FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Nellie Oleson’s Silk Polonaise Dress
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Model: Alyssabeth Ingalls Sherman
Outline the story …
I started volunteering at various historical sites, including the Little House on the Prairie site in Kansas, approximately three years ago. During one drive back home to Texas a BIG idea flickered in my brain. Wouldn’t it be fun to recreate some of the clothing that Laura Ingalls Wilder so vividly described in her Little House books? I quickly pushed the thought out of my mind. I wasn’t qualified or good enough to take on such a task since I’d only been seriously sewing for a year or so. Months passed with the idea regularly rearing up and self-doubt pushing it down again. Then I started watching Cathy Hay’s videos and began to consider, “Why not me?” I was enthusiastic and willing. I pondered if any of the pioneering characters in the books possessed a doctorate in needlework. Nope, they were simply just brave. So I started with calico aprons and sunbonnets. Next were simple work dresses. But one dress above all others kept calling to me. “She wore a fawn-colored dress made with a polonaise. Deep pleated ruffles were around the bottom of the skirt, around her neck, and falling from the edges of the wide sleeves. At her throat was a full jabot of lace.”* Still I kept putting it off. It required skills I didn’t quite have. Then the theme for this year’s contest was announced and I knew it was now or never.
*Little Town on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, page 129
Outline the construction…
Nellie’s polonaise is beautifully depicted in a black and white drawing by artist Garth Williams, on page 131. The story’s timeline is approximately 1878-1880 which places the dress style in the Natural Form Era. As I am completely self-taught and have no idea how to drape I needed a pattern. The bodice from Butterick pattern B6572 was similar to the design I had in mind. After some research, I learned it was based on a dress found in Patterns of Fashion 2 by Janet Arnold. The neckline needed to be raised, which was a fairly easy task. A big challenge involved the sleeves that needed to be extended and widened at the wrist ~ a modified pagoda. My friend Dartanyan’s amazing engineering mind helped me create a new sleeve pattern. As I did not want a train I opted to use Truly Victorian 221 to construct the skirt. I decided what shade “fawn-colored” was by looking to nature and Dating Fabrics A Color Guide - 1800-1960 by Eileen Trestain. The lovely shot silk used was obtained in a trade. I had never worked with silk and quickly decided to flatline all pieces with a cotton muslin sheet using French seams to combat the fray factor. A combination of machine and hand stitching was used. All of the trim was pleated by hand. The lace jabot is based on extant pieces from the Met. It is made from three different antique lace pieces handstitched to Edwardian era netting.
Laura, your work is stunning!
Beautiful! Stunning!
You are so kind Benny!
Thank you so much dear Joy!
This dress is extraordinary! Gorgeous work!
Thank you dear Joy!
Beautiful work.
Thank you for your kind words Bettyann!
Laura, the details in these garments are amazing. Your model looks great too.
Phyllis your kind words warm my heart!
Wow it’s beautiful Laura! You did a fabulous job on your great great Aunts Frenemy’s dress. That would be perfect karma for you to win $400
For this! Good Luck
Thank you so much for your kind wishes Patty!
Absolutely wonderful job!
Your kind words warm my heart!
Your work is beautiful! I can just see Nellie wearing it. You should win the $400.00 easy. If you don’t then you should have.
Durene you are a shining gem. Thank you!
It’s just perfect! I’m so very impressed and if I had a vote it would most definitely go to you Laura. Well done.
Thank you sweet Melissa for your kind comment.
Just amazing! You are so talented!! Thank you so much for sharing this 😊
Patricia your lovely words warm my heart.
The pleating is spectacular!
Thank you Maureen for your lovely comment.
This is such a neat idea! You really brought this dress to life. Your attention to detail is amazing. A beautiful job, friend.
Thank you Michele for being such a lovely friend, full of support! XO
Gorgeous work!! I love the meticulous attention you have paid to the details to make this dress accurate to the description in the book!!
Thank you dear Julie for your gracious words.
The attention to detail is amazing. You ARE brave and fearless, keeping your goal and vision in your sight, always finding creative solutions to any challenge. Congratulations on a job well done, Laura
Connie your words truly touched my soul. Thank you!
Laura you have outdone yourself on this one it is just stunning!
Sandy thank you so much for your kindness!
Absolutely amazing!! Your work is incredible!
Thank you so very much. Your words have warmed my heart!
You’re a winner in my book!
Susan thank you so much for your kind encouragement.
I so admire your talent and tenacity
Thank you Joelie for your lovely words.
This is PERFECTION swathed in Taffeta ruffles!!
You make my heart glow!
You did a wonderful job on that- as ALWAYS!
Thank you for your support and encouragement Holley!
I love all your creations but this one may be my favorite! Alyssa models it beautifully.
Cristina your kindness warms my heart.
Your eye for details and authenticity is perfect Laura! You are so skilled at adjusting and adapting patterns to make them workable for what ever you set out to create. I love the box pleats and the fit of her gown. The construction details are so skilled. I took sewing lessons from a well trained seamstress from Europe and your work has many of the finishing techniques she tried to teach me.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful work and your lovely stories behind them. It makes each one even more special and endearing!
Em your kind words have lifted my soul!
I love this. Your talents — and perfectionism — always amaze me.
Charlotte, as one of the first people who believed in me I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Laura, I don’t know how this dress could be improved upon – it is sheer perfection and my very favorite of all your beautiful creations. And to think you had to talk yourself into this challenge – you can do anything! Much luck on the contest – you have my vote!
Charlotte your kindness fills my heart with beauty.
This is stunning. The detail work in the pleating and the rosettes in the back are so elegant and precise. Beautiful.
Thank you so much Jeanie for your lovely comment.
You are an amazing seamstress!! Beautiful!
Nancy your kindness fills my soul.
this is such a beautifully constructed gown. The attention to detail is exemplary.
Nancy, you are kindness itself!
This dress is just exquisite and beautiful as well.
Amazing detail and workmanship
Frieda, I so appreciate your lovely words!
Laura, I think this is one of your best efforts.
Thank you Dixie for always being a lovely sense of support and kindness.
Amazing work and finished result. Beautiful construction. Love the trim on the sleeves and skirt!
Ellen, you are so kind!
Really nicely done. Your pleats are so crisp and even. I love the back detail. Well done!
Thank you Carol for your sweet sentiment.
This is lovely. So well made. Very authentic. Evokes sentiment and Little House, indeed.
Thank you Laurie for your kind words. They have filled my soul!