Making That Regency Dress AGAIN 10 years Later

10 years ago I made a lovely embroidered cotton gown- and it didn't fit. After hours of careful work, tiny stitched pleats, and hand sewing it wasn't what I hoped for. Since then I've learned far more about my body, garment patterning, and have come to realize making adjustments to better suit my needs isn't a compromise. So, I'm making the gown again. Better. Because it will work for ME, rather than just trying to be the closest copy I can make!
I know that the typical plain white Regency dress gets a lot of flack for being boring, but I promise it's possible to make it just as detailed and elegant as anything else! Not every gown can live in the world of Bridgerton Technicolor or Emma pastels. And now I want pretty pastel pastries. Sigh. Ok. Let's tackle this simple, but elegant design this week. It certainly has no shortage of dramatic angles and drapes, despite being mostly rectangles and straight lines!
The difficulty, as always, comes in at the neckline. What sort of support or corset will work under this garment that gives it the soft drape that we expect from this era? I certainly don't want something that flattens across the front or lifts the bust too high. And with such a low spot at the center front, most options in my closet will show! I might have to make a better corset option in the future (no time!).
So let's take those patterns from last week, and dive into sewing an elegantly simple dress from the 1800s. Then I just need to find somewhere to promenade like a Jane Austen novel...
Embroidered Muslin Gown: www.metmuseum....
Woven Stripe Gown: www.metmuseum....
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🎶Music via Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicso...)

[@barbarakelly1456]

Something I feel that is very historically accurate is to take an inspirational gown and while making your own version of it, tweak things to make it better suit you, like fit, fabric for your budget/accessibility, and ease of wearability. Modern culture does this same thing today with 'getting that look' using non-name brand fashion items.

[@cincocats320]

Yes. I think it is a really important message. I see a lot of makers fall into the trap of exact replica, put in a lot of time and money, and then are disappoointed with how the garment looks on them. Better to use the inspiration piece as a starting point but use the fabrics/colors that suit you and tweak the pattern to better fit.

[@livinginthenow]

For most of this video I half expected Abby to jump out and bellow, "You need to use a thimble!"

[@antiquitywright3533]

I appreciate seeing someone so accomplished avoiding thimbles, because same. My finger tips are now effectively leather but...

[@KMS89]

I asked her about this in her instagram live, she grips and pulls rather than pushes with her fingertips. I believe the description was like a Russian gymnast 😂

[@sarahbettany7546]

Somewhere else I seem to remember Abby mentioning this and adding that some 'experienced sewists' use a longer needle instead.

[@marikotrue3488]

The gown is beautiful. I thought that it needed one more accessory, but then I saw the puppy. Look complete!

[@glorygloryholeallelujah]

Exactly! 😁

[@ArianaSantos420]

Doggo said, "But mommie I'm comfy and it smells like YOU and YOU MADE IIIIITTT" *lays head down*

[@glorygloryholeallelujah]

She’s such an adorably sweet lil floof!💖 If she did that to me, I’d just think… *”Well ok, I guess standing on this spot is my life now…”* 🤣❤️

[@TheMetatronGirl]

The finished gown is beautiful! I think my dislike of women’s Regency fashion stems from seeing so many modern reproductions that seem to try to make women look like baby dolls. It always felt childish to me. Yours and Abby’s gowns are anything but! You look like an ethereal goddess. That fabric is just 👌🏻. Ha ha! She’s lying on your train like, “You is going nowhere, human. I has you trapped.” That is yet one more reason I’ll always be a dog person.

[@Murky_Heron]

Cats do that too 😸

[@TheMetatronGirl]

@@Murky_Heron Truth be told, I’m only exclusively a dog person because I’m allergic to cats. 😭

[@starshinedragonsong3045]

Yes, that "babydoll" look is what I didn't like either. But, these ladies are winning me over with this more Grecian goddess look.

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

Y’all need to read up. The style is French, Josephine de Beauharnais (later Empress) was the fashion icon for this era. She did not look like a baby doll.

[@jadecoolness101]

@@TheMetatronGirl I'm allergic to cats and have two haha

[@mirjanbouma]

Your videos are one part infotainment, one part aesthetic, one part inspiration to get sewing and a pinch of "omg she's so FAST at hand sewing I am jealous" and 100% enjoyable.

[@cincocats320]

I will be rewatching this multiple times just for mantua makers seam tutorial. That is definitely the seam finish I have been missing in my arsenal. And I just love watching you hand sew, your technique, stitches, the confidence with which you manipulate the fabric...everything I aspire to!

[@tamaravsthevoid]

I’m tackling a project redo myself this week, but it’s always so much mor relaxing watching Nicole do it 😅

[@DebiSmithPouliot]

Beautiful gown. Love that fabric.

[@foxyember]

The gown is very beautiful. I do love how your pup decided that mom was staying right where she was lol laying on the train. Thank you again for another lovely video.

[@ragnkja]

“How nice of Mama Nicole to place a mat for me to lay on right at her feet. Oh, it’s attached to her? I can make her stay right next to me if I lay on it? Perfect!”

[@gabbytriestomakethings]

Thanks for the awesome quick hand sewing tips! My sewing machine is RIP right now and needs to go to sewing machine hospital so excited to try out this method on a new regency gown. To be honest I prefer handsewing anyway.

[@anjaprachtstueckwerk7546]

Thanks for sharing this experience! I do relate. Actually I just returned to a dreaded Vogue (repro) pattern I used years ago to make my first 50ies inspired dress for an event my spouse wanted to attend. (We never went...) Back then I took the pattern literally, followed the instructions, used the overlock machine and produced a dress that certainly was acceptable and fairly well made, but never made me happy and had a very questionable fit. I felt I had wasted the nice true vintage material. ( I went back to this dress last year, took it apart, got rid off all overlocking and modern sewing hacks, redid it without much caring for the pattern in the traditional way my Mum taught me how to sew and was able to fit it properly.) A few days ago I took out the Vogue pattern, again, (I only had not thrown it out because a dear friend had sent it to me as a present all the way from the US) had a close look, disregarded the instructions, modified it to my measurments and requirements and made a dress that looks great, fits me perfectly and makes me happy. For the next step I merged this pattern with a nice true vintage pattern (already modified to my needs) and voila- got a great result. Sometimes it really takes going back to a project!

[@jacksonrodriguez2703]

Hi there

[@skaterbakes]

The dress is incredible and your dog is the cutest. He really just gave you the look like, I’m staying right here 😆

[@debra333]

That intro music hooks me every time...🖤🖤🖤

[@michellecornum5856]

The fabric for the second dress is just -- WOW! You know your train is long enough when your dog can lay on it comfortably.

[@mnels5214]

How lovely! I like how you did the video without hating on your earlier effort, which was also very beautiful. Kind of a tragic end to the video where the pupper didn't get pet and *all* the treats but maybe in the next episode. ❤

[@sarah-phillips]

So beautiful! The non-buttoned back looks really sleek and the gather - love it!

[@hectorrobertocontrerasmiranda]

how considerate of you to make such an effort on the making of the new mat for the dog

[@sarahmwalsh]

I remember reading the original blog posts about the first iteration of this gown and just being in awe over the teeny tiny pleats and that *perfect* fabric!! I'm a sucker for getting as close as possible to an extant or portrait, so I couldn't imagine finding a better fabric, but I think in revisiting it, you actually did! Besides making the tweaks to the design and overall fit so that it's really a garment you can wear and enjoy, this new fabric may even be more beautiful than the original! I love how it surprises you with detail as you see it up close.

[@jacksonrodriguez2703]

Hi Sarah

[@MichelleH1791]

This would make a beautiful wedding dress. Love the pup relaxing on the train. His/her eyes were full of love for you! So sweet.

[@Chibihugs]

This gown is gorgeous and I love that you are using your improved skills to tackle a former project. I am redoing a regency chemise and I am so happy to see the improvement I have made since my first one. Yay for leveling up

[@RianShafer]

I thought the first one was pretty & this one is very pretty too. Both are quite flattering on you! The more I watch your channel ( & a couple of your friends) the more value I am seeing in garments that are fitted to your own body, even the most simple ones, are so much better! I am going to try my hand at some hand sewn lace pieces with butter soft material just to have & wear, also a black lace Pelerine (sp?) for a beautiful but simple blouse I bought with fantastic sleeves. Feeling brave & inspired!

[@lorisewsstuff1607]

The new gown is lovely. I'm so glad that you decided to make this as a follow up to the draping video. So inspiring. And the other posters are right. The adorable doggo is the perfect accessory.

[@queertyrant7179]

I’ll be honest, I subscribed bc you reminded me of my highschool art teacher (she was my favorite) but I stayed because I love your work! Keep up the amazing work

[@NicoleRudolph]

As someone who was very close to their highschool art teacher, this means a lot!

[@AuthenticWe]

As I slowly watch you videos, your are helping me become a garment detective and slowly understanding how the order of operations for assembly is slightly different for materials and styles wanting, and knowing a dart can generally be placed anywhere it makes you look best, is just grand.... And this particular video watching how you just work, adjust, try on, and adjust... The small face to create a custom design for ones own body is starting to be most grand, it's like sitting next to yourself and just flowing

[@Rhaifha]

Hot damn, that's some speedy handsewing!

[@pennyhenschke7883]

Well the reveal is stunning so I am concluding yes!

[@knittingmoose]

This gown is so lovely! Thank you for making Regency gowns less scary. Also seeing your pupper lying on your train reminded me of my dog. When she was a puppy she would actually try to jump on my trains to ride them down the stairs.

[@MsSteelphoenix]

I just had a look at the original and had the thought that perhaps this was originally a drop-front gown (hence the buttons), and was later altered? Either way a fantastic remake of a lovely dress, and I absolutely love that fabric!

[@NellBelle]

Pup loves you in that dress! She will not get off the train until you promise to make her a matching doggy dress. Wouldn't that be a hoot?

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

That fabric is stunning and you are right, adding pleats or pintucks just wouldn't have added to it at all. I like the idea that we aren't making compromises, we are just making it right for us! Oh and the dress is pooch approved!

[@generalcorgi]

I've made a nice swing coat with thrifted fabrics in January of this year, but after making it I never quite liked it. This video has given me enough confidence to make another, better one later this year. Thanks!

[@NicoleRudolph]

I "remake" garments a lot! Then I don't feel bad about giving away or selling the old one to someone it will fit better (or will love it more) and it becomes a learning experience.

[@nurmaybooba]

So clever of you to chose a pupper matching color! It is a beautiful gown!

[@IAmCraftingAgain]

This has been the most useful video when I'm working out how to construct a gown - historical sewing for these gowns was something I couldn't find anywhere else online

[@theredrover3217]

I cannot resist remarking on the coordinating canine accessory. It looked to me bewilderment as in what universe is this? (ASKED, please come and lie down on the train of this fragile White gown.) Such Trust a real credit to the Handler. 😍

[@gisellejones1139]

Wow!!all by hand ! Seeing you make those buttonholes and covered buttons brought back memories of my mom who passed away last year...

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

😍😍😍 the pup on your train!!

[@VoodooAngel63]

I had to laugh at the last shot. My little doggie girl did exactly the same thing with my wedding dress!

[@lydiadame1727]

was sitting in my bedroom alone and said to myself out loud "oh my LORD" because this is so gorgeous.. the stitching..... hghhhh

[@Gmato13]

Your finished gown is just lovely! I love the fabric you chose and watching you sew and create speaks to me. ❤️❤️❤️

[@suzannethevenot2208]

Ahhh puppy!! Yes! Beautiful gown too!

[@DesirableAcrimony]

I don't sew I will never sew I just don't have the patience for it however I love listening to your videos ☺️ your voice and your knowledge on the subject of historical fashion is very pleasing for me thank you very much

[@calicolyon]

My mind must have been prepping for today last night. I got your intro music stuck in my head for a few mins.

[@cincocats320]

My Sunday isn't complete until I hear that music.

[@jenniferlynn3537]

I think the back didn’t turn out “wonky” at all - and the train is wonderfully improved. That’s a beautiful fabric that you found, and it does the style justice.

[@ManorandMaker]

Looking forward to the maker video for this one. Love the fabric, and you explanation of the choices. Mostly, I might be dying for the train! :)

[@ManorandMaker]

Commented too soon! Looking forward to the rest (after supper!)

[@msai257]

Ooh, loving this Jane Austen meets Aphrodite -vibe. Which, knowing the regency people's fondness of antiquity, is probably what the original was after. Also I love how you're always instructing and demonstrating meeting your own needs with the gown. That's really the beauty of sewing yourself isn't it, if there is a part of a garment that's not really working for me, I can find another way.

[@Murky_Heron]

As always, the video transfixed me) The gown looks very soft and comfy. And the fabric makes me wish danish summer to be just a bit warmer and longer))

[@tenaoconnor821]

Beautiful dress. Prettier than some wedding dresses. Pup is adorable 🥰 my cats like to lay on whatever I’m doing also 😊

[@jerahyassine3192]

1000% stunning!

[@FlybyStardancer]

Oooo it came out GORGEOUS!

[@meredith7299]

I’m always waiting for the pup at the end of every video. Sweet little thing. ❤️

[@crystilmurch5659]

LOL, the puppers. The gown is gorgeous. I have always loved how columnar these sorts of gowns can be when the train is done well. Beautiful.

[@guineverecassidy4855]

So beautiful! Thank you for sharing your creative journey with us. Also, your puppy is just the cutest baby.

[@jacksonrodriguez2703]

Hello there

[@stevezytveld6585]

As always, truly stunning work. Well done! I especially love the way the fabric drapes and sways. Plus I love how your pup shows her adoration for you (and your work). - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@susanpolastaples9688]

Beautiful and everyone should have a train sleeping puppy. She's adorable

[@janetclark8754]

you look so beautiful in this gown! Wonderful job!

[@4BWVan]

It's just so beautiful!

[@lesleyharris525]

Your dress is beautiful,I've always thought they looked a little like maternity dresses but yours is stunning,love it.💖

[@jaida4547]

The perfect relaxing content I needed. Thank you.

[@calicolyon]

It's such a lovely gown! Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@perspicace]

Beautifully done

[@bigc8127]

That dress is really cool.

[@annloker4503]

beautiful! and the pup-on-train footage at the end was adorable.

[@mrssiobhang]

So beautiful! I love the fabric and the final gown really shows it off!

[@jacksonrodriguez2703]

Hi Siobhan

[@colleencarterduncan7559]

Beautiful dress, and I love the bit of humor from your pup at the end. Also: I really like your music choices for your videos!

[@hazeluzzell]

A magical video, and the ending was perfect…

[@nblmqst1167]

Love the fabric. Love the info. Thanks.

[@holzlastname1976]

Aww your pup at the end looks so content

[@christinacutlass1694]

Lovely! What a sweet little friend you have!

[@MonaSkovJensen]

You look beautiful! Stunning dress and I love that you showed how to altered it to be a front closing gown. Thank you!

[@elizabetha3936]

I feel at piece watching this.

[@dawngable4622]

I just love that dress

[@jacksonrodriguez2703]

Hello Dawn

[@misswazzra]

That mantua maker stitch is amazing!

[@trudicole3520]

It matches the puppy beautifully

[@sarahdillman7069]

Di you and /or some of the lovely folk you collaborate with on you tube do historical sewing and patterning workshops? I feel so lost, but a regency gown has been on my list of to sew since my first reading of Pride and Prejudice. It’s just be nice to have people to help go this not that . Love the channel and it turned out so lovely

[@shekthecat]

How nice to include a place for puppy! :)

[@starshinedragonsong3045]

Watching you sew is like watching an artist paint. Great clip. And, seriously, the lightness and precision with which you sew is simply beautiful.

[@betsyhill3254]

Do love the changes, the dress is perfection and the puppy is a darling. Truly look forward to all of your projects! Thank you.

[@ahuman3642]

It looks lovely!

[@peggyriordan9857]

The gown is beautiful and looks amazing on you. I love your dog sitting on the train at the end. Clearly he loves being close to you and that is great. You look very regal in the gown, floaty like and ethereal. It is amazing that you hand sewed the whole gown...just amazing work. Congrats to you....perfection!

[@melodypollock4078]

Beautiful. This is the first historical style I have wanted to make

[@holzlastname1976]

I love your choice in fabric it's beautiful ❤️

[@praxisfurnaturheilkunde5394]

I love your beautiful head gear from your old photograph

[@purpleexplorer2263]

Wow, I love the neckline on this! Love your videos Nicole.

[@kirstynewbery8012]

Gorgeous. I love the doggie but at the end, so cute!

[@coreygilles847]

Gorgeous as always

[@jessieborrell1856]

The fabric you chose for this is so beautiful! It turned out so good!

[@jacksonrodriguez2703]

Jessie

[@michellehealey715]

Absolutely stunning, both you and your beautiful gown xx

[@beatrizfonte7778]

As a matter of fact, I have been planning to reproduce the same dress for 1 month now. So perfect timing! I'm modifying some options from the pattern of Laughing Moon #126 that I used previously, and I found the same problem regarding the rectangular piece covering the chest. I bought a very similar fabric and it should arrive next week. I will have to embroider it by hand 😬 ... I can do it! 💪 For this, the exact information that i've been looking for, thank you so much Nicole!!! ♥

[@lynnsaull5723]

I think this is beautiful example of a Regency dress.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Wow that’s lovely

[@LaDivinaLover]

Personally I think a thin satin sash/belt in red or navy would give it a nice pop of subtle color and make it feel more complete. Just IMO. Otherwise it’s a beautiful gown and a beautiful job your skills are really amazing!! ❤️

[@MissShembre]

The music on your videos is soothing

[@brigidscaldron]

That’s so beautiful!

[@diamondslashranch]

Absolutely lovely!

[@persiswynter6357]

It's lovely!

[@p0etrygh0st]

Awww doggo says you stay in here with me

[@NegarArvanaghi]

This is my favorite gown from this period.

[@postoak2755]

Adorable conclusion!

[@violeta7298]

oh this is just STUNNING