Making my Gown for the Grand Ball at Versailles || Sewing a Robe a la Francaise from the 1760s

Once a year at Versailles, they throw a ball called the "Fetes Galantes". This year, for the ball, I wanted to make a truly epic gown. In this video, I describe the different steps it takes to make a gown, including information from what I learned studying other gowns I got to study personally at museums. I tried to be as historically accurate as possible, other than my liberal use of sewing machines to sew things that will not be seen on the finished gown. I also describe different methods and which patterns I used and how I adjusted them.
I am in fact a Baby Lock Ambassador and these are the machines I use: @Baby Lock Sewing Machines
Embroidery Machine: Venture: babylock.com/machines/multi-n...
Sewing Machine: Soprano: babylock.com/machines/sewing/...
Serger: Victory: babylock.com/machines/serger/...
Digitizing Software: Palette 11:​ babylock.com/accessories/soft...
What I’m wearing this week:
Dress: www.linennaive.com/collection...
Use Code Sewstine for 10% off!
Friends mentioned here:
Photographer: / peutetremagazine
Nami Sparrow: ‪@NamiSparrow‬
Casta Hex: / casta_hex
Pattern List:
JPRyan for the lining: www.jpryan.com/details/petenl...
Pleating Guidelines: theschoolofhistoricaldress.org...
Sleeves: atthesignofthegoldenscissors....
Ruffles: Self Drafted
silk Fabrics:
Renaissance Fabrics renaissancefabrics.net/
Silk Baron www.silkbaron.com/Default.asp
Silk Resource silkresource.com/store/
Scalamandre www.scalamandre.com/
Trim:
Romantic Recollections: romanticrecollections.teachab...
Ichi My Love: www.etsy.com/shop/ichimylove
Tassels: www.etsy.com/listing/52634202...
Antique Jewelry:
www.georgianjewelry.com/
www.langantiques.com/vintage-...
www.hofer-antikschmuck.de/
www.brendaginsberg.com/
Linen and Synthetic Whalebone:
Burnley and Trowbridge: burnleyandtrowbridge.com/
Lace:
Farmhousefabrics: farmhousefabrics.com/
Thread:
Tire Silk 30 wt for hand sewing www.superiorthreads.com/threa...
Kimono Silk 100 wt for embroidering www.superiorthreads.com/threa...
Undergarments:
Panniers: www.etsy.com/listing/45400774...
Stays: redthreaded.com/collections/c...
Tools:
Frixion Marker Pen : www.amazon.com/Pilot-Frixion-...
Personal note on the last shot: My little girl dog, Elspeth died on 2/23/2023. She was found under an abandoned house in Springfield, MO so it's not sure how old she was but she was between 11 and 13 years old. She hated being picked up and sitting on couches, so she really didn't appear in that many of my videos, but she was so incredibly loved and will be much missed. Thank you to American Eskimo Rescue of Saint Louis for rescuing her and her brother Gideon. If you're in the area, I absolutely love this organization: eskierescuestl.org/ and half the proceeds from this video will be going to them to help rescue other Elspeths.
Materials Used:
Pattern: atthesignofthegoldenscissors....
Fabric: nydesignerfabrics.com/product...
Trim: www.etsy.com/listing/10382270...
Other tools (Affiliate links where available)
My favorite chalk pen: amzn.to/3zURGrP
American Duchess book: amzn.to/3CQhS7f
Cut of Women's Clothes: amzn.to/3EQTswp
Simflex Sewing Gauge: amzn.to/3geL8ul​
Clover Button Hole Cutter amzn.to/36K0TpZ​
Clover Tapered Awl amzn.to/3tP7989
Extremely large (40"x60") cutting mat - amzn.to/37GZYG4​
The incredible pin dish that I use thanks to @Costuming Drama - amzn.to/3mMgcUT​
Ruler - amzn.to/32YNIiV​
Favorite Needles for hand sewing: amzn.to/3nx7zNM​
Favorite Thread for sewing:
www.superiorthreads.com/threa​...
Source for Shoes: Americanduchess.com who has their own channel: @American Duchess
Favorite Thimbles from: www.etsy.com/shop/NSMCreative...
Wall mural from Limitless walls
Me in different realms:
Blog: www.Sewstine.com
Shop: sewstine.etsy.com/​
Instagram: / ​
Other site: www.sewstineart.com/
Music from ArtList

[@debbiemiller2877]

So wonderful that your husband supports you. Beautiful dress. Love your smile at the ball. So joyful.

[@Sewstine]

Thank you!!!

[@pagodrink]

When the world needed her the most, she returned ✨

[@michellecornum5856]

Amen!

[@mellisartandcrafts]

Your inspiration gown is actually here in Berlin in Kunstgewerbemuseum 😃 I just visited it a few weeks ago and even drew it :) I love to see it here on your Channel!

[@frida3025]

18th century is normally not my thing, but your makes are just too stunning to pass up✨ Such a beauty, as usual

[@silvergirl7810]

Wow- you and your husband both really stood out- which is saying something! How spectacular! This is what life is about- living to the fullest!

[@shellylrobinson6999]

Gosh I want to see a video of how you packed your treasures to get them to France! A gorgeous dress. Thanks for sharing your process with us all.

[@krystelanderson5443]

I'm always SO CURIOUS about how these get packed for modern travel (what the extra airline fees look like)

[@reganrose04]

The pink silk mockup is stunning as a mix between history and modern

[@qwertyboo]

We're gonna need a full video of the ball :3

[@Sewstine]

Hehehe thank you! I should!!

[@debcarroll8192]

I am so happy you and Matt got to attend this special ball! You both looked amazing!

[@noobiekinda]

At first I thought why would anyone put this much time into an old gown.... until I saw the end, and then I understood completely. Well done.

[@piaggio]

The fanning your self and then grabbing the shears FROM THE FIREPLACE is such perfect comedy. Love it, no comment, 100/10

[@ambernicholson6307]

The level of attention to detail you always give your pieces is absolutely incredible!! Your gown was gorgeous. Can’t wait to see Matt’s new coat when you get to finishing it.

[@nohandle508]

You're a rockstar of sewing! You both looked stunning. I started dabbling in sewing about a year ago so I can't even begin to comprehend the complexity of your project, it looks like sheer magic to me, and yet I learnt something from your video. :-) Thank you so much for sharing your gift and passion with us!

[@fritziepisarski8681]

Both your gown and husbands coat are absolutely stunningly beautiful . Thank you for taking me on this journey 🇺🇸

[@damoneugenerich]

Extraordinary! What an amazing dress and of course your husband’s court suit is magnifique. Congrats on your anniversary! ❤❤❤

[@elizabethsloan3192]

I was very inspired by your work and the ball at Versailles. Now I really want to go! I have been doing historical costumes since the 70s. I found the best fabric to make my dress. It’s a hand block printed Voile. I haven’t done rococco yet, so this will be a fun challenge. Your channel has been great, and I love your embroidery designs on Etsy. Thank you for sharing!

[@yuppietrash]

Love your camera and lighting setup! So casual but intimate as well. Your editing is looking so 👌 too! But that dress and embroidery is gorgeous! Great work Sewstine! ❤️

[@annbrookens945]

You and Matt look gorgeous! I got goosebumps watching you twirl around Versailles; it was just magical seeing you and the other attendees in those fabulous period garments! I absolutely want to see you dressing for the ball: hair, makeup, feathers, and all!

[@banannakis6723]

I love your videos, the organization, the history, and the talent, and can tell the joy it brings you.

[@annmaries9084]

Your excitement and joy at the ball is so palpable! I love seeing it. 🧡

[@Voronochka262]

A ball at Verseilles sounds so magical

[@yeppeogeu2828]

STOP THIS IS SO CUTE 🥹 your joy just shines in every picture and that happy anniversary ooh melted my heart 🫰

[@mariannerady1137]

my goodness, what a masterpiece you created! Just breathtaking

[@catherinerw1]

I love your "life is too short to make the stuff people don't see, so here's some really good places to buy from" attitude :)

[@moonbasket]

What a beautiful dress! Congratulations on getting it finished in time. I'm so glad you had such a good time. Can't wait to see what you're working on next.

[@sandiemable]

You guys looked phenomenal; what a beautiful way to celebrate your anniversary!

[@desiregonzales6246]

The Hamilton Spenser jacket!! Gorgeous! Your videos are so well thought out and so instructional. Beautiful content as always.

[@Outback0423]

I love your joy and excitement

[@Raquelita.creates]

You’re so brilliant Christine! Would absolutely love to see the follow up video on how you did you hair/makeup and getting into the gown! ❤

[@belledobson2007]

Who doesn’t love a cape, you’re u feel like a superhero

[@bloomfieldartsacademyatsac4033]

a single word - WOW!

[@hannahosborn4571]

This is now my dream event! You looked so full of joy at the ball. Love your grown and your husbands court suit!

[@aliciasipocz8406]

I'm eager to make one of these gowns just once in my life... but I realize it may take me years to do it 😅 you have an amazing level of focus

[@gothempress]

I love Every. Single. Outfit that you wore in this video! You're so stylish and beautiful! Also, absolutely in LOVE with your robe à la française! She turned out beautifully!

[@kirstenpaff8946]

Those huge ostrich feathers were the perfect finishing touch for the outfit.

[@MrAnonymous2332]

Talented brilliant incredible amazing show stopping never the same totally unique completely not ever been done before

[@AuthenticWe]

Just lovely, i thought i was good sewing some linen pants today and seen this... 😅 Time to up my game

[@centurycountess4949]

i made a more simple low budget one of these dresses during the quarantine era as an experiment and i did make hidden pleating but never knew if that was right when i made it back than but now after watching this video i can say my happy mistake was historically accurate lol.

[@nimuedamon1936]

Hey! What pattern did you use and what kind of fabrics? I'm trying to make one this summer

[@centurycountess4949]

@@nimuedamon1936 the pattern was a simplicity pattern but it was one designed from American dutchess the same pattern. Can be found in their book on 18th century clothing. The fabric I found from a thrift store. The petticoat was pure satin while the blue was some sort of polyester blend of silky texture fabric.

[@Lani2442]

Thank you for adding where you buy materials. It's incredibly helpful.

[@sc0ttishlass]

I am so happy that your husband is always accompanying you. You both look so happy in the images. The robe a la francaise looks gorgeous !!!

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Absolutely beautiful gown! What an amazing event, you both look like you just walked back in time!

[@lwoods2pink]

I’m speechless. Your gown is GORGEOUS! 🩷🩷🩷

[@dreamstreetrose318]

Wow, your entire ensemble was spectacular! I'm glad that your hard work paid off.

[@marikotrue3488]

What a dream of an event to attend and know that both your husband's and your gown exist because of your expertise and artistry (and husband's help with the sleeves of course!) just makes that event so spectacular yet so personal.

[@TheMagnoliaWitch]

Goals!! Seriously speaking, this is like a meeting of both my costuming goals and my travel goals, and now I have a project to work towards for next year! 😂

[@dee-annegordon5959]

Absolutely stunning. I loved the lace cuffs you created.

[@chrysanthemum8233]

As always your dress is stunning and I'm amazed at the amount of work and time you put in. And wow, you look REALLY great in it. That cream colored silk is a good color for you. I'm not super in to 18th century stuff but your videos are irresistible because of the quality & artistry of your work.

[@mattieblackeyes957]

130 hours?? that seems fast! By which I mean it looks like even more time went into it, so you work fast and well. Congratulations, it's gorgeous and really looks worth that colossal effort!

[@CandycaneLane999]

An absolute work of art, Happy Anniversary 🎉

[@Andrew_in_the_garden]

It's so impressive taht you've done multiple of these intensely complicated dressed, I struggle sewing regular shirts so I'm really in awe jgdsjgdj Also I love hospital playlist!

[@valtarrant6527]

A beautiful video! I would like to see the "getting dressed" version, please.

[@jenford7078]

You have a very special talent and that has led you to a very special life!

[@AttheSignoftheGoldenScissors]

Lovely job. Thanks for the shout-out!

[@terpinator24]

So wonderful! So much information and inspiration! What a finale!

[@craftybookworm8280]

So beautiful. I am in awe of your talent.

[@Asummersdaydreamer14]

Congrats on your 10 year anniversary! I remembered I needed to watch this video when Crescent Shay released her gown video for the event, and the title reminded me of your ball explainer video but not the gown construction video yet 😅 Also, Hospital Playlist is comforting and lovely, and it’s so nice that healthcare professionals also like it.

[@gabrielacarolina_]

It's crazy to see how Versailles would have looked back in it's hayday. And you're very right, the lace TOTALLY brought it all together amazingly

[@cemera1599]

both of you were stunning

[@annemarieskidmore5194]

Yes please to getting ready for the ball with hair, makeup and feathers. 🎉

[@alessandramonteriggioni815]

The sheer joy on your face at Versailles!

[@snapppedinhalf6891]

Omg a “Get Ready with Me” type video with ur gown, makeup, and hair would be so cool!!!

[@rosejames8057]

Thank you for your beautiful video. Congratulations on 10 years!

[@kjmav10135]

That is a masterpiece!

[@UYTRELLO]

Oh, it's just fantastic!

[@astrothsknot]

the dress is awesome, but i love all those photos of you and your hubbie just being in love and adorable.

[@Kathywake23]

Giiirrrlll I was wondering where you were! Had a dream last night you put out a video and voila, you did!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

So fun seeing all the beautiful dresses and the wearers spinning and swishing!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

I'm always so amazed by your beautiful work!

[@SophiaVonHelgastein]

Dang girl! You're living some of my fantasies lol.

[@laurajeanmahon]

How lovely you are amazing 🤩

[@Sewstine]

Thank you so much!

[@amaeve1950]

You are so unbelievably beautiful in your costumes, your joy in what you are wearing shines through!

[@tanya2660]

What an absolute masterpiece

[@saltlifegull4091]

OMG....tears in my eyes! Your husbands outfit Rocks too!!! Thanks a million for sharing!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I mean, I loved the Versailles Video which had me squealing and I’m here for the making of the dress.

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Thanks for sharing this video. Nothing more satisfying than to look at a finished garment when hours and hours were spent doing intricate work. Words cannot describe the euphoria that sets in. Loved how you would spin around at the ball.

[@lickthismiff]

I'm so excited you met Casta Hex!

[@cor3944]

I have so much respect for the people of the 18th century to create and make such beauties and all made by hand. Such craftmanship and intelligence! (And this goes also to you!) Compared to them our „fashion“ is really poor and ugly. Thank you for reviving these jewels and giving insight into the production proces. ❤❤❤

[@m.maclellan7147]

You absolutely were Glowing ! So glad you were able to "live the dream!" Happy Anniversary to you and your husband. He looks so handsome! Nami Sparrow was also ravishing ❤

[@lgkf1126]

Lady Sewstine looks so stunning. Absolutely gorgeous

[@rosemaryr.long-morgan9704]

Amazing artestry and I'm sure a tremendous amount of work. I'm planning on Marie Anoinette & Cinderella's gowns but only in 1/6 scale for barbie thankfully. I'm sure the smaller scale sewing wil be a bit fiddly but challenging & fun. This era plus 30s & 50s are my favs. Take care, thanks for sharing video. /Rosemary

[@MaryanneNZ]

OMG you look like an absolute QUEEN!! So beautiful, I held my breath just watching the trim go onto it. Superb.

[@TheLaughingPanda]

You two look straight out of Rose of Versailles!!

[@stitchingincostume]

Pure Joy! Thank you for the time you put into sharing your process and the amazing video of the ball. 🌹🌹🌹

[@honeykat1]

Beautiful dress! beautiful ball! beautiful couple!

[@ushere5791]

congratulations! on both your spectacular dream gown and your 10th anniversary! xoxoxoxoxoxo

[@sarahmwalsh]

That dazzling smile of yours *almost* outshines the gown!! Your delight is delightful!!

[@Cali-at-the-beach]

Stunning!

[@Lia_lg]

I have taken so much info from this, thank you🎉❤

[@BlondLanfear]

Gorgeous work as always

[@michellecornum5856]

Absolutely gorgeous. I, too, prefer the unattached Watteau pleats. Gorgeous.

[@amaeve1950]

Can I just say how much I love your scissor mount. So practical, and elegant.

[@juls_krsslr7908]

Wow! That dress looks amazing! The trim is gorgeous! I bet you had the best dress at the ball. You looked beautiful! The feathers were a great touch.

[@robyntaylor3587]

You never cease to amaze, Christine. I am in awe of your inspiration, imagination and creation! I loved the video and my favorite moments were of you enjoying yourself. You reminded me of a little girl getting to play princess for an evening! Thanks so much for sharing this. You truly inspire!

[@das_zeitreisende_naehkaestchen]

OK, I might be a little late with my comment, but I hope that you still read it - I'M the guy who makes the pocket hoops you purchased, and after a friend pointed out to me that you mentioned them in your video, I just wanted to say "Hi" and thanks a lot! Happy to see you mentioning my shop and your gown turned out really amazing and you look stunning in it. many greetings from Germany :)

[@Sewstine]

Ahhh!!! Thank you so much for commenting! I’ve loved your pocket hoops for so long!

[@NolChheangLeng-js3cn]

I love your videos, the organization, the history, and the talent, and can tell the joy it brings you.your video is similar mine

[@ladybirdchance]

You look so happy at the ball. Fab to see.

[@teleriferchnyfain]

I did one of these dresses for my Barbie doll as a 6th grade project, decades ago!! I made panniers & powdered her wig even! I wish I still had it 😢 I loved your video making the dress for your BJD - I have a bunch of those 🤗 Hospital Playlist is AWESOME 👏🏻

[@chezannelavieendouceur]

Stunning work, a gorgeous dress, you look fabulous!

[@nimarimo2650]

Vous êtes Ma-gni -fi-ques! Royalement, absolument Magnifiques! Thank you for sharing this breathtaking moments. Joyeux dixième anniversaire, avec admiration et salutations chaleureuses du Québec.👏👏❤❤🤩😘🤩❤❤👋👋

[@SmithCaro]

Hospital Playlist ... Awesome K-drama ... 😊

[@micheleparker8553]

You and hubby look beautiful and amazing. Your costume’s are absolutely gorgeous! I would love to go to Versailles dressed in costume. However, it would be kinda wrong for me since my ancestors were Huegonots, and were kicked out of France by Louis XIV. Some of my ancestors were actually martyrs for their faith in France. Oh well, I probably will never get the chance anyway. I do know how to sew, but not very well. It would really challenge me to make a gown like yours. I’m in my 60’s so highly unlikely I could do it now. I admire you so much! Thanks for sharing.