Sewing a Robe à la Française || PART 2

Welcome to pt. 2 of my Sacque Gown!
If you have any questions please feel free to ask them in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them!
A huge Thank You to everyone who has subscribed and commented!
I love that my videos are helping you in your own sewing journeys!
Materials:
12 meters (13 yards) Gold and Fuchsia Shot Silk
1 meter linen
3 meters 1/2" twill tape
thread
The following links are affiliate links, so if you decide to purchase one of the books below I may receive a small commission. It doesn't change the price of the books, and these funds help me to continue to purchase materials for new projects!
Recommended Reading:
American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking
- Lauren Stowell & Abby Cox
amzn.to/2T0frZV
The Cut of Women's Clothes - Norah Waugh
amzn.to/2FdwTHj
Costume in Detail 1730-1930 - Nancy Bradfield
amzn.to/2SYjoxY
Patterns of Fashion Vol. 1 - Janet Arnold
amzn.to/2DtVzJW
Period Costume for Stage and Screen 1500 - 1800 - Jean Hunnisett
amzn.to/2RJLnQB
Follow me on:
Instagram: / enchanted.rose.costumes
Facebook: / enchantedrosecostumes
If you love what I do and want to help support more projects, please check out my Ko-fi Page! ko-fi.com/enchantedrosecostumes
#HistoricalSewing #WestCoastSeamstress # Robealafrancaise

[@ZipZipInkspot]

Thank you so for the measured pace of your filming, and for showing details carefully, such as folding the seam allowances at the front bodice points. So very helpful. Enjoying the series.

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you for the comment! I am glad you enjoyed my process, and this series so far!

[@user-rq9yz9hz6e]

This is fantastic! I bought the American Duchess Guide to 18th C. Sewing, and the pattern. But, because I’m a VERY visual learner I just couldn’t wrap my head around the process. This cleared it right up, I’m now almost done with the lining, cutting the silk tonight!

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Happy to help! Good luck!

[@carolegrellety2419]

Je suis en pleine réalisation de ma robe pour les Fêtes Galantes au Château de Versailles et cette série de vidéos me sauve ! Merci !

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

So glad it is helpful! I hope you have a wonderful time at Fêtes Galantes!!!

[@skirtedgalleons]

Older video, but thank you! I'm starting my first pet en l'air with Watteau pleats and after watching all the videos and reading all the books, your explanation of the size of the pleats and how you layer them (plus little diagram) is the most helpful for me to comprehend what is going on. Thanks so much for this detailed video. Off to do a practice pleating run...

[@Acm19999]

I can't explain how helpful this was

[@johnmaxwell8655]

Your "Whip Stitch" is more what I've trained to know as a "Slip Stitch"

[@joannemcmillan9201]

I have been sewing a LOT of years. I can’t even imagine committing myself to this. But I came across this series 2 days ago and I must tell you, that while I have no need of a dress like this I am fascinated and totally inspired by your work. I’m hoping you continue to film projects like this, because I truly do love it! Thank you for sharing this!

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you! My next big series will be starting in the new year :)

[@TheRoseLine]

Great work! Those costumes are hard to make and time consuming but you make it look so easy! Thanks for sharing your creative process.

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you for the kind comment! :)

[@e.b.3325]

I real enjoy watching your videos. You are awesome at breaking down each step and explaining the process, it helps reduce my anxiety for starting my own projects. Thank you so much!

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you!!! Fighting your fear to start is the hardest step! I find it really helps me to research and read as much as I can on a project, and then make a mini paper version of it to get my brain and hands working together! also mock ups are your best friend!!!

[@hoperules8874]

@8:50 that is what I was taught to do as well-if nothing else at least a finger press-it has saved me many a time from unintended puckering

[@taniamagicfingers1636]

I was so happy when I realised there were 4 videos to this dress. Perfect way to finish off the day. Discovered a new seam finish in video one and a reminder to match you pattern up in this one. Oh yes and the perfect way to fold a corner! What will I discover in videos 3 and 4?

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

Very cool, waiting to see what the gap in the back is for... Everybody builds them differently.

[@melissanoelle410]

Isn’t hand stitching one of the most relaxing things 😊

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Yes it is!

[@jacmcw]

That "side seam" more towards the back, gives it a princess line look. I like it. Your work is beautiful. You should be very proud of your accomplishments!

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you 💗

[@LaDivinaLover]

I’ve been wanting to make an 18th century robe or “banyan” for the longest time but I haven’t been able to find a written explanation that made sense to me on how to actually make the Watteau pleats. As they are the type of pleats I want, understanding the method of folding is pretty vital. So! THANK YOU for the visual assistance this has helped me so much!!!

[@kikizalewski]

WOW. I knew the watteau pleats and the back of the bodice were all done in one piece but I didn't realize exactly how it worked until I watched you drape it. Now I feel like my whole world has changed! Its amazing how techniques from centuries ago can do that.

[@minkaf4243]

I learned so much watching this. I love your attention to detail and that you share those fine points with us.

[@MrsSmilz4all]

I'm watching this for sewing research. I though I was going to be able to get away with doing everything on a machine. But after seeing the seamless hand-stitching on the bodice to the lining... I'm going to have to do that too. I have cursed myself with this knowledge but know I will become a better seamstress because of it!

[@susanpolastaples9688]

The pink silk sacque back gown is soooo pretty.

[@MariesRandomChannel]

This series is amazing! I don't understand why your channel didn't get recommended to me when these videos came out. Keep up the amazing work :D

[@KD-nd5gu]

You don't know how much I appreciate your construction videos, thank you so much for such detailed instruction. I'm making one for a class, even though out of muslin and canvas, I'm following all of the steps you mentioned. I only substitute the opening at the back with metal grommets, hopefully, I can add a hood to make it a Brunswick.

[@1DanielleLouise]

I've sewn a pillow case... that's my level, lol. But I'm kind of thinking of going for the gusto and starting with this. I'm going to do some fun projects to get a feel for the machine but I'm feeling confident after watching your videos hehe.

[@janetclark9608]

Really interesting! Thank you!

[@joniibryant6462]

It's turning out so beautifully! I can't wait to see it on! 😊

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you! I am really happy with how it is turning out!

[@CommanderFox]

I love your channel! I always learn something new everytime I watch one of your videos and the content is so relaxing. Thank you for making them! 😊

[@DamiettadCarnivalle]

I was so pleased to hear you mention Nancy Bradfield 's book. I've loved that book since I first saw it nearly 20 years ago (my favorite gown is the 1908 pink cotton water with the stacked cup sleeves...page 307 and the mauve-blue silk...page 315 YUM!)

[@TM-ye2vy]

I can’t wait to see the completed look!!! 💕

[@aloras405]

The most difficult part of this dress for me was the back pleating. I had the pattern but not the book. For me it was very difficult to understand how they were supposed to lay. I recently bought the book and I’m so happy I did.

[@tammymasson2343]

I love the beautiful wall paper behind you! And I love the videos, too!

[@frank7411]

Wow! I love your Robe a l'francaise!!! I really want to make one someday, but they are so complicated! Keep up with the good work, I'm really enjoying this video series. XD

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you! I think they are easier then then look! The hardest part for me so far was finding the courage to cut the silk (which is part of the reason for my numerous mockups) ;)

[@LaDivinaLover]

Enchanted Rose Costumes I sooo know what you mean, cutting the good fabric can be stressful. That is exactly why whenever I’m making elaborate ensembles I make 3 or 4 mock ups and then 3 or 4 “finished” garments made of cheap synthetic or bulk sale material before I go near the expensive stuff. I once ruined 3 yards of $380 a yard silver threaded silk damask. Needless to say I have learned my lesson. Fabric can be ridiculously expensive and cutting it can give you an insane amount of anxiety.

[@sonjameijer2226]

Thank you so much for filming your process, it helps a lot since there aren't many other descriptive videos of how you sew a robe a la française:)

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@Traybuff]

still a bit fast in places, but you have the back side seam right! there was no direct side seam like on a ivcotiran gown, it was driving me crazy as well making mine, kept having to remind myself the seam does not go directely on the side it goes towards the back similar to the stays. :)

[@TorchwoodPandP]

Beautiful!

[@rebeccafauteux5732]

I’m soooooo glad I have this for my next gown!!! I really struggled with the fit. Thank you!!!!

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Rebecca Fauteux your welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@emmalateur525]

thank you for making this video !!!! I have been struggling to make those pleads on the back for days!!!

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

I'm glad to hear it was helpful for you! 😄

[@donnaharrison1992]

love the beautiful pink dress it gorgeous to look at but looks difficult to make.

[@lyzipoplovesyou]

So excited to be a new sub!! Amazing work, I'm in awe

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you 💗 and welcome 😊

[@jessiemayfield6749]

Wow i looked all over for this! Love it new subbie!

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you 😄

[@saskia105]

I adore that shade of pink so much.

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

me too!

[@sandrafarley2966]

interesting that you would want large stitches since little girls were trained to make the tiniest stitches they could in and out almost on top of each,

[@alaskacosplay]

This is such a beautiful Robe A La Francaise video. I do have a question since I have been a bit confused since I saw a clip of the back of the skirt. Why is there a segment of the back of the gown skirt that is made of white fabric? Im just a bit confused thats all. This dress construction is incredibly detailed amd very inspiring.

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

The white portion on the petticoat is to help save on the expensive fabric as that area isn't seen when wearing the sacque :)

[@pedinurse1]

Love your iron, what type is it, love the tip

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

It is a Shark Pro Steam iron. It was great when I first got it becuase it is on the heavier side, but it started to breakdown after only a few months. If you have the space I would definitely recommend getting a gravity feed iron. They are between $100-$200 but they last a looong time!

[@Tbehartoo]

How do you choose which stitch to use in each place? Like whip stitch along the bottom of the lining but the prick stitch on the pleats. I'm sure there's a reason I'd just like to know what it is. Thanks!

[@dw2777]

What dress form do you use? Fantastic job by the way so inspiring !!

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you 😀 I kinda made my own dressform. I used a display dummy as my base and built it up with foam and poly batting. Here is a link to my blog post about it. enchantedrosecostumes.wordpress.com/2017/02/04/reshaping-my-judy/

[@dw2777]

@@EnchantedRoseCostumes Thank you ^^ !!!!

[@ChuckyBartolo]

I have a question that may seem very stupid, but I just cant work it out - for the twill tape ties on the triangular cut-out from the back, how do you access or adjust them once you've sewn the back 'over' layer with the pleats on top of it?

[@menneciercorinne2675]

Bonjour Rose j'adore toutes vos vidéos et j'aimerais savoir quel patron de couture avez-vous utilisé pour faire votre robe svp cordialement corinne merci

[@katehobbs2008]

Interested in how/why you do this. Is it a hobby, or are you wardrobe mistress for a theatre or opera company?

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

I studied costume design for stage and screen, and did work in theatre and film for several years. I suppose one could classify what I do now as a hobby, but I prefer to think of it as a learning sabbatical while I raise my children. Historical sewing makes me happy, and I love learning about historical dress.

[@patriotciaamericus]

What did you use for the ties?

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

1/2" twill tape! 🙂

[@delphinedalloz1646]

bonsoir je ne comprends pas le terme train pour savoir à quoi correspond se surplus de tissus en ce qui concerne la confection des plis watteau pouvez vous m'expliquer s'il vous plait merci

[@LaDivinaLover]

You should’ve just used rolled grommets in the back so you could lace it in or out like a corset. Ties are going to be very fiddly to tie yourself into the gown.

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you for your comment. I opted for the ties becuase they are for if I need to let the gown in or out slightly due to weight change 😊 I don't need to tie them each time I put the sacque on 😊

[@minkaf4243]

At 17:30 you said next time you would move that seam so it’s closer to the side. Why would you change it?

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Just for aesthetic reasons 😉

[@tashataylor7941]

How many hours did this take to complete?

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Truthfully, I do not remember. I made the gown and undergarments over the span of several years.

[@menneciercorinne2675]

Bonjour je viens de regarder votre deuxième vidéo pour la robe à française et j'adore toujours autant sauf que je n'est pas trop bien compris pour le chemisier vous n'utilisez pas de patrons ? Merci cordialement corinne

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Hello! I used the lining pattern from the American Duchess book for the bodice, the lining and the silk are both cut from that pattern. The reason I laid out the lining fabric on the silk at 7:05 was so I didn't have to trace out the seam allowance again, and it made it easier to lay out my pattern to conserve the most amount of silk.

[@menneciercorinne2675]

Enchanted Rose Costumes merci pour votre réponse vous en avez de la chance de faire autant de choses en couture moi je ne comprends pas l'anglais donc pour le livre se sera trop compliqué pour moi c'est bien dommage et je pense que l'on ne le trouve pas en France merciiii cordialement corinne

[@lazygirlprocrastinatingmas9886]

mennecier corinne vous pouvez trouver le patron chez JP Ryan, il est très bien fait et fidèle à l'époque pour la construction.

[@corinnemennecier3174]

Mercî beaucoup Rose c'est celui que j'ai acheté mais je n'y comprends pas grand chose il et très compliqué il faudrait que je me lance mais je vais suivre votre vidéo de près ar c'est bien plus simple avec des explications merci infiniment Cordialement Corinne

[@Cilean69]

Asking this question- Is pulling silk easier than pulling linen?

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

I didn't notice a difference, but I guess it could depend on how densely woven the fabric is.

[@johnmaxwell8655]

I love how meticulous you are in these videos!!!