FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Snow-White and Rose-Red at Court
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
The fairy tale, "Snow-White Rose-Red" by the Brothers Grimm, is one I read at 10 years old and was the first thing I thought of when told about this contest. I knew immediately the concept of what to create. A white Regency dress would be the basis of the costume and red roses would somehow be incorporated. After some thought and a few re-reads of the story I knew I wanted to include the bear. The general plot is that the two sisters take in a bear each night during the winter and they become friends. During the summer the girls come across a dwarf numerous times and help him get out of trouble. Finally, the girls run into the dwarf who again, needs to be saved from the bear. The dwarf begs the bear to eat the girls, but he kills the dwarf. When the dwarf dies the bear turns into his true prince self as the dwarf's spell over the bear is broken. The bear is represented by the fake fur court train. Red roses are scattered on the train and one rose is incorporated into the belt that supports the train The dress and train are styled to represent both sisters; white gloves and fan for Snow-White and a rose head band a red flower bouquet for Rose-Red. While they live in a humble cottage, they end up marrying princes. Snow-White marries the bear, and Rose-Red marries his brother. A more formal gown and court train represent they newly royal status.
Outline the construction…
The dress is based on Fig Leaf Pattern 210, a bib front gown. It is made with satin faced linen and has a linen lining in the bodice. Some parts of the dress are machine sewn because the material frays easily. Hems are hand sewn. The fur court train was patterned by me based on research of Regency/Empire court trains. The court train has an inverse box pleat at the top and it is lined in red silk. The roses, belt, and straps are made with red cotton velveteen. The roses are hand made by me. The court train was largely machine sewn because of the heft of the fur and it was hurting my hands to sew by hand. And there was a time crunch! There is contrast and harmony in texture and weight. The satin faced linen is light and still has the sheen of satin. The fake fur is soft and warm. The cotton velveteen is a different kind of softness and still can carry the weight of the train. Coutil lines the interior of the straps for further support. I am friends with Mackenzie Scholtz, owner of Fig Leaf patterns as well as a beta tester. She provided links to court train images as well as encouragement during the process. Our sewing circle was a cheering squad and help desk in this process.
Awesome!
This dress fits you real good and it looks so flattering on you! Great job❤
I remember that story from my childhood! Thank you for bringing it to life. You did wonderful job!
I love the little details from the story captured in your design.
Wow! That’s beautiful. The fit is so good.