The image that most people have of Martha Washington is that of a simply dressed matron with her hair tucked neatly into a mob cap, but earlier renderings, contemporary descriptions, invoices, and surviving personal articles paint Martha as a lovely and fashionable young woman. Despite her considerable wealth, Martha was never one to be ostentatious and carefully chose fashionable clothing that reflected her elevated position in society without appearing over-indulgent.
In 1757, John Wollaston painted a portrait of Martha dressed in a highly fashionable Robe Battante. This loose and flowing style of gown reflected the carefree and naturalistic style of the Rococo Period that had begun to emerge in the early 18th century. One of the best known Rococo painters, Jean-Antoine Watteau, often featured these gowns in his new fête galante style of painting because they were so well suited to the idyllic nature of his scenes.
This Robe Battante by Thimbles and Acorns is based on the one worn by Martha Washington in a 1757 painting of her, shortly before she met and married George Washington. It features a fully pleated Sacque Back and a loose flowing robe like front. A fitted inner bodice provides support and adds structure to the otherwise free flowing fabric. The front of the inner bodice can be laced for extra support or simply snapped together with the stomacher and the outer robe fastens in the front with a ribbon or hook and eye at the front neckline. The ends of the 3/4 length sleeves are trimmed with a band of fabric that is finished with a scalloped edge. Create a whole new look by shortening the gown to a hip length Casaque Jacket! The pleated petticoat has drawstrings at the sides of the waistband, making it adjustable to fit over different sized panniers or hip pads.
Complete the look with the 18th Century Fancy Shift, which is shown underneath the robe (coming soon to Pixie Faire).
Don't miss the Thimbles and Acorns George Washington 4 pattern collection, which consists of George Washington, Commander in Chief, 18th Century Molded Felt Hat, Regimental Cloak, and the 18th Century Shirt patterns, also available at Pixie Faire.
This PDF sewing pattern is designed to fit 18" dolls such as American Girl® and Other Similarly Sized Dolls.
Suggested Fabrics: Robe, Casaque, and Adjustable PannierPetticoat in lightweight woven fabric such as cotton, gingham, calico, lawn, silk, or linen. Not suitable for knits. Lining in lightweight woven fabric such as cotton muslin, calico, lawn, silk, or linen. Not suitable for knits.
Supplies Needed:
Fabric:
Robe ~ 1 yard (1 m)
Stomacher, Inside Bodice, and Adjustable Pannier Petticoat ~ 1/2 yard (0.5 m)
Robe and Casaque Lining ~ 1/4 yard (.25 m)
Casaque Jacket ~ 1/2 yard (0.5 m)
Adjustable Pannier Petticoat ~ 1/3 yard (0.3 m)
Notions:
__ Thread
Robe and Adjustable Pannier Petticoat
__12-inch x 8-inch (30 cm x 20 cm) square piece of light to medium
weight fusible interfacing
__Six small snaps
__1-2/3 yard 1/8-inch (3 mm) twill tape or ribbon for lacing the inner
bodice (optional)
__12-inches (30 cm) 1/4 inch (6 mm) wide ribbon OR hook and eye
and decorative bow
__Small safety pin or tapestry needle for drawing tape through casing
__Two 3/8-inch (9 mm) buttons OR two hook and eyes
Casaque Jacket
__12 inch x 8-inch (30 cm x 20 cm) square piece of light to medium
weight fusible interfacing
__Six small snaps
__One yard 1/8-inch (3 mm) twill tape or ribbon for lacing the inner
bodice (optional)
__12-inches (30 cm) 1/4 (6 mm) wide ribbon OR hook and eye and decorative bow
Adjustable Pannier Petticoat
__2/3 yard 1/8-inch (3 mm) wide twill tape or ribbon
__Small safety pin or tapestry needle for drawing tape through casing
__Two 3/8-inch (9 mm) buttons OR two hook and eyes
Skill Level: Intermediate
What You Get: One 40 page sewing pattern that you digitally download as a PDF file so you can start your project immediately! The PDF sewing pattern provides digitally drawn step-by-step illustrated instructions and full size pattern pieces. 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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