“The Regency Style”, by Karen Lorraine Design, pattern demonstrates a popular sewing construction method used in the Regency Era known as the Bib-front dress. This was also known as the Apron-dress, Drop-front gown, Placket-front dress, and Stomacher-front dress. This gown style consists of a bib-front that pulls up and attaches to a bodice. This pattern also displays the characteristic features of this period, including the pentagonal back on the bodice, a high-waist empire line, a narrow front skirt, a raised back skirt from which the back fullness flows from, and shoulders set back behind the modern shoulder-line.
The pattern begins with a lined bodice that attaches in the middle of the bust by ribbon. (Suggestions for other bodice closures are also discussed.) There are three options for bodice depth. Long, fitted sleeves reach to the lower hand, and are sewn in with the modern doll method (rather than being set-in sleeves). The sleeves are finished with the option of either a straight or frilled cuff. The soft skirt flows from the centre back and contains an inverted pleat along with eight small pleats. A slit on either side of the back of the skirt allows easy access for wearing the gown, while ties hold the back of the skirt in place. The gentle bib attached to the front of the skirt lifts up to cover the bodice, and this is held in place by basic closures like snaps.
This pattern is designed to fit 18-inch dolls such as American Girl® or Our Generation™. To be historically authentic, Regency Era undergarments (such as the chemise, stays, and petticoats) would be worn with this pattern. These items are not included in this pattern.
Recommended Fabrics: Lightweight woven cotton fabrics, like cotton, voile, lawn, muslin, and lightweight quilting cotton. The three gowns in this pattern use Swiss embroidered cotton for the white gown, quilting cotton for the purple one, and viscose rayon for the white-gown-with-pink-flowers. (Note: Synthetic fabrics like rayon viscose are not historically accurate.)
Supplies Needed:
- Main fashion fabric 40" (wide) x 20" (deep) [1 metre x ½m], lightweight woven cotton, non-stretch like cotton, lawn, voile, muslin. Quilting cotton can be used (as shown in the purple gown), although it will drape stiffer.
- Lining fabric 10" (w) x 8" (d) [0.26m x 0.20m], lightweight woven cotton, non-stretch like cotton, lawn, voile, muslin. You can use the same fabric for lining as you have used for your fashion fabric. The lining pattern piece #4 for the Bodice Front can be made from a heavier fabric if desired; for example, broadcloth, quilting cotton.
- Ribbon or otherwise for creating ties across the bodice at 20" long [½m].
- Matching thread.
- Seam sealant. (Optional.)
- Hook and loop tape, or snap fasteners. Pins (for adult use only) for fastening.
- Additional embellishments. (Optional.)
Skill Level: Intermediate
What You Get: One 61 page sewing pattern that you digitally download as a PDF file so you can start your project immediately! The PDF sewing pattern provides full color step-by-step illustrated instructions and full size pattern pieces. A 7 page summary of instructions is included to help save on printer ink. A PDF reader is required to view and print the files (example: Adobe Reader or Preview for MAC). The download link is received immediately after the transaction is complete. Print copies are NOT available.
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