videos to admire the skill and care that you put into all garment making. It was fantastic watching you make this gown

[@TheCurt82]

Firstly, I love your videos, although I have little time for some of your techniques. I'm a costume designer at a University and wish I had the time to do true historical techniques, so I watch you instead! I'm EXTREMELY happy you've finally purchased a gravity feed iron...its life altering. I will suggest that you purchase an iron shoe made to fit your particular model. Iron shoes evenly distribute the heat/steam and good quality varieties (non silicone) make scorching, shining and brown water stains practically impossible. I leave my iron on the middle heat setting for everything from silk chiffon and organza to wool coating with no problem whatsoever.

[@acmulhern]

What a stunning dress. I love that it's monochrome, it makes the details stand out without being "too much" for today's standard.

[@literaltrash6320]

The talent? The patience? The ruffles? These videos were amazing!!

[@monav4062]

I loved loved LOVED this video and how this dress turned out !!! I should have been born in the era that this dress was first worn. I am an old soul. These dresses are just so beautiful and so much work goes into making one. Thank you for making the video, I enjoyed so much and "If only I could sew like this!!" This dress came out so beautifully and when you're wearing it, you certainly look like you've just stepped out of that century.

[@elizabethk1520]

That dress is a work of art. Absolutely stunning!

[@dlsgl407]

Just smashing. I really love seeing the ruffle technique - fabric manipulation and embroidery brought interest to garments before prints existed. It's what I found most interesting!

[@damnbro_idc]

I don't know why but I need this so I can show up to biochemistry like a queen

[@954victoria]

A spectacular dress and beautifully made. Any lady from this era would be proud to wear and treasure it!

[@galewhiteman2047]

OUTSTANDING!!!! I got tired watching...I can’t even imagine actually doing the work. The ruffles are crazy beautiful. WOW! Great job!!

[@anniesmom2207]

You must feel like a Princess in that amazing gown!! You certainly look like one. And the hat... I'm floored!! 👒

[@designdoctor247]

"It takes so long that my nail polish changed color!" Lol. I love your dry wit. Your work is absolutely fantastic!!! It was VeRy inspirational when you said...you were not confident about making this gown. Wow. Had u not said that I would have guessed you were totally confident. The fact that you shared your intimidation helped me look at my fear of sewing...and honestly fear of lots of things ... face the fear ...see the fear....and do it anyway!!!

[@designdoctor247]

Oooooh I'm excited to find the costume spot light. Eeeekkkk!!! What a great idea. "Costume Sootlight"

[@AderynDu2005]

Absolutely gorgeous! It looks like it's a sherbert colored dream of a dress, straight out of a Fragonard painting. An instant classic, and a new favorite of your works, along with the Pumpkin patch redingote.

[@soniamcvicar3762]

An outstanding dress so femine with all the ruffles, just gorgeous! 💖🏆

[@maureencullen1008]

This gown is breathtaking.The colour,your design and the expertise of your outstanding sewing skills.I hope people will keep financially supporting you until a company,college or any professional realises that you need a permanent position where your talent can be supported and developed to be beneficial for everyone.

[@milkyway-nk4jz]

It's a relief to see someone not over pin the pattern pieces when cutting. I miss my industrial machine..

[@mravenwing]

Thank so much for your videos! I could never afford the fabric so I live vicariously through your sewing videos. I get so very much enjoyment from them.

[@AdirondackRuby]

"...and after cutting it out, it gets set aside and ignored..." The story of my life! I have so many have completed projects scattered around my sewing room. I cut them out and then suddenly get anxious about actually sewing it together, so I just set it aside until I have accepted the possibility that I might not actually mess it up and it will actually be wearable. Except for buttonholes...because mine aren't even related! --- The whole ensemble is gorgeous. You look like a big ruffly pearly pink princess!

[@heatherforensky2923]

After noticing what you did with the stomacher, I noticed you're making a false front stomacher on this French dress. The infamous Duchess of Devonshire popularized a false front, especially after numerous pregnancies, because it gives the impression that the stomacher was pinned on but could expand with the body via pregnancy. Stomachers were usually a separate piece of fabric pinned to the dress like you said. But when many women often fell pregnant the stomacher was removed around 4-5 months of pregnancy known as the quickening. I'm impressed that you are making a French robe dress from the early 18th century and it happens to be a Duchess of Devonshire design. Kudos to you.

[@steveeveland2780]

I am a fella who just stumbled upon your video. You are an artist and an engineer. Cheers to you!!

[@truehoomanhere6230]

I'm french and I just can't stand how cute your voice sounds when you say "a la Française" and the dress is gorgeous!

[@junebamburg1704]

The dress is gorgeous and you are gorgeous in it. You make the most difficult patterns look easy. You are amazing. Even though I have been sewing over 50 plus years, I would never attempt the projects you do. Thank you for this video.👠

[@sebastiansweet5911]

SO pretty! I love the stomacher. Those buttons are to die for. No embroidery needed.

[@kathrynjones848]

This is breathless.! Should be used in a movie! YOU HAVE SUCH A TALENT. YES GUSH OVER THIS. This is worth it.

[@Centuriessewing]

I think you leveled up your sewing skills with this project.

[@predatorhousepet4395]

That dress is beautiful. It makes me want to wear a modern dress or shirt with ruffles like that, possibly in that color too.

[@meganb4821]

I am attempting my own 18th century jacket. I am procrastinating working on the sleeves by watching your videos! Thank you for providing quality content on this crazy platform

[@ManeLastful]

It took me about 6 good minutes to stop being amazed at haw fast you were sewing on your machine and realize you sped up the video. (Then after than I kept being amazed by you patience and how amazing this dress is)

[@vollhov2370]

How beautiful the ladies look in these dresses. In our time, sometimes from afar it is not clear whether it is a lady or a man.

[@toronamichele495]

This is the most magnificent period piece I have EVER seen. Hands down. Undisputed.

[@bmwvintageprincess]

I 've started sewing again. 2 days before I cut a dress n 2day m wearing it. I got encouraged by Angela. Thank u. You r an Angel

[@cpinktea]

It looks amazing and it fits you so well! I'm glad you're able to make more big historical dresses now (or at least film it), it's honestly my favorite!

[@debbieg321]

This dress is beautiful! I love all the smocked ruffles; they add so much texture to the dress. You look gorgeous in your Robe a la Francaise!

[@katharina4755]

love your work and especially this dress!!😍

[@caledoniabeautifuleden8584]

This was so worth the wait! You wouldn’t look out of place in the french court scenes of Outlander! What an utterly beautiful dress! What a gift you have to make dresses of such beauty!

[@ArtemisScribe]

Yesterday I found one of your very very early tumblr posts again when you made the Christmas angel dress with the lights inside the tulle skirt and now watching you make this I'm blown away by how hard you've worked and how far you've come in only five years. Your drive and dedication are incredibly inspiring.

[@VetericusNoire]

wow! This is incredibly beautiful. To me, it's like a painting come to life. I like going to art museums and seeing the 'larger-than-life' paintings of this period. There's something about the fashion design from this period that is so becoming! Excellent job Angela....

[@maryhornsby9441]

This may be my favorite thing you've ever made! So beautiful!

[@wodnyrak]

This total salmon pink look is breathtaking! The textures in the dress, so good! 🧡🧡🧡

[@echo2893]

This dress is breathtakingly beautiful. I'm so amazed.

[@psycicflower]

I do love seeing the passage of time on a project through your changing nail colours.

[@bloodbaymare]

Stunning! Love the color and texture. The ruffles are just gorgeous. Can't wait to see you show it off again in the future. You should be so proud!

[@screechinglilies]

I'm a new subscriber and obsessed with your content! Also, your nails are always on point girl. And love your little sayings "this is my dress and I can do what I want" yesss. You do you girl. Your work is amazing!

[@meganelise277]

This is exactly the kind of project I’ve been craving to see! 😍 Love these more elaborate historical costumes, even broken up into different videos.

[@amandasalg1497]

"The ruffles will cover it" ❤ i think you're my new hero! I'm getting started on my foundation pieces now to be able to do this gown later, and I've been worried about how it'll turn out, but i love your philosophy here!

[@celestewatson4874]

As always, MIND BLOWN. your patience to craft, doing those ruffles.

[@swish043]

I'm dying inside a little bit from how beautifully this dress turned out. Bravo!

[@samanthaclonch9544]

Oh my goodness Angela! This gown is so gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing! I can't wait to see more of it!

[@SuperNyxie]

Oh my goodness I love the ruffles. This is an absolutely beautiful dress. I can’t wait to see more.

[@lydiaehurley]

I love it! So beautiful! I like how smocking the ruffles turned out and I might try that on my Italian gown

[@mademoisellekaya1438]

A deep bow and mad Respect... How beautiful is this! And it is if the color, the fabric and the cut is made for you as you were from that time... I'm madly in love with the dress and PLEASE show it as much as you please in every way! 🤗 Congrats to this victory and... Chapeau!!

[@allieg6401]

I love how the back of the dress hangs from your shoulder bones, it looks elegant. The whole dress looks amazing!!

[@animeROX08]

I am loving these tutorial style videos! I can't wait to see more of this beautiful dress!

[@gracew2140]

Beautiful work! I love the detail and patience!

[@panacheluxury4262]

You did a fabulous job on this dress. I adore period dresses too and like you they scare me, but the fact you took a leap of faith to create one is amazing. Perhaps, one day I will be just as brave and make one for myself.

[@alexm.7714]

Absolutely gorgeous!!!! Hope to see your designs in the movies someday. Outstanding! 💞

[@AshleyFan2211]

The whole project is just amazing, but I was most fascinated by the making of the buttons, I could watch that for hours, I think, it's so relaxing!

[@rebeccaaugustine8628]

This is the prettiest robe a la francaise I have seen yet! Congratulations!

[@emolorin1070]

this dress is *superb* oh my god, those ruffles are giving me life

[@lauraklinglesmith4894]

Your hand sewing is so wonderful. Mine always looks like a blind 2 year old did it! Magnificent work as usual!

[@wintrygarden]

This is so impeccable! Such an inspiration. I have fallen utterly in love with ruffles lately and this dress is a dream.

[@soileilkkala8831]

Stunning dress and hat ! Beautiful summery colour which suits you so well .

[@grey_roses]

Epic waves of ruffles! I love the fabric color (absolutely perfect with your skin tone) & that wonderfully ethereal crumpled silk look that just reads so authentically. 🌹 And the hat! I hope it gets its own little showcase at some point. Another amazing video...you have a gift for making even these huge, ambitious projects mentally accessible, even for those of us who can maybe sew a running stitch at best. Inspirational!

[@sugarsilverstar8943]

A gorgeous dress and an amazing amount of work in it ...very well done.

[@clayre5489]

Absolutely stunning, even with Ruffle Delirum! Thank you for sharing!

[@marta_sanders]

It's truly gorgeous, congratulations Angela!! I hope you show us more about the dress, it deserves it! 😍

[@bassdivamtm]

Omg . I learned so much about ruffles and also finishing. Absolutely gorgeous

[@laurenkushnick6769]

Stunning! Amazing amount of work, and the ruffles take it to the next level. Just stunning!

[@kei220]

The texture of the ruffles is just perfect!

[@terriz7791]

so gorgeous! I can't imagine having the patience to make all those ruffles.

[@DorothyJanetoo]

This is my favorite of all of your dresses. Those ruffles! I think I want to make just the stomacher and frame it!

[@Xhenkerstochter]

this dress turned out perfectly! looking forward to the costume spotlight!

[@saltlifegull4091]

OMG I'm speechless! In love with the video, her and the work!

[@moatazbashir8530]

youre a goddess at sewing and TRULY leave me at awe! Thank you for preserving this high level dressmaking and being part of its legacy.

[@ItsJustLisa]

Incredible. Just incredible. Absolutely beautiful work.

[@bjen72]

Love this dress. It turned out beautifully! Love watching your creations!

[@carolvanleer3386]

Wow! It makes me wonder how to incorporate some of the design and methods into something modern. Love it!

[@krolika3703]

I'm about to start making my own Robe a la Francaise and I was SO SCARED but watching you work has given me so much hope - you're so calming and organized and your stitches are so satisfying to watch

[@sams1705]

I actually gasped! It looks incredible! I can't believe you had so much patience for those ruffles omg

[@danaberries11]

It turned out so beautifully! What an amazing job, and it looks just lovely on you! I so enjoyed watching the process of you making this dress, thank you for sharing it with us!

[@SuperBlackMambaaa]

Beautiful dress!!! Thank you for your videos! I loved your ruffle pattern !!